No, It's Not a Universal Monster Film -- It's Better
Considering the genre, time period, and star actor, it's always tempting to compare "White Zombie" to the classic Universal Monster movies. However, while "White Zombie" is on par with the best of these films, it's also extraordinarily different. The Universal classics ("Frankenstein", "Dracula", "The Wolf Man", etc) tend to be relatively simple stories, often with a fascinating, easily identifiable monster at the center. "White Zombie" rejects that mold, offering something far more poignant and (at the same time), far less recognizable than the spirit-gummed prosthetic faces of the Universal monsters.

The plot is far more complex than what you normally get in a Universal monster film, including a conscious-laden villain with a relatively well developed back-story and a somewhat elaborate reason for bringing the undead into the plot line. In a sense, Charles Beaumont becomes the protagonist of this film, far more compelling and likeable than the naive couple he seeks to destroy. We can certainly empathize with his belief that he is a better suitor for Madeleine than her vapid, weak-willed fiancé. We understand and almost condone the passion that drives him, even when we know that his actions are wrong and will lead to terrible consequences. Because of this, by the time we get to the wedding ceremony, it becomes obvious that there can be no happy resolution at the close of "White Zombie"- only an end to suffering. I'd like to see a Universal monster film tackle that level of tragedy and emotional complexity. "Frankenstein" comes close, but even James Whale's brilliant work pales in comparison with "White Zombie" on certain dramatic levels (most notably the resolution).

Additionally, the supernatural presence in this film is far more alien and terrifying than what you find in most classic monster films, neither as civilized and inoffensive as "Dracula" nor as humane and misunderstood as "Frankenstein". Bela Lugosi, as the truly evil, remorseless, and cunning zombie master, is a terrifying force on the screen. He doesn't kill out of fear, hunger, or instinct. He does it because it suits his purpose. Of course, the band of undead that he commands is even more terrifying; even more inhuman and single-minded than its master. There is no one to reason with or beg to, here, and there is no well-documented weakness to use against this seemingly unstoppable force. The evil in this film is an immoral presence that does not stop to plan, worry, or second guess itself. Therein lies true classic terror.

I truly believe "White Zombie" is an obscure classic today, not because it is in some way inferior to other horror classics of the time, but rather because it lacks one clearly defined, visually memorable monster. Though I believe this was the greatest role of his career, Lugosi's human-looking zombie master was never going to get an Aurora model kit, nor were the undead people he commanded. There was no elaborate make-up or trade-mark outfit that kids could easily associate with the zombies in this film. These monsters look liked they belonged in the real world, like something you could see on the way home from the theater, instead of looking like something out of a fantasy realm of spirit-gum and prosthetics. This low budget realism made the film less marketable, but also potentially more terrifying than its contemporaries.

"White Zombie" is a rich and brilliant horror film, compensating for its lack of flashy make-up and effects with strong production value, a compelling location ("uncivilized" Africa), great atmosphere, a tragic storyline, and a terrifying enemy. If you respect classic horror films for their artistry and creativity as opposed to their mass-marketed camp appeal, than "White Zombie" is most certainly a film that you need to see.

Regarding available versions of this film, I strongly recommend the Roan Group edition. While cheaper editions feature adequate quality images, the sound is nearly indecipherable in many places on these transfers, even with the volume turned all the way up. While the Roan Group edition is a relatively old transfer, it's still the best one available that I know of. The sound is much better here, clear enough so that understanding the dialogue is effortless during most points in the film. I understand that Amazon is offering a new "Timeless Classics" restoration of the film that appears quite costly, but I don't know anything about it. Nevertheless, I feel confident in endorsing the Roan Group edition. I have absolutely no complaints with it.

