The Beast with Five Fingers

This effectively eerie chiller about a vengeance-seeking, disembodied hand has been much-imitated over the years and has earned its reputation as one of the more original horror films of the 1940s. Showcasing another wild screenplay from horror master Curt Siodmak, The Beast with Five Fingers takes place almost entirely in the dark mansion of Francis Ingram, a wealthy recluse who lives in the village of San Stefano in early 20th century Italy. Peter Lorre gives his usual creepy performance, this time as Hilary Cummins, Ingram's loyal but unappreciated secretary. Not surprisingly, Lorre steals the show, but there are also some entertaining scenes for Charles Dingle as Ingram's ruthless, scheming brother-in-law. Director Robert Florey, whose unique output has earned him a solid cult following, employs interesting camera angles to heighten the oddity of the proceedings. He also expertly stages some memorably suspenseful scenes, including Lorre's battle with the hand in the library, Lorre's attack on leading lady Andrea King, and especially the elaborate finale. Of course, crucial to the film's success is the hand itself, which is achieved through some remarkable photographic effects that make the hand appear real, and make it difficult (and at times impossible) to figure out how the effects were achieved. The cast also includes Robert Alda and J. Carrol Naish, and while there may not be much substance to the story, it is still great fun. ~ Bob Mastrangelo, All Movie Guide