The Spiral Staircase (1946)
Genre: Mystery / Thriller
Duration: 83 minuten
Alternative title: De Wenteltrap
Country:
United States
Directed by: Robert Siodmak
Stars: Dorothy McGuire, George Brent and Ethel Barrymore
IMDb score:
7,3 (12.397)
Releasedate: 6 February 1946
This movie is not available on US streaming services.
The Spiral Staircase plot
"Conflicts that freeze your emotions! Suspense that takes your breath!"
A woman who works in a country house is warned about a maniac who kills people with disabilities. If she doesn't leave on time, it's too late. It appears that the man has broken in and is lurking.
Actors and actresses
Helen
Professor Warren
Mrs. Warren
Dr. Parry
Blanche
Steve Warren
Mrs. Oates
Nurse Barker
Mr. Oates
Constable
Reviews & comments
Aapje81
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- 2227 messages
- 5200 votes
Very atmospheric film that contains a number of threatening scenes. In terms of story, the film reminded me of Wait Until Dark at times.
The plot is not that spectacular but the film does not feel outdated due to a number of innovative scenes. In terms of acting, Ethal Barrymore in particular stood out positively.
Small classic that has stood the test of time.
Good.
Translated from Dutch · View original
Dievegge
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- 3180 messages
- 8230 votes
Dorothy McGuire proves to be very good at pantomime, because she has to do everything with her body language and facial expression. Helen's mutism is the result of a childhood trauma. The cause is therefore psychological, not physical. Another woman with a physical disability is the bedridden Mrs. Warren (Ethel Barrymore). She too, however, proves to be capable of more in an emergency. A more comical role is for Elsa Lanchester as a housekeeper and thief of a bottle of brandy.
The Vermont mansion is a Hollywood set with a Gothic feel. In 1906, it is still plausible that there was only candlelight. The lighting creates an eerie atmosphere, with dark rooms, contrasting light, silhouettes and the shadow of staircase posts. The house can be interpreted symbolically as a person, with Mrs. Warren as the conscience on the top floor, and the basement as the subconscious with repressed fears.
The spiral staircase provided an opportunity for suspenseful scenes in which someone walks up or down with a candlestick, and for an alternation between a bird's-eye view and a frog's-eye view. The murderer's perception is sometimes shown. The eye and hand in the close-ups are those of director Robert Siodmak. Helen can be seen as a reflection in a mirror and in the evil eye. Once there is a stain where her mouth should be. She also has a daydream that turns into a nightmare.
Sound effects of thunder and slamming doors add to the fearful atmosphere. Roy Webb wrote symphonic background music. For the scenes in which the killer strikes, he used a theremin, an early electronic instrument with a spooky sound. It is an atmospheric, carefully constructed crime story about a vulnerable woman who is easy to sympathize with.
Translated from Dutch · View original
scorsese
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- 13237 messages
- 11127 votes
Good film in which a serial killer targets women with a disability. In terms of plot not always equally entertaining, especially because the killer is pushed too much into the background for a long time. Very atmospheric and mysterious (the old house and constant sounds of thunder). Still just 3.5 stars because it is all beautifully portrayed.
Translated from Dutch · View original
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