Breakdown agony is ecstasy in overdrive
DEVILMAN, DEVILMAN!! Bela ascended from the depths of hell for this role, and he scorches the screen. This old classic is creepy!
Very dark, stylistic--gothic would be a fitting description. White Zombie was filmed back in 1932, in a mere 11 days, with a $50,000 budget. They used sets left over from Dracula and Frankenstein. All though not as well known as those classics, this is every bit as brilliant. Yeah, I said it.

Plus, this is the very first zombie flick ever made, I imagine. This group of the undead shamble around the sugar mill. Believe me, it's not a sweet job. But it thrives on the soulless slave labor. Reminds me of my job, heh-heh.

The dialogue is kept at a minimum in this. It shows the story, instead of telling it. Plus the camera work in this is outstanding. Really incredible. There are fading and super-imposed images, plus some other impressive techniques later perfected by Orson Welles in Citizen Kane.

A great movie, super-underrated. A must-have for classic film buffs.

A pretty good zombie movie with a great plot
It is really amazing to think about how old this movie is, and how it really is one of the groundbreaking horror movies of the time. By today's standards, the look of the movie is quite archaic. The scenes jump and seem to be cut together at certain points, but it takes away very little from the movie. The acting is somewhat hokey, but again, the plot makes up for it. Upon watching this movie reminded me of the original Nosferatu, though this movie does have sound.

Bela Lugosi, in a very early role, barely recognizable if you ask me, portrays a 'Prince of Darkness' character. He is able, through voodoo, to create zombies and have them under his control. A plantation owner comes to him and begs him to help him win the heart of a women who is betrothed to another. Soon after the wedding the bride falls dead, or does she? It seems that Lugosi has been able to make her fall into a coma-like state and later with the assistance of zombies, and the plantation owner, they steal her body from the crypt. Her husband, sensing foul play, enlists some individuals, knowledgeable in voodoo to follow him to Lugosi's castle to get his wife back and free her from the zombie hold.

Politically incorrect deliciousness.
White Zombie (Victor Halperin, 1932)

Back when I was a monster-movie-obsessed kid and I thought Edward Edelson was the world's greatest author, monster-movie books were still politically incorrect, and White Zombie was one of the most oft-mentioned "if you like zombies, this film is a must-see" flicks. Well, people got more sensitive in the eighties, and White Zombie kind of faded into obscurity; I doubt you'll be seeing a Criterion Collection release of this one any time soon. The cheapo-DVD manufacturing crowd fell on it like gangbusters when it hit the public domain, however, and you can probably find it for a buck or two at your local Half Price Books or Wal-Mart in a cardboard sleeve. That's how I got hold of my copy (for a buck and a half!).

White Zombie, made at the height of both Victor Halperin's and Bela Lugosi's careers, is the tale of Murder Legendre (Lugosi), a plantation owner/witch doctor who uses mind control to turn those around him into zombies. Charles Beaumont (prolific silent film actor Robert Frazer) lures a friend, Neil Parker (character actor John Herron) and his fiancee, Madeline Short (Madge Bellamy), out to his plantation for their marriage, then plots with Legendre to turn Madeline into a zombie so Beaumont can have her for himself. Once Beaumont realizes that she's no fun without her personality, he wants Legendre to reverse the process; nothing doing, chum, says Legendre. Meanwhile, Neil and a local missionary (Joseph Cawthorn) and looking for Madeline, who as far as they know simply disappeared.

Very nice atmosphere to this one, somehow dirtier and more real (despite, of course, the presence of Bela Lugosi as a witch doctor) than Tourneur's later I Walked with a Zombie. The plot is simpler, but Halperin makes it work nicely, and Lugosi is at his creepy best. Recommended. ***

Twice A Month
How much do I love this movie? Well, I watch it at least twice a month. I've even been known to start the movie all over again after it finishes. I'm only 30 years old but the older I get the less I enjoy new movies and the more I love older films. Maybe because they were about story and not all about special effects and White Zombie has a great story. Bela gives what I think was his best performance, even better than Dracula. I can't recommend this one highly enough and this is the best version out there on dvd.