"The Raven" (1935)

Above, Bela Lugosi as Poe fanatic Dr. Richard Vollin.

Following The Black Cat, Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi were teamed again in 1935's The Raven.   In this movie, the roles were switched to having Lugosi play the mad Dr. Richard Vollin and Karloff playing the hunted, but sympathetic criminal Edmond Bateman.  In The Black Cat, Lugosi was the "good guy" and Karloff the "bad guy."

Above, Jean Thatcher (Irene Ware) and Dr. Vollin (Lugosi).

In The Raven, Lugosi saves the life of dancer Jean Thatcher (Irene Ware) and falls in love with her.  Vollin is an Edgar Allan Poe fanatic who has built torture devices as described in Poe's stories.

Above, Vollin unveils Bateman's (Boris Karloff) ugly face so he will do "ugly things."

Vollin disfigures Bateman to force him to do his bidding ("If one is hideously ugly, he will do ugly things," is Vollin's reasoning).   Judge Thatcher (Jean's father played by Samuel S. Hinds) objects to Jean being involved with Vollin.  Thatcher confronts Vollin, causing Vollin's mind to snap.

Above, Vollin  falling deeper into madness.

Vollin decides to host an overnight party at his mansion.  When his guests retire for the night, Vollin switches on various devices to prevent his guests from leaving and to torture those who denied him his "great love."

Above, Dr. Vollin has gone completely bonkers.

The Raven is a fun movie with Lugosi as his most exuberant as the mad Dr. Vollin.  He almost goes over-the-top in his portrayal.   Karloff carries off the sympathetic Bateman role well under heavy facial make-up and manages to give a Frankenstein Monster growl or two.

Bateman turns on Vollin and puts Vollin in one of his own torture devices after being shot by Vollin.
The Raven was directed by Louis Friedlander (later known as Lew Landers, he directed some episodes of the Adventures of Superman in the 1950s).

The Invisible Ray, with Karloff and Lugosi, followed The Raven in 1936.