The Old Dark House
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Movie Reviews of The Old Dark House
Movie Review: DON'T WATCH THIS ALONE IN THE DARK!
Summary: 5 Stars
This film features Boris Karloff (of Frankenstein fame) as the alcoholic and crazed butler along with many other notables such as Melvyn Douglas, Gloria Stuart, Charles Laughton, Lilian Bond and Raymond Massey. It is directed by James Whale also of Frankenstein fame. The quality of the video transfer is very good in my opinion especially considering it was originally released in 1932.
The film is witty, surprising yet still "Dark" in nature. As with most "Haunted House" films, it starts out with several travelers who suddenly find themselves spending the night at the old dark house. It contains many surprises and is truly scary with no special effects. You definitely don't want to watch this alone in the dark!
Special features include audio commentaries by actress Gloria Stuart (Titanic) and James Curtis (author of the Biography of James Whale "A World of Gods and Monsters". It also includes a filmed interview with Curtis Harrington and a gallery of production and publicity stills from the film.
"The Old Dark House" is highly recommended if you enjoy the classic horror films of the 1930's and 1940's.
Movie Review: Don't Let This Hidden Gem Get Away!
Summary: 5 Stars
Haunted houses don't normally exist with heavenly hosts who can be accurately described as peculiar, whimsical, eccentric, and strangely charming. A dark stormy night is the catalyst as weary travelers arrive and enter the mysterious old mansion hoping to avoid the lesser of two evils (being stranded in a car stuck in the mud on an unpaved country road). Despite the looming threat of unimaginable horror, the movie remains essentially passive. It turns out to be quite an intelligent collection of unconventional characters who combine to assure a "5-star" rating for this quirky, comedic melodrama. A highly unique and creepy spook house atmosphere is enhanced by a sinister and downright nasty lady of the house. But it's all in good fun, and the acting is brilliant (Gloria Stewart is my personal faviorite but the entire cast is great!). DVD quality is very good here, especially considering this 1932 production was almost lost forever (more details provided in the special DVD "extras").Movie Review: This Old Queer House
Summary: 5 Stars
The Old Dark House is not your orthodox horror movie. Far from it. The real specter here is secret queer vein running through the story. While heterosexuals may see this movie as a strange horror movie (there are no real monsters or ghosts) the real ghost is the specter of homosexuality. The queer in-joke of the family Femm of the titular home. The head of the Femm Family Roderick is played by actress Elspeth Dudgeon which is just the pinnacle of the queerness abound. Boris Karloff's psychotic Morgan who is in a deadly attraction to Melyvn Douglas as Roger Penderel. Their elaborate courtship is fraught with sexual tension with homicide as the only climax possible. Ernest Thesiger chews the scenery shamelessly as the strange and effeminate Horace Femm. Charles Laughton enters as the most unlikely heterosexual man.Movie Review: I Like Gin!
Summary: 5 Stars
One of the best movies I've ever seen. Made by the guy that made the original Frankenstein, James Whale. This movie has great characters and tons of funny lines. 90% of the actors in this movie wouldn't be working in present day Hollywood because of their imperfect looks. I've watched this movie about 50 times and it never gets tired. Kind of a horror/comedy as the characters are both scary and full of dark humor in the Old Dark House and wait until you meet the insane Saul near the end of the film! Charles Laughton as Mr. Porterhouse and Karloff as the Butler Morgan are superb. Watch as the actors look like they're laughing inside as they play their parts. "Have a potato.", "No beds!", etc. among the many catch lines you'll be quoting. Great fun and character, character, character!Movie Review: Karloff is Creepy as Ever
Summary: 5 Stars
After getting lost in the Welsh Mountains a group people seek safety from a raging storm at a nearby creepy old mansion. The house is occupied by a strange group of people to include Morgan (Karloff - his first staring role) who is a mute butler, who becomes dangerous when drunk. The secret of The Old Dark House is revealed!The movie has a number of stars or soon to be stars:
Boris Karloff - Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, The Mummy, etc.
Raymond Massey - Things to Come
Melvyn Douglas - Tonight or Never, The Vampire Bat
Gloria Stuart - Secret of the Blue Room, The Invisible Man
Charles Laughton - Island of Lost Souls, Mutiny on the Bounty, Hunchback of Notre Dame
Ernest Thesiger - Bride of Frankenstein, The Man in the White Suit, The Robe