Starring Laura La Plante, Creighton Hale, Forrest Stanley, Tully Marshall, Gertrude Astor
Directed by Paul Leni
(actor & director credits courtesy IMDB.com)
After a wealthy man dies, he stipulates that his will may not be read until 20 years later, and when that time arrives, his relatives show up at the dreary mansion said to be haunted by his ghost.
One of the earliest "old dark house" mystery films that became ubiquitous, particularly in the 1930s and 1940s, this silent picture was directed by Paul Leni, a German immigrant who brought some unique expressionistic ideas to his American films. These are prevalent early on as a mobile camera takes us through the mansion, and superimposed shots combine separate images into one, in an interesting effect. The story, with La Plante being named the sole heir, but having to contend with a secret second heir trying to drive her insane, is highlighted by mysterious disappearances and sinister hands reaching out from secret passages. Unfortunately, I think the film overdoes the comic relief, largely featuring Creighton Hale as a timid relative and love interest for La Plante in comic bits that don't really hold up that well today. Nonetheless, this is still an entertaining picture worth seeing for Leni's direction and Gilbert Warrenton's camerawork.
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