Anyone who has read the story will appreciate the first couple of reels. The cameo roles are all in this section (you know, real actors), and these small parts are played with a barren authenticity which successfully communicates the childlike vulnerability of these hillfolk, a major element of the original story. The filmmakers must be given props for these opening scenes, for they do flirt with genius.
Now, if ever there was a greater contrast than day and night it would be the body of this film as opposed to it's intro. Dear God, the acting is not acting, the dialogue is stale, overwritten, and unnecessary in far too many places. The "horrors" of the asylum seem hasty, and are just lame. It's bad. It's like the film making talent was checked at the front desk of the asylum. WHAT HAPPENED ????
