The Corpse Vanishes (1942)

The Corpse Vanishes (1942) is a low-budget horror film starring Bela Lugosi. The story revolves around a mad scientist, Dr. Lorenz (Lugosi), who is involved in a sinister plot to preserve the youth and beauty of his aging wife by stealing the life essence from young brides on their wedding days. Lorenz and his accomplices kidnap the brides after they mysteriously die at the altar, using a special orchid that releases a deadly gas. Once in his lab, he drains their vital fluids to create a serum that rejuvenates his wife. A determined reporter, Patricia Hunter (played by Luana Walters), begins investigating the strange string of bridal deaths and uncovers the horrifying truth behind Lorenz's experiments.

The movie is a mix of gothic horror and classic B-movie elements, with Lugosi's presence adding an eerie, commanding tone to the otherwise campy storyline. While it’s considered a minor film in Lugosi’s career, The Corpse Vanishes holds a special place in classic horror due to its bizarre plot and old-school atmosphere.

It's a quintessential example of 1940s horror, capturing the eerie charm of the era's B-movies.