'The Devil-Doll' (1936)

After the disastrous commercial failure of 'Freaks,' director Tod Browning turned to more traditional horror fare but his work was still disquietingly creepy. Here we have Devil's Island escapee Lionel Barrymore shrinking criminals to doll size to wreak his revenge on those who sent him up. The great thing about these midget menaces is they can disguise themselves as Christmas tree ornaments by day and do their murderous work undetected by night. The special effects are surprisingly good for the period.