ISLAND OF DOOMED MEN was shot in 1940 with WWII already raging in Europe. Lorre, who had first grabbed international attention with his lead role in Fritz Lang's M in Germany, just before the Nazis came to power and he fled for France and then the UK, must have appreciated playing a part very reminiscent of the dictatorial figure of Hitler, ordering his wife and servants about on pain of various types of physical punishment ranging from whipping to getting shot.
Lorre serves up a truly magnificent performance as someone totally blinded by power. His somnolent eyes carry menace and even his uneven teeth look creepy! He is well supported by Rochelle Hudson, as the wife who realizes the mistake of gold digging and marrying for money only to end up an inmate in her own abode; and Wilcox, as secret agent Sheldon, aka John Smith, also provides convincing acting support. Curiously, Sheldon gets his operation orders in a manner that must have been a blueprint for the Mission Impossible series 20 years later.
Acceptable B quality cinematography, reasonably solid script despite the predictable ending, and Charles Barton's typically effective direction render 69' minute long ISLAND OF DOOMED MEN most watchable.
Lorre serves up a truly magnificent performance as someone totally blinded by power. His somnolent eyes carry menace and even his uneven teeth look creepy! He is well supported by Rochelle Hudson, as the wife who realizes the mistake of gold digging and marrying for money only to end up an inmate in her own abode; and Wilcox, as secret agent Sheldon, aka John Smith, also provides convincing acting support. Curiously, Sheldon gets his operation orders in a manner that must have been a blueprint for the Mission Impossible series 20 years later.
Acceptable B quality cinematography, reasonably solid script despite the predictable ending, and Charles Barton's typically effective direction render 69' minute long ISLAND OF DOOMED MEN most watchable.