Minor sci-fi horror flick about an executed murderer (Lon Chaney, Jr.) brought back to life by a scientist (Robert "Inspector Henderson" Shayne). Chaney seeks revenge on his crooked lawyer and former partners, never speaking but stopping quite a few times to squint very hard for close-ups. An entertaining enough movie of its type, but even by 1956 this was pretty old hat. Max Showalter (billed as Casey Adams) plays the cop investigating it all. He also provides the distracting narration throughout the picture. Like I said, it's nothing special. But it'll get the job done for the undiscriminating fan of classic horror and sci-fi. It's certainly no Man Made Monster, that's for sure.

When I read the description for "Indestructible Man" before actually watching the movie, I was sure that I would enjoy it. Although I did find a number of significant flaws in the movie (more about them shortly), I found the movie to be fun all the same. It has an irresistible premise; who can't find compelling the tale of an indestructible killer hunting down the people who did him wrong? Indeed, the strongest scenes in the movie are when it's focused on Lon Chaney's character doing just that. This part of the movie is a lot of fun, and helps make up for the movie's weaknesses. The movie is really cheap, for one thing, ranging from the excessive narration telling us stuff instead of showing it, to the shabby sets and props. And while the movie is only 70 minutes long, the stuff between the Lon Chaney scenes more often than not feels like padding. I wonder what Hollywood could do with a remake of this movie. Though come to think of it, while a remake would probably be slicker and better plotted, it wouldn't have this movie's quaint charm. Check it out next time it plays on Turner Classic Movies.

A murderer known as The Butcher is betrayed by his lawyer and two friends who want to get thousands of dollars he has hidden somewhere in Los Angeles. However, the betrayal leads to The Butcher's death in the gas chamber. A scientist has the body stolen and brings it back to life in a scene highly reminiscent of FRANKENSTEIN, but without the budget. The Butcher finds that his cell number has increased, which leads to a thickening of his skin, making him indestructible. Filled with rage, he murders the scientist and his assistant and makes for the city. His murder of two policeman soon means that the police are looking for him. His betrayers begin to die, thrown off high ledges as the Butcher extracts his revenge.Lon Chaney Jr. takes centre stage again in this disappointing shocker. The film does have some good elements, mainly the leading actor, but spends far too much time on minor characters. One scene of people talking in a car lasts for over five minutes, or so it seems. However the film is worth watching for a number of elements, such as when Chaney stabs his hand with scissors to no effect, or when a needle put in his arm breaks off. Unfortunately the rest of the cast are unappealing, and as Chaney is a sympathetic murderer, his performance is the only one worth watching. The film is presented in a DRAGNET style, with the voice over explaining the proceedings for us.It's very low budget, but if you like to see what mid-'50s America looked like then this is the horror film to watch. At least it is intelligent for a change, and has some nice special effects, even if they are very simple. I especially liked Chaney's face after he'd been burnt. As a matter of interest, what was with the close ups of Chaney's eyes? Were they supposed to be scary? Frankly, I found his squinting more amusing than terrifying. As a film, this one stinks, but if you're not too hard on it then you'll find yourself enjoying it. My first exposure to Chaney is entertaining but ultimately disappointing.

Jack pollexfen directed this fantastic story in 1956. Seen for the first time in 1965, this movie was indelibly etched into my memory and has remained there ever since. That it bore the imprint of one of Hollywood's most memorable actors, namely that of Lon Chaney Jr. added to the mystic. This movie tells the story of a man whom the authorities call 'The Butcher' (Lon Chaney Jr.) who is scheduled to be executed at the State Prison without revealing where the stolen loot is hidden. Vowing to get revenge on the Co-conspirators of the crime, he finds to his astonishment, he has survived his execution, he set out to get revenge on those who betrayed him. The film is in Black and White and much of the dialog is as poor as are the cast members, but even so, it lay down a foundation of interest which has survived as a Horror Classic. Max Showalter plays Lt. Richard Chasen and holds his own throughout the movie. Other actors include Robert Foulk and Joe Flynn. Viewed in retrospect as a low budget movie it has weathered well over the years as one of Lon Chaney's classic. Recommended to his memory. ****