Unlike most horror films of 1940's, this movie, written by producer Val Lewton and director Mark Robson, does not show escapist monster rally - like atmospheric and well-made films from Universal - but something truly disturbing: human's cruelty to other humans. It is 18th century England and Bedlam, real-life institution for mentally ill, is hell on Earth (a bit like concentration camp in North Korea, minus human experiments). Quick-tempered actress (Anna Lee) opposes mercilessly sadistic warden (Boris Karloff) and depraved treatment of mentally ill, and she is soon endangered herself. Nice costumes, sets and props and (unfortunately) timeless and powerful message for need of human treatment for people with mental health problems, even if they are violent.
Review of Bedlam
