The Old Dark House
by James Whale
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Boris Karloff, Charles Laughton, Gloria Stuart, Lilian Bond, Melvyn DouglasDirector: James Whale
Brand: Kino International
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono; English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono
Format: Black & White, DVD, NTSC, Special Edition
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 72 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2003-09-02
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: KINO VIDEO
Movie Reviews of The Old Dark House
Movie Review: "No beds! You can't have beds!" -- Rebecca Femm
Summary: 5 Stars
"You revel in the joys of fleshly love, don't you?" -- Rebecca Femm to the horrified, and quite lovely, Margaret Waverton
This wonderful curio from the early 1930's captures all that was best about the old spooky house genre. Director James Whale injected it with dry, sardonic humor, a dash of romance, and enough thrills to keep audiences in their seats on a rainy night. A hybrid of America and England, it has an odd lineage, and was both successful and a flop all in one go. J.B. Priestley's 1927 novel, Benighted, was actually published in the United States under the title Whale kept for the film. The adaptation to the screen was credited to Benn Levy, but some input was given by R.C. Sherriff. The sophisticated repartee between the characters and the often black humor did not mesh with American audiences who possibly had expected something closer to Frankenstein than the delightful Old Dark House film they got once the lights went down. Audiences in England embraced it, however, making it another big hit for the director there.
As with many of these early 1930's films, one must view it themselves before dismissing or lauding its merits, either as entertainment, or art. Many films during this period which enjoyed a modicum of popularity prove not to hold up with the passage of time, while others which disappeared quickly, have attained legendary status. Also, many films often given little consideration by today's critics, which were popular with audiences during their initial release, prove quite charming and entertaining still, only enforcing the view that critics are sorely out of touch with the public. In the case of The Old Dark House, it is the widely held view of classic film fans and critics that England got it right. Fun, humorous, and with a few creaky thrills, it is fabulous to watch today, the dust on the story only adding a nostalgic charm when viewed today. The cast includes greats, and soon to be greats, making for a delightful escape into another time and place for the moviegoer.
On a stormy road in Wales, three travelers are nearly washed into a gloomy old mansion, forced to spend the night and brave the creepiness within. In the car is a dashing former soldier with no means of support, and a married couple. Gorgeous Gloria Stuart is most feminine as the scared wife of Philip Waverton, Margaret. Raymond Massey is her husband, and an agreeable Melvyn Douglas is already displaying the light charm which would carry him through decades of great films, as Roger Penderel. Stopping by for the same reasons are Charles Laughton, as businessman Sir William Porterhouse, and Lilian Bond as his platonic companion and ex-chorus girl, Gladys DuCane/Perkins. There to welcome them, if one could call it that, is a gibbering and virtually unrecognizable Boris Karloff as the butler, Morgan. Eva Moore, as Rebecca Femm, nearly drives every one of them mad with her misplaced fervor, and her droll and cowardly husband Horace, portrayed in winning fashion by Ernest Thesiger, is hiding something as well.
To reveal more might ruin the surprises for those who haven't seen this delightful bit of spooky fun. An old mansion lit only by candles, a voice up the stairs, a dangerous butler, and the storm itself create the chills while Douglas and Bond provide the romance. If that isn't to warm you this film, Gloria Stuart runs around frightened, in scantily clad elegance, for nearly the entire film! All the players seem to have understood what they were making here, and it shows in their lively performances. A true early 1930's classic, this one is a must see, and perfect with a bowl of popcorn on a rainy night, with the lights off. Terrific fun!
Summary of The Old Dark House
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