This was one of the very first horror movies I ever watched. Claude Rains pulling off those bandages to reveal ... nothing .... was terrifying. Given, 80+ years later it's not quite as shocking as it was when I was who knows how young (8, 10, I don't remember). H.G Wells penned the original story (he's probably best known for The Time Machine, however) and liked the movie except that in the book his character is brilliant and in the movie the main character has been changed.

The special effects for 1933 were groundbreaking. It's worth reading the Wikipedia article to learn more about how it was all done, because it is quite effective.

At any rate, the black and white just adds to the mood and atmosphere. This is classic horror along with Frankenstein, Lon Chaney in The Wolfman and Bela Lugosi as Dracula. I'd also put The Mummy (Boris Karloff!!!!). So many, many great horror classics.

This movie is only 72 minutes long, including the opening and closing credits! They knew how to tighten up a story in 1933. A lot could be learned about script and film economy studying this as source. Highly recommended, especially for nostalgic horror fans.