Writer/producer Val Lewton was the mastermind of a series of World-War-II-era RKO thrillers, most combining horror and film noir elements and gainfully employing some of the best, neglected actors
in Holly wood. Lewton’s productions were subtle and unnerving and have earned a unique place in film history. Instead of sets, Lewton used shadows. Instead of costly ad campaigns, Lewton’s films
boasted such attention-grabbing titles as “I Walked With a Zombie” and “Cat People.” Lewton was the spiritual godfather of such B-movie horror film legends as Samuel Z. Arkoff and Roger Corman. “The Glitter of Putrescence: Val Lewton at RKO” runs today through March 30 at Harvard Film Archive. Tickets: $12; hcl.harvard.edu/hfa.  — JAMES VERNIERE