Condemned to Live

Condemned to Live

Year: 1935

Runtime: 67 mins

Language: English

Director: Frank R. Strayer

HorrorThriller

Haunted by a string of gruesome killings, a man discovers that his mother was bitten by a vampire bat while pregnant. Convinced the bite infected his unborn child, he begins to suspect he himself is the undead predator responsible for the murders, questioning his very humanity.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Condemned to Live yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Condemned to Live (1935)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Condemned to Live (1935). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The specific time period is not explicitly stated, but the setting suggests a historical context, possibly early 20th century. This era is characterized by limited scientific knowledge of disease and the supernatural, which influences the villagers' fears and reactions. The period also reflects early cinematic portrayals of horror rooted in scientific and folkloric myths.

Location

Europe, African cave

The movie takes place primarily in a small European village known for its tight-knit community and local folklore. It also features scenes in an African cave where the explorers are initially introduced. These contrasting locations highlight the transition from the unknown wilderness to familiar village life, emphasizing themes of mystery and the supernatural.

🌍 Diverse 🦇 Mysterious 🏡 Village

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:04

Main Characters – Condemned to Live (1935)

Meet the key characters of Condemned to Live (1935), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Professor Kristan (Ralph Morgan)

A scientist caught between his rational beliefs and his cursed condition. His transformation into a murderer during trance states highlights the tragic conflict between logic and uncontrollable impulses. He is oblivious to his actions, which adds to the horror of his dual nature.

🧬 Scientist 🧟‍♂️ Tragic 👔 Rational

Zan (Mischa Auer)

Kristan's loyal hunchback assistant who is aware of his condition. Zan is observant and protective, following Kristan to prevent him from being discovered. His loyalty underscores themes of friendship and betrayal.

🧍‍♂️ Loyal 🦽 Supportive 🕵️‍♂️ Confidant

Dr. Bizet (Pedro de Cordoba)

A friend and scientist who suspects the true nature of Kristan's condition. He provides the scientific explanation linking vampirism to inheritance, serving as a voice of reason amidst superstition.

🧪 Scientist 🔍 Investigator 🎓 Rational

Kristan's Fiancé (Maxine Doyle)

Kristan's lover who becomes a victim of his trance-induced attacks. Her assault marks the climax of the story, illustrating the tragic consequences of Kristan's condition.

💍 Lover 🚨 Victim ❤️ Innocent

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:04

Major Themes – Condemned to Live (1935)

Explore the central themes of Condemned to Live (1935), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧛‍♂️ Vampirism

Vampirism is central to the plot, symbolizing the fear of the unknown and the supernatural. The film explores the idea of cursed lineage and inherited traits, blurring the lines between science and myth. It delves into how fear can lead to mob justice and misunderstanding of nature.

🔬 Science vs. Superstition

The movie contrasts scientific explanation with superstition. Professor Kristan's scientific approach to the murders is challenged by the villagers' superstitious beliefs in monsters and curses. This theme underscores the tension between rationality and fear-driven reactions.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:04

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Condemned to Live

Don't stop at just watching — explore Condemned to Live in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Condemned to Live is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Condemned to Live Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Condemned to Live, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Condemned to Live Summary

Condemned to Live Timeline

Track the full timeline of Condemned to Live with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Condemned to Live Timeline

Condemned to Live Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Condemned to Live that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Condemned to Live Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Condemned to Live

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Condemned to Live: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Condemned to Live

Similar Movies to Condemned to Live

Discover movies like Condemned to Live that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.