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Genres
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CastBoris KarloffRoger Pryor
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DirectorNick Grinde
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Release Date1940
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Runtime1 hr 14 min
The Man With Nine Lives is a thrilling science-fiction movie that features Boris Karloff and Roger Pryor. It was released in 1940 and was directed by Nick Grinde. The story revolves around a scientist named Dr. Leon Kravaal (Boris Karloff), who is obsessed with discovering the secret of immortality. Dr. Kravaal is a brilliant but exiled scientist who has been experimenting with various techniques for preserving life. His latest invention is a machine that can put a person in suspended animation for an extended period. Dr. Kravaal believes that if he can perfect the machine, he will be able to extend life indefinitely.
However, Dr. Kravaal's obsession with immortality has come at a great cost. He has lost all his funding, and his reputation has been ruined. He has become a recluse, working alone in his laboratory with his assistant Roger (Roger Pryor). Kravaal's only hope is to find a wealthy benefactor who will fund his research.
Kravaal's luck changes when he meets a young woman named Judith (Jo Ann Sayers), who has been pronounced dead after a car accident. Kravaal sees an opportunity to test his machine and puts Judith in suspended animation. Miraculously, Judith comes back to life after being revived by Kravaal's machine.
Kravaal's success attracts the attention of a wealthy industrialist named John Kendrick (Edmund Macdonald), who agrees to fund Kravaal's research. The two men are soon at odds, however, when Kendrick demands to know the true purpose of Kravaal's experiments.
As Kravaal continues his experiments, he discovers that the human mind is vulnerable when in suspended animation. He begins to test his machine on his other assistants, putting them in suspended animation for longer and longer periods. Kravaal becomes increasingly unstable, and his assistants start to fear for their lives.
The Man With Nine Lives is a classic science-fiction film that explores the dangers of playing with the limits of life and death. With Boris Karloff delivering an outstanding performance as the mad scientist, the film is a gripping and suspenseful ride. The cinematography is impressive for its time, and the laboratory scenes are atmospheric and impressive.
Overall, The Man With Nine Lives is a must-see for science-fiction fans and Boris Karloff enthusiasts alike. While the film may appear dated to some modern audiences, the central themes explored in the film are still relevant today. The Man With Nine Lives is a haunting portrayal of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the human obsession with immortality.