The Devil-Doll (1936)

100% of critics liked it
(6 reviews)
59% of users liked it
(1,112 ratings)

Oscar-winner Lionel Barrymore ("It's a Wonderful Life") stars in this classic horror thriller about a Devil's Island escapee who shrinks murderous slaves and sells them to his victims as dolls. Co-starring Maureen O'Sullivan ("Tarzan, the Ape Man") and Frank Lawton ("David… More Oscar-winner Lionel Barrymore ("It's a Wonderful Life") stars in this classic horror thriller about a Devil's Island escapee who shrinks murderous slaves and sells them to his victims as dolls. Co-starring Maureen O'Sullivan ("Tarzan, the Ape Man") and Frank Lawton ("David Copperfield").

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 19 min.
Directed By: Tod Browning
Written By: Garrett Fort, Guy Endore
Genres: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Horror

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1936 Wide

Critic Reviews

John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...the movie is not terrifying, but it is never less than fascinating.
John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...more of a mystery yarn, a tall-tale if you will, than a horror movie, although it is big on mood and atmosphere.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
An enthralling weirdo horror thriller directed by Tod Browning.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Though it might not be the climax to Browning's distinctive career in the genre one might have wished, it's certainly a worthwhile film.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, San Francisco Examiner
One of Browning's more bizarre and enjoyable entries.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

Weird, silly movie. I didn't care for it.
Greg S

A revenge-minded escaped convict lucks into a process for miniaturizing people, then controlling them with his mind. With it's shrunken murdering Frenchies and Lionel Barrymore in drag (!) this should have been a campy creep classic, but it flounders on the obtrusive subplot… More
A revenge-minded escaped convict lucks into a process for miniaturizing people, then controlling them with his mind. With it's shrunken murdering Frenchies and Lionel Barrymore in drag (!) this should have been a campy creep classic, but it flounders on the obtrusive subplot about the convict reconciling with his daughter (Maureen O'Sullivan).
Christopher B

Great Todd Browning film, the guy truly was a master of horror and the bizarre.