In Hollywood from 1919 after extensive stage experience, Boris Karloff was a regular player of heavies and villains in silent films, but did not make his breakthrough until the sound era, when his distinctive, slightly lisping voice and talent for mime proved ideal for the title roles of films such as "Frankenstein" (1931) and "The Mummy" (1932). Although he never shook the "monster" characterization Karloff was a fine character actor, and played in a number of roles against type throughout his career. Among his greatest performances are his roles in such fine films as "The Black Cat" (1934), "Bride of Frankenstein" (1935), and "The Body Snatcher" (1945).

The costume horror epics of Hammer and American International Pictures (as well as the TV series "Thriller") gave the actor a new, young audience later in life for such enjoyable horror/fantasy vehicles as "Black Sabbath" and "The Raven" (both 1963). Ironically, one of his last performances was in Peter Bogdanovich's "Targets" (1968), where Karloff movingly played an aged horror film star whose brand of screen terror pales besides that of a real-life serial killer.