The Old Dark House - Will's review

A flooding and landslides cause a group of strangers to seek shelter at a rundown mansion, inhabited by Horace and Rebecca Femm, an ageing brother and sister, and their mute butler (Karloff). As the night progress, the family's secrets come to torment them, and their unwitting guests.

Beyond that, I don't want to say to much about the plot; as is often the case with older movies the plot is thin, and not really the point. Where the movie shines is it's atmosphere. The house is beautifully realised and filled with shadows, and it comes across brilliantly as one of those places that would be just dandy while people are around, but may leave you looking for an excuse to go do something somewhere else should you find yourself alone there.  

Karloff is given little to do, but (of course) excels with what he has to work with, and it is a testament to both him as an actor, and the movie's make-up person, that he is all but unrecognisable. 

The actors and characters are solid enough all around (save for a walking, talking "fat jolly northern loudmouth" stereotype), with special mention going to Ernest Thesiger (Bride of Frankenstein's Dr. Pretorius) as the godless yet cowardly Horace. 

Director James Whale (Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein) once more demonstrates his skill in blending comedy and horror, and at using light and shade to make simple sets look their very best. Also look out for a genuine "how did they do that?" Shadow moment where Karloff appears behind one of our heroins. 

All in all, if you appreciate that certain something that makes old movies great, this is a damn fine example.