The Island of Dr. Moreau

The second Hollywood adaptation of H.G. Wells's 1896 novel (the first was the 1931 classic Island of Lost Souls, starring Charles Laughton) updates the science but keeps the story in a vague past. Burt Lancaster stars as the titular obsessive, amoral scientist, who uses genetics to transform animals into humanoid creatures in unsanctioned experiments. Michael York costars as the shipwrecked sailor who drifts onto Moreau's island after surviving many days adrift at sea. The original Moreau was a brutal vivisectionist who kept his creations in line with the fear of pain and the constraints of "the law," as overseen by "the sayer of the law" (played here by Richard Basehart). In this version, it is fear of Moreau's punishment that keeps his creations under his control. Barbara Carrera is also on hand as Moreau's beautiful companion, who is also one of his experiments. Directed by Don Taylor, this 1977 film is blandly handsome but features little of the horrific atmosphere or transgressive suggestions of the earlier classic. Optional. (S. Axmaker)[DVD Review—Sept. 5, 2017—Olive, 99 min., PG, DVD: $19.95—Making its latest appearance on DVD, 1977's The Island of Dr. Moreau features a fine transfer and a mono soundtrack. Extras include audio commentary by author and paranormal investigator Jeff Belanger and horror host Dr. Dreck, and a “Theological Grotesque” essay by world literature scholar Gorman Beauchamp. Bottom line: a solid edition of a so-so adaptation of Wells's classic horror novel.]