The Body Snatcher (1945)

The Body Snatcher offers desecration, dissection, and dark errands in the night; some of these things are more satisfying than others, but the movie still succeeds as horror.

The commentary provided by Gray (played by the unforgettable Boris Karloff) that he and MacFarlane (portrayed by Henry Daniell) are the same is not inconsequential, as he is right; much of MacFarlane's past activities closely resemble Gray's. Both toiled graveside, in the hush of night, to unearth cadavers, the dead flesh holding for them the same allure as silver and gold.

MacFarlane claims he engages in smuggling bodies for the greater medical good. But when offered the chance to contribute to the greater good through treating a wheelchair-bound girl, he refuses. MacFarlane is aware of the dissonance in his thinking, which is why Gray makes him so uncomfortable. Gray's claims that MacFarlane will never be rid of him are correct. He can’t escape Gray any more than he can escape his past, as the two are hopelessly entangled. Worse for him yet, MacFarlane has only created the illusion that he has put space between himself and his past misdeeds. He gained title and standing, but continues to engage in the same grimy and wicked activities as he did before.

Karloff's performance is a clear standout, seen throughout the film sporting a smarmy smile as he taunts MacFarlane: "He wants to sit here with the commonality". He is effectively creepy, but also quite funny. Bela Lugosi performs excellently as always and Henry Daniell perfectly captures MacFarlane’s moments of panic any time someone nudges too closely to the truth.

A central idea explored in the film is the sanctity of the dead; it establishes that what Gray and MacFarlane have done is not merely a crime, but a grave sin. Consequently, the film's final act is appropriately punitive in dispensing their fate.

Light on thematic messaging but heavy on pulp, for better or worse, The Body Snatcher is a good pick for fans of classic horror.