SYNOPSIS: "The Vampire Bat" (1933) is a chilling horror film set in a quaint German village, where a series of inexplicable deaths spark rumors of vampirism, plunging the close-knit community into a frenzy of fear and suspicion. Directed by Frank R. Strayer, known for his work in the horror genre during the early sound era, the film captures the eerie atmosphere of superstition and dread prevalent in the 1930s.

The screenplay, penned by Edward T. Lowe Jr., weaves a narrative that explores the darkest corners of human psyche as the townspeople grapple with their beliefs and fears. The plot unfolds with a gripping intensity as Detective Karl Brettschneider, played by Melvyn Douglas, and Dr. Otto von Niemann, portrayed by Lionel Atwill, strive to uncover the truth behind the mysterious deaths. Melvyn Douglas brings a nuanced portrayal to his role, embodying the skepticism of a rational investigator confronted with inexplicable occurrences, while Lionel Atwill's Dr. von Niemann adds an enigmatic presence, blending intellect with an underlying sense of unease.

The ensemble cast includes Fay Wray as Ruth Bertin, adding a touch of vulnerability and resilience as she becomes entangled in the unfolding mystery. Fay Wray's performance captivates as she navigates the terror that grips the village, showcasing her range as an actress amidst the escalating paranoia.

The atmospheric cinematography by Ira H. Morgan captures the gloomy, cobblestone streets and shadowy corners of the village, heightening the sense of impending doom. The use of lighting and set design, under the direction of Charles D. Hall, creates a palpable sense of claustrophobia and suspense, enhancing the film's eerie ambiance.

"The Vampire Bat" stands as a testament to the early horror genre's ability to evoke primal fears and tap into societal anxieties. Its enduring legacy is bolstered by its innovative approach to horror storytelling and the memorable performances of its cast, making it a classic in the pantheon of 1930s horror cinema.

PLOT *Spoiler Alert*: In the quiet village of Kleinschloss, several unexplained deaths occur, each victim found with puncture wounds on their necks. The local police, led by Inspector Karl Brettschneider (Melvyn Douglas) and Dr. Otto von Niemann (Lionel Atwill), investigate the deaths, suspecting that they might be the work of a vampire.

As fear grips the village, rumors spread, and suspicion falls on various individuals, including Herman Gleib, a mentally challenged man who is feared and ostracized by the community. With the support of the townspeople, Professor Niemann, and the police, they turn their attention to solving the mystery behind the deaths and stopping the terror that has paralyzed the village.

Dr. von Niemann visits Martha Mueller, a patient who was attacked by a bat. Martha is also visited by Hermann Gleib, an eccentric man who loves bats, describing them as "soft like a cat" and "nice." On his way home, Dr. von Niemann meets Kringen, a villager who claims he was attacked by a vampire in the form of a bat but kept silent to avoid spreading fear. Dr. von Niemann encourages Kringen to share his story with the townsfolk. Kringen grows suspicious of Gleib due to his obsession with bats. Gleib, who collects bats from the streets, becomes a suspect.

Dr. von Niemann returns to his home, which also houses Ruth Bertin (Fay Wray), the love interest of Brettschneider, Ruth's hypochondriac aunt Gussie Schnappmann, and servants Emil Borst and Georgiana. Fear and suspicion of Gleib spread rapidly through the town. That night, Ms. Mueller is killed. Dr. von Niemann and Dr. Haupt determine that her death matches the previous ones: blood loss with two puncture wounds on the neck. When Gleib sees her body, he runs away screaming.

The next morning, Gleib enters Dr. von Niemann's garden while von Niemann, Brettschneider, and Bertin discuss vampires inside. Town leaders announce that Kringen is dead and Gleib is missing. An angry mob hunts Gleib down, chasing him into a cave where he falls to his death.

That night, Dr. von Niemann is seen telepathically controlling Emil Borst. Borst carries the sleeping Georgiana to von Niemann's laboratory, where a strange organism is revealed. They drain her blood.

