The film showcases Browning's unsettling miniature creations. Paul Lavond is unjustly imprisoned, enduring his sentence on the brutal Devil’s Island. With the help of an eccentric scientist named Marcel, he manages to escape and finds shelter in Marcel’s abandoned laboratory. Initially horrified, Lavond comes to recognize the genius behind Marcel’s inventions—a serum capable of shrinking any living thing to a miniature size. Discovering this formula, and using a disguise as an elderly woman, Lavond intends to carry out terrible retribution against those responsible for his wrongful conviction and imprisonment. It's unusual for me to long to be older, but I find myself wishing that was the case, because I imagine how frightened I would have been in 1936 watching Browning’s tiny people torment Lionel Barrymore’s vengeful character! Of course, now it seems somewhat dated, but among those kinds of films, this one is truly exceptional. The special effects remain impressive even today, considering the current reliance on extravagant visual effects solely to boost box office numbers; the oversized sets and props are skillfully crafted. Barrymore clearly enjoys himself and keeps the audience engaged from beginning to end, supported by the lovely Maureen O’Sullivan and a stern Robert Greig. Adapted from Abraham Merritt's novel Burn Witch Burn! (with Erich von Stroheim sharing screenplay credit!), it is really cinematographer Leonard Smith who deserves the most praise. He perfectly captures the story’s fantastical elements; only with clearer digital versions do we truly appreciate how much a talented cinematographer can contribute to films needing atmospheric detail. I still wish I could have experienced this on a large, old-fashioned screen back in 1936! 7.5/10

Source on TMDB