The Black Room
“Dead or Alive... He could kill!”
Synopsis
In a 16th-century European town, the ruling family has been given a prophecy that, should there ever be twin boys born, the younger will murder the older; so is dismayed when twins are born to the popular baron. The older grows to be a selfish, slovenly man, who inherits the castle at his father's death and becomes ruler over the formerly happy villagers. He enjoys his power until he learns his younger brother is returning from abroad and, afraid of the prophecy, he determines to murder his sibling, hide his body in the "black room" - an old torture chamber sealed away behind the fireplace - and then impersonate him, right down to his withered arm. In this way he hopes to not only avoid the prophecy, but also escape consequences of his other criminal deeds and obtain marriage to a local girl of the nobility...
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
KARLOFF AT COLUMBIA (Eureka Classics) New & Exclusive TrailerOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2021-01-28
Top Cast
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Boris Karloff
Baron Gregor de Berghman / Anton de Berghman
Marian Marsh
Thea Hassel
Robert Allen
Lt. Albert Lussan
Thurston Hall
Col. Paul Hassel
Katherine DeMille
Mashka
John Buckler
Beran - the gypsy
Henry Kolker
Baron de Berghman
Colin Tapley
Paul Hassel as a young lieutenant
Torben Meyer
Peter, the majordomo
John George
Inn Waiter (uncredited)
John Bleifer
Franz - Captured Assassin-Villager (uncredited)
Marion Lessing
Maria the Chambermaid
George MacQuarrie
The Judge
Robert Middlemass
The Prosecutor
Edward Van Sloan
Doctor
Release History & Theatrical Window
July 15, 1935
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Roy William Neill
- Screenplay & Story
- Henry Myers, Arthur Strawn
- Original Score
- Milan Roder, R. H. Bassett, Louis Silvers
- Original Title
- The Black Room
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 10m
- Production Studios
- Columbia Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Roy William Neill
Henry Myers, Arthur Strawn
Milan Roder, R. H. Bassett, Louis Silvers
Allen G. Siegler
Richard Cahoon
Department Leadership Roster
Henry Myers
Screenplay
Arthur Strawn
Screenplay
Roy William Neill
Director
Allen G. Siegler
Director of Photography
Richard Cahoon
Editor
Murray Mayer
Costume Design
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Black Room.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Black Room
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Black Room about?
In a 16th-century European town, the ruling family has been given a prophecy that, should there ever be twin boys born, the younger will murder the older; so is dismayed when twins are born to the popular baron. The older grows to be a selfish, slovenly man, who inherits the castle at his father's death and becomes ruler over the formerly happy villagers. He enjoys his power until he learns his younger brother is returning from abroad and, afraid of the prophecy, he determines to murder his sibling, hide his body in the "black room" - an old torture chamber sealed away behind the fireplace - and then impersonate him, right down to his withered arm. In this way he hopes to not only avoid the prophecy, but also escape consequences of his other criminal deeds and obtain marriage to a local girl of the nobility...
Who directed The Black Room?
The Black Room was directed by Roy William Neill.
Who stars in The Black Room?
The principal cast of The Black Room includes Boris Karloff, Marian Marsh, Robert Allen, Thurston Hall, Katherine DeMille.
When was The Black Room released and how long is it?
The Black Room was released in 1935 with a total runtime of 1h 10m.
Who composed the musical score for The Black Room?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Black Room was composed by Milan Roder, R. H. Bassett, Louis Silvers.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Black Room?
The Black Room holds official age classifications: US: NR (Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.).