It is likely that this well meaning film would not have attracted the large crowds required to pay back the high production costs,thus becoming another nail in the coffin of Gaumont British.In the 1930s they decided to try and crack the American market so many American actors were brought over to play leading roles.So here we have Helen Vinson and Hoah Beery,in tandem with Conrad Veidt.Alas the policy just didn't work.With a recession occurring in 1937/8 Gaumont British,the biggest company in the British film industry had to shut down its production side.Balcon left first to MGM and then to Ealing where he was to make his mark for a quarter of a century,but not by making films like this.It is a very interesting film but you have to wonder what possessed them to make this film at this time.
Review of King of the Damned
