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A terrific print of a wonderful old cult favorite. Stellar cast (Charles Laughton's first time in front of the cameras in the US), two academy award winners (Laughton and Melvyn Douglas), and two nominees (Gloria Stuart and Raymond Massey join an ensemble featuring some of James Whale's iconic character actors- 'John' Elspeth Dudgeon and the irrepressible Ernest Thesiger. The action is fast paced, the sets terrific, and the story, while stretching the credulity of the viewer, manages to surprise and delight. Karloff's turn as the mute butler is in turn fierce and filled with pathos. A really fun movie.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
When a mud slide blocks a road our travel weary rain soaked cast seek refuge and stumble onto the home of the original dysfunctional family who begrudgingly offer shelter, food and too much information! 1932 offered nothing in the way of today's special effects but that's some of the fun of this film. Set mainly in the living quarters of a gloomy manor THE OLD DARK HOUSE wants for nothing but a bowl of popcorn. There is the manor's matriarch, a Bible quoting self righteous crone, her anxious formally attired brother, a dumb and disfigured alcoholic man servant (played by Boris Karloff)who is retained to keep another family member,a pyromaniac brother, under lock and key, and their bed-ridden invalid father ingeniusly portrayed by an actress! The remainder of the characters, portrayed as your average socially complicated "30-somethings",today provide an amusing example for how time has not change human nature. There is never a dull moment from very the start when the country road goes out to the chase scene through the house where after justice gets served, love is found and the torrential rains eventually stops. Having seen THE OLD DARK HOUSE several times I have often wondered if the cast enjoyed making this film as much as I enjoy watching it every time! Two of my favorite scenes take place in the dining hall where a meal is served (table manners make for excellant horror)and in a bedroom where the film's unnerved ingenue in her silk slip is lasciviously observed and critiqued by the aged mistress of the house! How could I NOT want to own a copy of this movie? 1932 Universal Film directed by James Whale features Charles Laughton, Gloria Stuart, Melvyn Douglas, Raymond Massey, Lillian Bond, Boris Karloff, Eva Moore,Ernest Theisiger, Brember Wills and Elspeth Dudgeon. B/W,72 minutesRead full review
this is a great early James Whale film... some interesting characters. And interesting to see early performances by Raymond Massey, Charles Laughton, Gloria Stwuart, Melvan Douglas and Lillian Bond. Less we forget Borris Karloff. I think one of the most interesting thing about this film is that you get to see sound film in its infancy...it certainly has suspense and humor....Not as terrifiying as it was in its day..but certainly a great a film that will hold you interest. I feel it is a must for film fans.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The first time I saw this movie, I thought it was the strangest one I've ever seen, but since then, I've watched twice and love it !...... Have a potato !
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
This is another film I've forgotten just how good it was until I recently re-watched it again. I have to say this is one of the best classic horror films I've ever seen. It's is bizarre, twisted and very good. Horace Femm - is the most sane of the insane Femm family, he's a very odd and nervous type of fellow. His sister, Rebecca Femm , is almost sane but very weird indeed. Saul Femm is the eldest brother and is completely insane pyromaniac. Sir Roderick Femm, the father, who is 102 and bedridden - he is a very creepy fellow but helps to fill in the story of the Femm family and their sick-o drunk butler Morgan. Yes this movie is definitely worth watching if you enjoy older horror stories involving insanity and creepy old houses. 10/10
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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