GamerTab That was an excellent one.

ReaderKenka Let's be realistic.

UnowPriceless hyped garbage

Acensbart Excellent but underrated film

bnwfilmbuff What do you get when a prison escapee, a thief, a gangster, and a crime boss meet one stormy night at an out-of-the-way inn? The Black Raven which is the name of not only this movie but this inn and also the pseudonym by which George Zucco is evidently known in more nefarious circles. There's no plot to this movie. The rain has washed out the bridge to Canada and is forcing these folks, plus a couple trying to elope, to stay at the Black Raven Inn. They've all got separate agendas until it's known that there's $50,000 floating around and that changes everything. There is some terrific atmosphere and a semi-eerie old dark house setting. There is also some unwelcome comic relief, which is a staple of these 1940s mysteries, this time mainly from handyman Glenn Strange. It's nothing too special but enjoyable B fare.

Cristi_Ciopron Dear reader, do you like the _mefistofelic Zucco? A once known character actor, he had nonetheless some leading roles; a few. And the intelligent, phlegmatic guy from BLACK RAVEN suits daddy Zucco just well. A nice lead in a short, rapid flick, in a very humble and unassuming class of mystery flicks. They ask average competence (and no budget) to make for average fun. At least they sometimes had the decency to secure a notable lead—a Karloff, a Lugosi or at least a Zucco or other 'B' glory. Such flicks are no cinema—just like a newspaper isn't literature; it's stuff to be consumed. It's useless to rate them; they're just their class. For something smarter, check elsewhere.BLACK RAVEN is a short flick about a tempestuous evening near the Canadian border. Zucco plays the owner of the place where all the characters gather and a plot is dressed up. This mystery movie has nothing even remotely original or memorable—just a short story shortly told. You know I have found a kind word for other flicks of this class—in previous comments—and I'll oblige this time too, basically repeating my recommendation—if rightly assessed, BLACK RAVEN offers what's expected from this genre. Not to be preferred to anything else.But if you were expecting in any way something better, or classier, then, my lad, get the freak out of here!

MarcoAntonio1 Many people have found that most DVD editions of "The Black Raven" to be too dark in places and of overall poor quality. I've found a nice, bright restored version of it on a triple feature DVD called Black & Blue Collection which is available through the Roan Group.com. It's compiled with "Black Dragons" and the most perfect copy of "Bluebeard" that I've ever seen (other DVD's of "Bluebeard" on the market are too grainy, edited or have bad sound). Anyway, "The Black Raven" focuses on a group of people who are trying to get over the Canadian border for different reasons but are forced by a rainstorm and washed-out bridges to spend the night at the shadowy Black Raven Inn. The film has plenty of old dark house atmosphere plus the effective relentless howling of the wind and the pounding of the rain. George Zucco and Wanda McKay give good performances in this intriguing murder mystery. Enjoy it in its most perfect DVD edition. It really makes a difference!

timreasmith If you have a taste for old B-movie mysteries, this film will interest you. It delivers a good moody atmosphere with great shots of down-pouring rain, dark cellars and interesting characters. Various groups of people all become stranded at a spooky motel after a rain storm has closed the local highways leading out. A great cast of veteran actors make this little mystery worth watching. George Zucco is at his B-movie best. Glenn Strange gives us some good comedy relief. Plus, there is not much cheesy over-acting that you sometimes find in low budget movies.Here's a cool suggestion: Go rent the current movie, 'Identity' starring John Cusack. Then watch The Black Raven. You may be as amazed, as I was, at how much of the characters, plot and setting appeared to be lifted from this movie. I am not suggesting that they were stolen. If you have already seen 'Identity' you will understand that a certain character in the film seems to have spun a tale based on what he saw watching "an old movie". I'm just saying that I think 'The Black Raven' is the movie that they are referring to. While the character nor the movie maker actually says this, there is one reference in 'Identity' where a girl says, "This is like that old movie where everybody is trapped in hotel..." This probably doesn't make much sense unless you have seen both mentioned movies.Don't misunderstand me, I thought the movie 'Identity' was a brilliant display of script-writing. Way to go, Michael Cooney.