Synopsis:
Based on the novel BENIGHTED by J.B. Priestly, THE OLD DARK HOUSE is the second of James Whale's classic horror films (FRANKENSTEIN). Driving through a terrible rainstorm, Philip and Margaret...
Based on the novel BENIGHTED by J.B. Priestly, THE OLD DARK HOUSE is the second of James Whale's classic horror films (FRANKENSTEIN). Driving through a terrible rainstorm, Philip and Margaret Waverton (Raymond Massey, Gloria Stuart) and their prankster friend, Penderel (Melvyn Douglas), suddenly find the road blocked by avalanches. Spying lights ahead, they hammer on the door of a creepy mansion, which is opened by the hideous, towering butler, Morgan (Boris Karloff). The house's inhabitants, Horace Femm (Ernest Thesiger), a funereal gentleman, and his shrill, mostly deaf sister, Rebecca (Eva Moore), provide a cold welcome.
The situation gets spooky when fanatical Rebecca tells Margaret about the death of her "wicked" 21-year-old sister, and Horace warns the guests about Morgan's impending drunken violence. Some levity is provided by the arrival of two more windblown travelers--the boisterous Sir William Porterhouse (Charles Laughton) and his chorus girl companion, Gladys (Lillian Bond). The five hapless guests must band together to fight the increasingly violent and supernatural happenings and to discover what lurks behind the padlocked door on the landing. The combination of Whale's beautifully expressionist cinematography, black comedy, suspense, and fine performances makes for gripping viewing throughout.
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