Synopsis: A mad scientist injects his enemies with an acromegaly virus, causing them to become hideously deformed.

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Calamity Brains:

The Monster Maker is one of the better low budget mad science B horror movies. Even without most of the big names of the time, it’s a fairly solid piece. The story is thoroughly creepy, and I enjoyed the combination of body horror and blackmail.

While out watching a concert, Dr. Igor Markoff (J. Carrol Naish) sees a woman who is the spitting image of his deceased wife. She turns out to be the pianist’s daughter Patricia; naturally, Markoff makes the completely logical and not at ALL creepy decision to pursue her. (Because who doesn’t want to marry someone who looks like their dead wife?) When the pianist (Ralph Morgan) shows up to tell Markoff his attentions towards Patricia are not welcome, Markoff retaliates by injecting the man with acromegaly. Things go downhill from there.

The acromegaly makeup is quite good. There aren’t many other special effects to speak of (though the ubiquitous and terrible ’30s/’40s ape costume makes an appearance). The acting is decent, but not anything special to speak of. What sells the movie is how uncomfortable the story is, and on how many levels.

Give this quick mad scientist flick a try, especially if you’re into body horror or older movies. It scores well on the creepy side without being gory or overtly frightening, and is a solid example of horror from the time period.

Calamity Brains’ Rating: B
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