When classic horror fans think of 1940s B horror movies, the last studio that comes to mind is 20th Century-Fox. In fact B movies of any kind were a Fox rarity so it was quite a surprise when in 1942 they decided to make not one but two movies which would be companion pieces for a double feature. The first of these, THE UNDYING MONSTER about a family curse, was billed as the main attraction while DR RENAULT’S SECRET, which concerns a mad scientist, would be its support. Both films were well made and had a big budget look thanks to the use of A picture sets and some of Fox’s top technicians. While I consider it to be the better of the two, Dr RENAULT is not nearly as well known as MONSTER is. Over the years, DR RENAULT fell through the cracks but it has recently been rediscovered and restored.
A young American goes to visit his fiance’ who lives in a chateau in France. Dr Renault is her uncle and a celebrated scientist. The visitor arrives during a storm and has to stay the night at the local village inn. There he meets the doctor’s manservant Noel who speaks slowly and seems dim-witted making him the object of mean-spirited comments from the locals. Although short, he is powerfully built and possesses great strength. A local thug in the bar plans to rob the American but winds up killing the wrong man. The next day at the chateau the fiance’, who is also a doctor, asks Dr Renault about Noel and is told that he is a native of Java who is taking part in one of the doctor’s experiments. Noel is devoted to Renault’s niece and this devotion later causes a series of unfortunate incidents which end badly.
Fox obtained a solid cast for DR RENAULT as well as the services of director Harry Lachman who gave up his career as a post-Impressionist painter to make movies. In 1935 he had made a striking version of DANTE’S INFERNO for Fox. Old pros George Zucco and J. Carrol Naish as Renault and Noel give DR RENAULT horror movie legitimacy along with veteran tough guy Mike Mazurki who, as the local criminal, becomes increasingly involved in the storyline. Naish gives a truly remarkable performance as Noel who is the “secret” of the title. Lachmann’s artistic background along with veteran cinematographer Virgil Miller give the film several striking visuals which are far above the average B movie. At 58 minutes DR RENAULT never wears out its welcome and it invites additional viewings even after the “secret” is known.
