The Mask of Diijon

(1946) It may be a PRC production, but here those shabby settings actually add to the moody, noirish atmosphere that surrounds this tale of a down-on-his-luck stage illusionist (Erich von Stroheim) whose delusions of grandeur actually unlock a hypnotic "gift"--one that he promptly uses to sinister purpose. Stroheim is at his menacing best here (even channeling a bit of Lugosi, it seems), making this little stroll down "Poverty Row" worthwhile. (Just don't step on the cat!)

[Alas! This is not one of the better-quality prints in my library. All apologies for the video/audio quality, Couch Pumpkins.]