The Devil Doll

In the 1936 movie The Devil Doll, directed by Tod Browning, Lionel Barrymore plays Paul Lavond, a man who is wrongfully accused of a crime and escapes from prison to seek vengeance on those who wronged him. He seeks refuge with a scientist who has developed a technology that can shrink living creatures down to the size of dolls.

With the help of the scientist's daughter (played by Maureen O'Sullivan) and a young journalist (played by Frank Lawton), Lavond uses the technology to exact his revenge. He creates tiny dolls of his enemies and uses them to gain access to their homes and businesses.

However, as Lavond gets closer to achieving his goal, he begins to question whether revenge is worth the cost. He also becomes aware of the consequences of his actions, with innocent people being hurt in the process.

The Devil Doll is a suspenseful thriller with elements of science-fiction and horror. The use of the shrinking technology is innovative and adds an extra layer of tension to the story. The sets are also impressive, with intricate miniature sets used for the scenes with the dolls.

Lionel Barrymore delivers a strong performance as Lavond, bringing both a sense of menace and a vulnerability to the character. Maureen O'Sullivan and Frank Lawton provide solid support as his allies, with O'Sullivan bringing a warmth and wit to her role.

The film also includes some memorable supporting performances, including Rafaela Ottiano as the sinister housekeeper who suspects Lavond's true motives and Lucy Beaumont as a kindhearted old lady who befriends him.

The Devil Doll is not without its flaws - some of the plot twists are predictable and the special effects are occasionally uneven - but it remains an entertaining and engaging film that deserves more recognition than it has received. It is a testament to the creative talent of director Tod Browning, who was also responsible for the classic horror film Dracula.

Overall, The Devil Doll is a gripping and atmospheric thriller that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. With its blend of science-fiction, horror, and drama, it has something for everyone and is well worth seeking out for fans of classic cinema.