John Carradine is chilling as a murderous puppet maker who kills the woman who are painted and model for his creations. He is possessed as he kills, possessed by thoughts of a situation that disturbed him and left him the killer known as Bluebeard. Set in Paris this film achieves the level of moodiness and drama it seeks with a gothic style. While major studios were often scared to emphasize the horror during the 1940s and Universal in particular were playing down horror elements, here these are relished and provide the dark side to the film, making it more effective. The film has pace and style thanks to director Edgar Ulmer's flair, here directing for the lowly PRC and known better for such works as THE BLACK CAT. Carradine is excellent but never let's fly until the end, his character concealing his true manner, restrained and suave until unhinged. In this respect the film is similar to LOVE FROM A STRANGER starring Basil Rathbone, however Carradine is not quite a match for the beserk Rathbone in that film. A most enjoyable film that is not often mentioned and manages to rise above it's low budget constraints. 8/10.
Special Thanks to Mark Coyle for this Movie Review.