Critic Shelf
Home
Discover
Your rating
Tap a star, half steps count

Val Lewton: The Man in the Shadows

The story behind the master of psychological terror.
Sep 2, 2007 · 1h 17m
No ratings yet
Documentary
TV Movie

PLOT

Martin Scorsese narrates this tribute to Val Lewton, the producer of a series of memorable low-budget horror films for RKO Studios. Raised by his mother and his aunt, his films often included strong female characters who find themselves in difficult situations and who have to grow up quickly. He is best remembered for the horror films he made at RKO starting in 1940. Starting with only a title - his first was The Cat People - he would meticulously oversee every aspect of the film's completion. Although categorized as horror films, his films never showed a monster, leaving it all to the viewers imagination, assisted by music, mood and lighting.

REVIEWS

View reviews

CAST

Martin Scorsese
Narrator (voice)
Elias Koteas
Val Lewton (voice)
Glen Gabbard
Self
Roger Corman
Self
Ann Carter
Self
Kiyoshi Kurosawa
Self
Geoffrey O'Brien
Self
Alexander Nemerov
Self
Directed by Kent Jones

DETAILS

Status
Released
Original language
EN
Budget
—
Revenue
—
Production
Turner Entertainment Co., Sikelia Productions, Turner Classic Movies
Country
US

SIMILAR TITLES

Cut
1976
Cinema Through the Eye of Magnum
2017
Tell Them Who You Are
2004
Ciné regards: Tess: Roman Polanski
1979
Dark Glamour: The Blood and Guts of Hammer Productions
2017
Once Upon a Time...: Children of Paradise
2009
Critic Shelf
Rate what you watch, show it on shelves, and compare taste with anyone. Film and TV data from TMDB.
ACCOUNT
Sign in
Create account
Delete account
COMPANY
About
Contact
Privacy
Terms
This product uses TMDB and the TMDB APIs but is not endorsed, certified, or otherwise approved by TMDB.
© 2026 Critic Shelf
WATCH · RATE · COMPARE