The Body Snatcher
RKO Radio Pictures | Release Date: February 16, 1945 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
74
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 10 Critic Reviews
Positive:
9
Mixed:
1
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
100
Chicago TribuneMichael Wilmington
Among the finest hours of horror star Boris Karloff. [18 Oct 2005, p.C3]
88
TV Guide MagazineStaff (Not Credited)
Literate, but not at the expense of the cinematic, THE BODY SNATCHER is one of Lewton's greatest works and contains what is arguably Karloff's finest performance. Read full review
83
Entertainment WeeklyLawrence O'Toole
The movie has those unmistakable, shiver-inducing touches Lewton (Cat People) is famous for: a loyal little dog refusing to leave the site of its master’s fresh grave, a blind singer’s song suddenly and shockingly stopping offscreen, and the surprise of that final coach ride. Read full review
75
Slant MagazineClayton Dillard
Even if the narrative threads aren’t as tightly focused on exploring a complex theme as one might hope, The Body Snatcher nevertheless manages to still send chills, and predominately through Wise’s fleet direction and Karloff’s unflinching embodiment of a real-world monster. Read full review
75
The Seattle TimesStaff (Not Credited)
A classy thriller with a notable period atmosphere and intelligent use of the macabre. [07 May 1992, p.3]
70
The New York TimesBosley Crowther
This new gloomlodger, though not as nerve-paralyzing as the performers might lead you to expect, has enough suspense and atmospheric terror to make it one of the better of its genre. Read full review
70
Time OutStaff (Not Credited)
This adaptation of the old Burke and Hare business (based on a Robert Louis Stevenson story) is still great entertainment, with Karloff, Lugosi and Daniell (Hollywood's greatest sourpuss) leaving no dead body unturned in 19th century Edinburgh. Read full review
70
VarietyStaff (Not Credited)
Based on a short story by Robert Louis Stevenson, and given tightly scripted adaptation, Snatcher seldom lacks interest. Read full review
70
The New YorkerWolcott Gibbs
A horror item considerably better than most. [09 Jun 1945, p.56]
50
Chicago ReaderDave Kehr
Robert Wise’s direction is no more accomplished here than in The Sound of Music or any of his later big-budget projects, but Boris Karloff in the title role is surprisingly subtle—at times. Read full review
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