Karloff does in this role, what Lugosi did in his role as Dr. Vollin in THE RAVEN. He let's it all hang out as he plays the mad Dr. Laurience, who invents a fantastic device that transfers personalities from one body to another. Don't confuse this title with some of Karloff's later Columbia mad doctor pictures. This one was produced by British Gaumont and easily stands on it's own merits. Great lab scenes and a terrific climax. One of the classic horror films of the 1930's. Never seen it? You're missing one helluva movie.