The Turn to Gruesomeness in American Horror Films, 1931-1936

Taking a fresh look at the horror genre from 1931 to 1936, this critical study examines “happy ending” horror in relation to industry practices and censorship. Early works like Murders in the Rue Morgue (1932) and The Raven (1935) may be more akin to The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (2003) and Saw (2004) than many critics believe.