The Mad Ghoul Poster

The Mad Ghoul 1943

★ 5.936 votes65 min📅 1943-11-12

"A Sensation in Horror!"

In "The Mad Ghoul (1943)", a brilliant but unhinged chemistry professor from a prestigious university unleashes a horrifying experiment inspired by ancient Mayan rituals.

Director: James P. Hogan

Cast

George Zucco
George Zucco
Dr. Alfred Morris
David Bruce
David Bruce
Ted Allison
Evelyn Ankers
Evelyn Ankers
Isabel Lewis
Turhan Bey
Turhan Bey
Eric Iverson
Robert Armstrong
Robert Armstrong
'Scoop' McClure
Milburn Stone
Milburn Stone
Sgt. Macklin
Addison Richards
Addison Richards
Editor Gavigan
Rose Hobart
Rose Hobart
Della Elliott, reporter
Andrew Tombes
Andrew Tombes
Mortician Eagan
Charles McGraw
Charles McGraw
Detective Garrity

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Mad Ghoul (1943) about?

A university professor uses a forbidden Mayan gas to turn a medical student into a murderous ghoul, hoping to control the young man's mind and reclaim his lover. But as the ghoul's bloodlust spirals, the professor's grand plan unravels in grotesque fashion.

Who directed The Mad Ghoul?

The film was directed by James P. Hogan, known for crafting atmospheric genre films in the 1940s.

Who stars in The Mad Ghoul?

The main cast includes George Zucco, David Bruce, Evelyn Ankers, Turhan Bey, and Milburn Stone.

Is The Mad Ghoul (1943) worth watching?

With its tight 65-minute runtime and classic Universal horror vibe, "The Mad Ghoul (1943)" is a hidden gem for fans of vintage terror. While not a blockbuster, its blend of mad science and gothic dread offers a satisfying, if underrated, viewing experience.

How long is The Mad Ghoul?

The Mad Ghoul (1943) runs for 65 minutes.

About The Mad Ghoul (1943) — Classic Horror Where Science and Mayan Curse Collide

In "The Mad Ghoul (1943)", a brilliant but unhinged chemistry professor from a prestigious university unleashes a horrifying experiment inspired by ancient Mayan rituals. His target is a promising medical student—a man whose heart belongs to the professor's own lover—whom he transforms into a bloodthirsty, undead killer using a mysterious gas. As the once-promising surgeon becomes a ravenous ghoul under the professor's control, the line between science and madness blurs in this chilling Universal horror classic.

Directed by James P. Hogan with a keen eye for eerie atmosphere, "The Mad Ghoul (1943)" delivers a deliciously dark blend of science fiction and horror. Featuring standout performances from George Zucco as the sinister professor and Evelyn Ankers as the doomed ingenue, the film weaves themes of obsession, ethical transgression, and the monstrous consequences of unchecked ambition. Shot in moody black-and-white, its claustrophobic sets and slow-burn tension create an unsettling journey into the heart of academic depravity.