The Island of Doctor Moreau is an 1896 science fiction novel by H. G. Wells. It is a disturbing story of a scientist who attempts to convert animals into human beings on a remote island. At the time there was growing discussion in Europe regarding degeneration and animal vivisection. The novel deals with themes of pain and cruelty, moral responsibility, human identity, and interference with nature.
Three movies were made from the novel, including Island of Lost Souls in 1932, and The Island of Dr. Moreau in 1977 and 1996. Island of Lost Souls starred Charles Laughton, Richard Arlen, Leila Hyams, Bela Lugosi and Kathleen Burke as the Panther Woman. It was initially banned in the UK because it portrayed cruelty to animals. H. G. Wells felt that the film's overt horror elements overshadowed the story's deeper philosophical meaning.
The film is the source of the saying "The natives are restless tonight." It has inspired many songs including Devo's "Are We Not Men?," Oingo Boingo's "No Spill Blood," Van Halen's "House of Pain," and the stage act of horror-rock band the Manimals.