Schnappmann discovers Georgiana's body in her bed. Dr. von Niemann and Brettschneider investigate and find Ms. Mueller's crucifix, which Gleib had handled. Convinced of the vampire theory, Brettschneider concludes Gleib's guilt.

Upon hearing of Gleib's death, Brettschneider's doubts resurface. Dr. von Niemann suggests he go home and take sleeping pills, but gives him poison instead, planning to drain his blood. Bertin discovers Dr. von Niemann telepathically controlling Borst at Brettschneider's house. It is revealed that Dr. von Niemann has created an artificial lifeform and uses the blood to feed it. He ties Bertin up in his lab. Borst arrives with Brettschneider’s body on a trolley. Brettschneider, who did not take the poison, reveals himself in disguise, with the real Borst on the trolley. He pulls a gun on Dr. von Niemann and unties Bertin. In the ensuing struggle, Borst grabs the gun and shoots Dr. von Niemann before turning the gun on himself.

PRODUCTION: Directed by Frank R. Strayer and produced by Majestic Pictures, "The Vampire Bat" (1933) emerges as a testament to the resourcefulness of a poverty row studio amidst the Great Depression. Written by Edward T. Lowe Jr., based on a story by Lowe Jr. and Edward T. Lowe Sr., the film strategically capitalized on the talents of its cast and the atmospheric sets borrowed from larger productions.

Fay Wray and Lionel Atwill, fresh off their collaboration in "Doctor X" and amidst the lengthy post-production of "Mystery of the Wax Museum" for Warner Bros., were swiftly contracted by Majestic Pictures Inc. to star in their own "quickie" horror film. Released in January 1933, "The Vampire Bat" leveraged the advance press from Wray and Atwill's previous successes to create a buzz around its eerie storyline and atmospheric visuals.

Majestic Pictures, known for its ability to produce films on modest budgets, benefited from lower overhead costs compared to major studios struggling during the economic downturn. To enhance the production value, Majestic leased leftover sets from James Whale's acclaimed films: the haunting "German Village" sets from "Frankenstein" (1931) and the atmospheric interior sets from "The Old Dark House" (1932). Additional location shooting at Bronson Caves added authenticity to the village scenes, enriching the film's gothic ambiance.

The casting of Dwight Frye, renowned for his iconic roles in Universal Pictures' "Dracula" and "Frankenstein," further solidified the film's credibility and appeal. Frye's presence added a sinister edge to "The Vampire Bat," aligning it with the classic horror tropes of the era and cementing its status as a noteworthy entry in 1930s horror cinema.

Despite its modest origins, "The Vampire Bat" stands out for its effective use of borrowed sets, talented cast, and strategic timing, demonstrating Majestic Pictures' knack for delivering compelling horror narratives amidst economic constraints. This blend of resourcefulness and creativity contributed to the film's enduring legacy within the genre, showcasing how independent studios could thrive by creatively leveraging existing resources.

RELEASE: "The Vampire Bat" made its theatrical debut in the United States on January 10, 1933, arriving at a pivotal moment in the history of horror cinema. Majestic Pictures, a small but ambitious studio, strategically timed the release to capitalize on the burgeoning popularity of the genre, spurred by the success of Universal Studios' iconic horror classics such as "Dracula" (1931) and "Frankenstein" (1931).

Amidst the Great Depression, when major studios were struggling with financial constraints, Majestic Pictures seized the opportunity to carve out a niche in the horror market. By swiftly moving "The Vampire Bat" into production, they managed to secure a relatively wide release, leveraging the public's growing appetite for chilling tales of the supernatural. This proactive approach not only mitigated the risks associated with limited resources but also positioned the film to benefit from the heightened interest in horror narratives.

Promotional efforts for "The Vampire Bat" underscored its significance within the genre. The star power of Fay Wray and Lionel Atwill, fresh from their collaborations in "Doctor X" and "Mystery of the Wax Museum," added credibility and allure to the film. Wray, known for her captivating presence in horror and adventure films, brought a sense of vulnerability and intrigue to her role, while Atwill's authoritative portrayal heightened the suspense and mystery surrounding the narrative.

