Bedlam (1945)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Stella D

  
  an interesting film, more a gothic costume drama than horror and producer val lewton's last film for rko. the story takes place in st mary bethlehem in london, a notorious madhouse. in the 18th century people were allowed to visit 'the loonies' as they were known and… More
  an interesting film, more a gothic costume drama than horror and producer val lewton's last film for rko. the story takes place in st mary bethlehem in london, a notorious madhouse. in the 18th century people were allowed to visit 'the loonies' as they were known and the hospital was a popular tourist attraction. anna lee plays an opinionated woman who objects to boris karloff's treatment of his patients and ends by being committed herself. the story was inspired by william hogarth's paintings of bedlam in the rake's progress and some of his works are used in the film. altho not nearly as lurid as it could have been it was banned in britain for many years. conditions for the mentally ill improved in the following century due to the efforts of the quakers and reaction to the madness of king george III

• Tim S

  
  A very poor story executed decently. Tries to be a horror film at times and tries to be a politcal statement at times, while shoehorning in a love story. It fails at becoming any of these, but it does have some pretty decent scenes - mostly the ones with Karloff (of course).

• AJ V

  
  Although it sounds like a good story, it isn't such a good movie. The only good actor is Karloff, and the movie is somewhat strange and somewhat boring.

• Michael G

  
  Bedlam isn't the traditional Val Lewton flick, heavy on style and atmosphere to carry a bare bones script. Bedlam is more of a movie that showcases the past ills of society so they're never repeated. It's basically an Upton Sinclair treatment for mental institutions… More
  Bedlam isn't the traditional Val Lewton flick, heavy on style and atmosphere to carry a bare bones script. Bedlam is more of a movie that showcases the past ills of society so they're never repeated. It's basically an Upton Sinclair treatment for mental institutions with Boris Karloff as the rotten warden of the asylum. The first half of Bedlam is pretty damn dull but once Anna Lee's character gets committed things pick up slightly. Don't expect much temperamental beauty once inside; just a few mildly entertaining characters. Bring a book...

• Anthony L

  
  A very different kind of film from Lewton but not without his usual style of chilling horror. Karloff is excellent, as is Anna Lee who understood the brilliant script and revelled in its sharp and fast-paced wit. A fantastic film!

• Greg S

  
  A tender-hearted secretary and a bribe-refusing Quaker unwisely make enemies of the sadistic and unscrupolous warden (Boris Karloff) of London's notorious 18th century asylum, Bedlam. Good hearted if a bit preachy historical drama, but Karloff is always fun to watch and cuts… More
  A tender-hearted secretary and a bribe-refusing Quaker unwisely make enemies of the sadistic and unscrupolous warden (Boris Karloff) of London's notorious 18th century asylum, Bedlam. Good hearted if a bit preachy historical drama, but Karloff is always fun to watch and cuts through the treacle whenever he's onscreen.

• Dr Blood  

  
  It's not a bad film but it's not a horror movie at all. "Bedlam" is more of an atmospheric melodrama but having Boris Karloff in it means that it has been consigned to the wrong category for years. It's also not one of Val Lewton's best either but Boris… More
  It's not a bad film but it's not a horror movie at all. "Bedlam" is more of an atmospheric melodrama but having Boris Karloff in it means that it has been consigned to the wrong category for years. It's also not one of Val Lewton's best either but Boris Karloff fans will not be disappointed with his performance in it. If it's scares you are after though, it's best to look elsewhere.

Read all 7 featured audience ratings