Deaths are occurring far too frequently at a detention home for young women, and some staff are suspicious. Among those who get involved are the sincere psychiatrist Dr. Jess Rogers (William Hudson) and social worker Carol Adams (Charlotte Austin). It turns out that the evil heads of the prison - including Dr. Murdock (Victor Jory) and his associate Mrs. Ford (Ann Doran) - are cruelly, selfishly helping themselves to the bodies of the ladies for some fiendish purpose.
As written, by Bernard Gordon, and directed, by Laszlo Kardos, "The Man Who Turned to Stone" is a routine B movie, no more and no less, and reasonably amusing and entertaining. There's nothing that really stands out about it, other than perhaps the chance to see character players like Jory and Doran in top billed roles for a change. All of the actors play the material with jut jawed conviction. Adding some physical menace to the scenario is Friedrich von Ledebur as the hulking, mute manservant Eric. Hudson is a likable enough hero, and the beautiful Adams is an engaging heroine. Paul Cavanagh contributes a fine performance as Cooper, the most repentant of the antagonists.
There's mostly a lot of talk, and exposition, here. Some of the running time is devoted to watching Rogers read from Coopers' notes. But the movie isn't devoid of action and atmosphere. The actors make it fun enough to watch for a reasonably trim 72 minutes.
Five out of 10.
As written, by Bernard Gordon, and directed, by Laszlo Kardos, "The Man Who Turned to Stone" is a routine B movie, no more and no less, and reasonably amusing and entertaining. There's nothing that really stands out about it, other than perhaps the chance to see character players like Jory and Doran in top billed roles for a change. All of the actors play the material with jut jawed conviction. Adding some physical menace to the scenario is Friedrich von Ledebur as the hulking, mute manservant Eric. Hudson is a likable enough hero, and the beautiful Adams is an engaging heroine. Paul Cavanagh contributes a fine performance as Cooper, the most repentant of the antagonists.
There's mostly a lot of talk, and exposition, here. Some of the running time is devoted to watching Rogers read from Coopers' notes. But the movie isn't devoid of action and atmosphere. The actors make it fun enough to watch for a reasonably trim 72 minutes.
Five out of 10.