Furthermore, the inclusion of Dwight Frye, celebrated for his memorable performances in Universal's "Dracula" and "Frankenstein," served to connect "The Vampire Bat" to the established horror lineage, resonating with audiences familiar with these iconic films. Frye's presence in the cast enhanced the film's appeal and contributed to its reputation as a must-see horror experience of the era.

Despite its origins as a production from a smaller studio, "The Vampire Bat" garnered attention and acclaim, establishing itself as a noteworthy addition to the pantheon of early 1930s horror cinema. The film's release strategy, combined with its talented cast and atmospheric storytelling, ensured that it resonated with audiences seeking thrills and chills amidst the economic uncertainties of the time. As a result, "The Vampire Bat" remains a testament to Majestic Pictures' ability to deliver compelling and enduring horror narratives that continue to captivate audiences today.

CAST:

• Lionel Atwill as Dr. Otto von Niemann

• Fay Wray as Ruth Bertin

• Melvyn Douglas as Karl Brettschneider

• Maude Eburne as Gussie Schnappmann

• George E. Stone as Kringen

• Dwight Frye as Herman Gleib

• Robert Frazer as Emil Borst

• Rita Carlisle as Martha Meuller

• Lionel Belmore as Bürgermeister Gustave Schoen

• William V. Mong as Sauer

• Stella Adams as Georgiana

• Harrison Greene as Weingarten
  

CREW:

• Director: Frank R. Strayer

• Producer: Phil Goldstone

• Writer: Edward T. Lowe Jr.

• Cinematographer: Ira H. Morgan

• Editor: Otis Garrett

• Art Director: Charles D. Hall

Production Company: Larry Darmour Productions
Distributor: Majestic Pictures

Release Date January 10, 1933
Country of Origin: United States
Running Time: 63 minutes
Budget: $100,000
Box Office Return: N/A

IMDB Rating =  5.7 / 10

TRIVIA:

• To keep production costs down, low-budget studio Majestic Pictures filmed at night on Universal's European village set, which was used for Frankenstein (1931). The interior of Lionel Atwill's house is the set from The Old Dark House (1932).

• Majestic Pictures cashed in on the success of Lionel Atwill and Fay Wray, who had been a sensation in the two-strip Technicolor thriller Doctor X (1932) and had already completed Mystery of the Wax Museum (1933), which was also being heavily promoted at the time. Majestic was able to get this film into theaters over a month before the release of the latter one.

• Although the movie is black and white, selective hand coloring was used to enhance the torch flames seen in the chase scene. In copies restored by UCLA's Film & Television Archive this has been simulated by digital enhancement.

• This was the first of a staggering 11 films released in 1933 that featured rising star Fay Wray. Among them were Warners' Technicolor horror movie, Mystery of the Wax Museum (in which she again co-starred with Lionel Atwill) and the classic which granted her screen immortality, the original King Kong (which reigned for a decade as the biggest money-maker in the history of RKO).

• The sound of the howling wolves was performed by humans.

• The main title theme "Stealthy Footsteps" can be heard in the 1942 Bela Lugosi vehicle The Corpse Vanishes, in a scene where he silently observes a sleeping victim.

• The earliest documented telecasts of this film took place in New York City on 23 August 1948 on WCBS (Channel 2), in Los Angeles on 26 October 1949 on KTSL (Channel 2), and in Cincinnati on 17 December 1949 on WLW-T (Channel 4).

• Dwight Frye, known for his roles in horror films including Dracula (1931) and Frankenstein (1931), delivers another memorable performance in The Vampire Bat as Herman Gleib, adding to his legacy as a character actor in classic horror cinema.

• The film's atmospheric sets and moody cinematography contributed to its reputation as a standout in the horror genre during the early 1930s.

• The Vampire Bat capitalized on the success of Universal Studios' horror films but carved its niche with a unique blend of mystery and supernatural elements, appealing to audiences fascinated by tales of the supernatural and the macabre.
  

"The Vampire Bat" remains a notable entry in the history of early American horror cinema, showcasing the era's fascination with tales of terror and the unknown, driven by atmospheric storytelling and memorable performances.