Barbara Carrera, Burt Lancaster, Michael York, Nick Cravat, Nigel Davenport ...( see more  see more... ) , Richard Basehart

Shipwreck victim Andrew washes up on a tropical island that is ruled by the creepy Dr. Moreau who has a compound staffed by some strange looking servants. The natives are un-like any humans that Andre...( read more  read more... )w has ever seen. Eventually he discovers that the natives are experimental duplicates of humans created from wild animals made by the sinister, Dr. Moreau.

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46% liked it

1,918 ratings

PG, 1 hr. 39 min.

Directed by: Don Taylor

Release Date: July 13, 1977

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Flixster Reviews (102)


  • September 20, 2008
    Being of my generation, I first saw Michael York as Austin Powers' boss. Seems in the 70s he was quite the adventure/scifi hunk, as Logan's Run is still fresh in my mind. Here in this movie, he is touch and go with his acting, and the critical transformation scene(s) were noticea...( read more)bly underwhelming and amateurish.

    I can't compare this to the book or the 1996 film as I haven't read/seen them in a while, and I can't contrast it to Island of Lost Souls as I haven't seen that version yet. I love the Dr. Moreau story, and it would seem a simple translation to film in terms of choosing story elements, but the plotting of this feels very forced and as unnatural as the doctor's animal-people. The story is one that addresses many philosophical issues in an astute manner, but this movie's dialogue and plot elements do not reflect these issues, as the movie is devoid of subtext.

    The most wasted role is that of Maria, as her character's interesting development (which is a plot whopper in the book) is completely left out.
    The makeup is amazing with the exception of the halfish job done on York. I think the creatures' eyes could have been somehow modified to be better, as I've found some of the most terrifying images in my subconscious are that of frenzied animalistic eyes with a distinctly human awareness in it, and it's the only reason I've been scared by the occasional werewolf or vampire costume design. There is pretty minimal blood in this, but a lot of questionable animal handling practices and loud growls.

    Many peg this movie as horror, but it is distinctly adventure scifi, and if it scares, that is because the underlying premise of the Dr. Moreau story is a looking glass.
    It is a fun adventure scifi, and if you like the story, you must see this. If you are new to the Moreau story, I'd suggest starting with the book.
  • May 23, 2007
    A decent movie.
  • June 28, 2009
    I struggled with this and varous other remakes. I was never sure of the overall message it was trying to put out. I might have missed it but there you go.
  • April 14, 2008
    Like this version better than the 90's version, but still can't touch "Island of Lost Souls".
  • December 20, 2009
    Great special effects on the man beasts but overall a slow plodding story.
  • September 27, 2009
    this movie was one of the greats,I admit it is was not amazing, but it is a good show. A few moral points were made.
  • September 9, 2009
    Of course this is an old classic, very good in it's day an actual 5 star at the time. Still enjoyable to watch from time to time but only rates about 2.5 stars now.
  • July 11, 2009
    O-M-G....its like dr hibberts isalnd!!!!!
  • January 16, 2009
    Only slightly better than the goofy Brando update.
  • January 3, 2009
    No thankyou - Not interested

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The Island of Dr. Moreau Trivia


  • Original HG Wells horror story of a deranged scientist who uses his remote island as a base for experiments in creating half human/half animal creatures. With Burt Lancaster?  Answer »
  • is the second movie version of the H.G. Wells science fiction novel about a scientist who attempts to convert animals into people starring val kilmer  Answer »
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