Rish Outfield's reviews
This is the second of three adaptations of H.G. Wells's novel, "The Island of Dr. Moreau," previously filmed decades earlier as The Island of Lost Souls, then again eighteen years later (The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996)). This version stars Michael York as a shipwrecked Englishman stranded on an isolated tropical island run by brilliant scientist Moreau (Burt Lancaster), first as a guest and later as a prisoner. The good doctor has been experimenting with people and animals, creating a menagerie of beast men who fear and worship Dr. Moreau like a god. Among his creations is a mysterious dark haired woman, Maria, played by Barbara Carrera.
Made by Samuel Arkoff and his late, great American International Pictures (you know, watching a movie and just seeing the AIP logo makes me smile), this struck me as being a pretty big budget production, especially for "The Drive-In Studio." It is well-made and acted, with good special effects, great scenery (it was shot in the Virgin Islands), and a nice score by Lawrence Rosenthal. Other impressive moments included an awesome scene where men are attacked by tigers and lions. Quarter of a century later, and I have no idea how they did that. This version takes an interesting turn when Moreau changes York's character into one of THEM. Also interesting, it appeared that a love scene or two were cut down (or out) for a PG rating.
But what struck me the most about this film was how unbelievably beautiful Barbara Carrera was as the panther woman (in the remake they cast FAIRUZA BALK in this role?????). And it struck me, throughout the film there was no mention of her being a panther woman. At the very end, they start to reveal it, but then the movie just ends. Said ending is anti-climactic. They needed a couple more seconds for York and the audience to get the surprise. I almost get the feeling that the finale was shaved down at the last minute to send audiences home with a happier ending in their minds. Of course, we may never know the truth.
This is probably my favourite of the three versions of "Dr. Moreau." It wasn't perfect, and the ending left me wanting, but it was well done, entertaining, and pretty cool. It's not scary, really, but the premise is great, and could easily be remade again in the future.