The Man with Nine Lives 1940
"He kills in the name of science...Tombs of ice for the living...Chambers of horror for the dead!"
In *The Man with Nine Lives (1940)*, visionary but misunderstood scientist Dr. Leon Kravaal pioneers a radical medical breakthrough: freezing patients to cure terminal illness.
Director: Nick Grindé
Cast
Boris Karloff
Dr. Leon Kravaal
Roger Pryor
Dr. Tim Mason
Jo Ann Sayers
Nurse Judith Blair
Stanley Brown
Bob Adams
John Dilson
John Hawthorne
Hal Taliaferro
Sheriff Stanton
Byron Foulger
Dr. Bassett
Charles Trowbridge
Dr. Harvey
Ernie Adams
Pete Daggett
Minta Durfee
Frozen Therapy Patient (uncredited)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *The Man with Nine Lives* (1940) about?
The film follows Dr. Leon Kravaal, whose groundbreaking cryogenic cure for cancer goes awry when he's forced to freeze himself and others to escape prosecution. Decades later, they're revived, but human flaws and ambition threaten to derail his bold experiment.
Who directed *The Man with Nine Lives*?
The film was directed by Nick Grindé, known for his work in early genre films blending horror and mystery.
Who stars in *The Man with Nine Lives*?
Boris Karloff headlines the cast as Dr. Leon Kravaal, joined by Roger Pryor, Jo Ann Sayers, and Stanley Brown.
Is *The Man with Nine Lives* (1940) worth watching?
While not as polished as modern horror, *The Man with Nine Lives* offers a fascinating snapshot of 1940s sci-fi, anchored by Karloff's compelling performance. Its themes of scientific ethics and revival make it a cult curiosity for fans of vintage genre films.
How long is *The Man with Nine Lives*?
The film runs 74 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About *The Man with Nine Lives* (1940) — Boris Karloff in a sci-fi horror classic of cryogenics and chaos
In *The Man with Nine Lives (1940)*, visionary but misunderstood scientist Dr. Leon Kravaal pioneers a radical medical breakthrough: freezing patients to cure terminal illness. When a tragic misunderstanding leads authorities to believe he's killed a subject, Kravaal escapes into self-imposed cryogenic suspension—only to be revived decades later, alongside those he once froze. Directed by Nick Grindé, this vintage sci-fi horror blends eerie atmosphere with ethical dilemmas, as Kravaal's ambitious experiment collides with human greed and the fragility of morality. Starring Boris Karloff in a chilling role, the film mixes mad-scientist intrigue with chilling visuals, from icy tombs to chambers of dread.
A tale of scientific hubris and second chances, *The Man with Nine Lives* explores the dark side of innovation—where progress and peril intertwine under the shadow of 1940s pulp horror sensibilities.
