The Most Dangerous Game (1932)

To be fair and accurate about it, you could say that The Most Dangerous Game is a fairly dated film of modest suspense, but still vital enough for at least some modern viewers to be entertained; as this 1932 black and white thriller does have a lot to like - especially if you're a fan of horror film's of that era. Because The Most Dangerous Game absolutely drips with that distinctive, atmospheric vibe, that all the best vintage horror films revel in, achieved by combination of great looking sets, atmospheric matte paintings, ample amounts of fog, an effective music score and most importantly a great cast of actors, particularly well cast are the bad guys - Count Zaroff and his henchmen. Veteran British stage-actor Leslie Banks in the role of the mad Count Zaroff is, by far, the most interesting and evil of the films cast of players; dressed all in black, with a black beard and stash, dark, intense, penetrating eyes and a large scar (that was real) along the side of his face, plus he spoke with a most distinctive and sophisticated voice (that very often verges on theatrical), Banks really fit the bill as the mad count. Also starring Joel McCrea, Fay Wray and Robert Armstrong (Wray and Armstrong would both play a leading hand in KING KONG immediately after this film wrapped up, in fact some of this films budget was transferred to Kong's budget - making it the true super-production that it is) as unfortunate shipwreck victims, who take temporary refuge at the counts castle, where they are essentially living on borrowed time, because the mad count has a deadly game of cat and mouse in store for them on his treacherous island retreat. Speaking again of the great atmosphere of this film, which it oozes nearly non-stop, most especially whenever the counts castle is shown, be it a scene of an interior set or matte painting of it from a distance, partially obscured by fog, hills and trees. Like many hunters Zaroff employ's dogs to aid him in hunting down his quarry and they further add to his menace and at the same time quicken the pace of the film (if memory serves me right, I'd say the count has no fewer than 15 Great Danes at the ready), he summons them by tooting this great sounding horn, as it bays in the distance. The horns sounds out two distinct notes, that which the great Max Steiner cleverly implemented into the film's score - to great effect (those two notes are in fact the first thing you hear when watching this classic film, which start up it's nifty, but modest, opening credits sequence).No plot-rundown's here, the good guy (Joel McCrea) naturally wins and makes off with the fair damsel in distress (Fay Wray) and.............. The End.While The Most Dangerous Game does excel in several area's, it certainly could have been even better, if it had a longer run time (only 62 minutes) and more action (you could partially blame it on the king, King Kong that is). Though quite dated by most standards, the film still stands as one of the best action films of the early 30's, offering a unique glimpse into that era. Remember "talkies" had only been around for 5 years when this film was released and the notion of using a full-length musical score was still catching on, this was probably one of the first sound films to have that luxury; one of the legendary Max Steiner's earliest efforts (Max Steiner 1888-1971, scored well over 200 films during his 35 year career, mostly for Warner Brothers).There have been a number of movie adaptions of The Most Dangerous Game made over the years, but this one was the first and remains the best - by far.Great to watch late at night, which seems to help further thicken it's already palpable sense atmosphere and gloom.

This is the first film adaptation on the famous story by Richard Connell. It's about Bob Rainsford (Joel McCrea) an avid hunter who one day is shipwrecked and finds himself on an island inhabited by another avid hunter a Russian nobleman named Count Zaroff (Leslie Banks). Zaroff seems like a nice guy, but it is soon revealed that he hunts human beings who land on his island. He does this to keep his interest in hunting which had bored him long ago. Bob and a girl held hostage named Eve Trowbridge (Fay Wray) escape into the jungle to escape Zaroff. It's a classic cat and mouse story. The first part of the movie is of Bob first meeting Zaroff and having dinner in his house. The second part is when the movie goes from good to great. This is where the exciting hunt scene comes in. I say go see this one. You will be glad that you did.

The sole survivor of a shipwreck, big game hunter Bob Rainsford (Joel McCrea), washes ashore on an island. He soon finds himself a guest at the isolated castle of a creepy Russian aristocrat named Count Zaroff (Leslie Banks). While there, Bob meets siblings Eve and Martin Trowbridge (Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong), the survivors of another shipwreck. Bob is suspicious of Zaroff and soon discovers the truth about his mysterious host: Zaroff orchestrates shipwrecks so that he can use the survivors as prey to hunt.Best version of a story (man hunting other men for sport) that has been done dozens, if not hundreds, of times since in both television and movies. It's still being done to this day. It's a fun, exciting adventure thriller. Once the hunt begins, the pace never lets up. Leslie Banks gives what would surely be labeled a campy performance today but it works wonderfully. This is his most famous role and it's certainly a memorable one. Joel McCrea is years from working under Sturges or Hitchcock, but here proves how great a leading man he could be. The often underrated (and lovely) Fay Wray does an admirable job in a physically demanding role. The following year, producers Merian C. Cooper and Ernest Schoedsack would reunite with stars Fay Wray and Robert Armstrong for King Kong, along with Max Steiner who scored both films. Two film classics in the span of a year for this group. This is definitely on my list of movies you have to see before you die.

A sort of prelude to King Kong (1933), The Most Dangerous Game (1932) is one of the most exciting and memorable adventures of 1930s cinema. It contains everything people love about pre-code Hollywood with its no holds barred action and sexually charged atmosphere, and it looks forward to Kong with its exotic adventure.Joel McCrea and Fay Wray are absolutely gorgeous and admirable as the leads and Noble Johnson also does good with the small role of Ivan, Zaroff's mute henchman, but it is Leslie Banks as the disturbed Count Zaroff who remains with you after the credits roll. He excellently portrays the character's insanity and psychological/sexual obsessions. He's one of my favorite movie villains ever.Modern audiences will likely mock the jungle sets, but honestly that adds to the demented nightmarish feel of the movie. The whole thing is drenched with dread and violence, giving the film the feel of a horror movie. The chase scenes in the jungle are like something out of a bad dream; the frantic Max Steiner score and cinematography really amp up the tension.All in all, an excellent underrated film. A must see for lovers of 1930s Hollywood.