The Old Dark House reviews
Review by on 21 Sep 2008
First film of a fairly thin season at this year's Cambridge Film Festival, and part of the Karloff strand. Based on a JB Priestley novel, this film opens with a Producer's Note stating that yes, this is the same Karloff as did Frankenstein. since his first appearance might make you think you were watching Lon Chaney in The Wolf-Man, this may not be too out of place.
The film has not aged well over the last 75 years, even when factoring in being an early example of disparate travellers forced to shelter in a house occupied by the somewhat strange; or when allowing for the various impositions of the time. Continuity editing has come a long way in the interim, the lack of which is where the film grated.
A serious slice of ham and cheese to start off with.
First film of a fairly thin season at this year's Cambridge Film Festival, and part of the Karloff strand. Based on a JB Priestley novel, this film opens with a Producer's Note stating that yes, this is the same Karloff as did Frankenstein. since his first appearance might make you think you were watching Lon Chaney in The Wolf-Man, this may not be too out of place.The film has not aged well over the last 75 years, even when factoring in being an early example of disparate travellers forced to shelter in a house occupied by the somewhat strange; or when allowing for the various impositions of the time. Continuity editing has come a long way in the interim, the lack of which is where the film grated.
A serious slice of ham and cheese to start off with.
Review by on 20 Sep 2008
How else could a tribute to the legendary Boris Karloff begin, other than a late-night screening of one of the star’s first horror films?
One rainy night a group of travellers are forced to knock on the door of a, surprisingly, dark old house only to be greeted by an eerie butler. But the house holds deeper secrets, and the guests soon discover the horror of the owners that dwell upstairs…
As with many films of this period, the frightening aspect has diminished with age, replaced by what now seems like charming dialogue and subtle innuendos, yet retaining moments of sinister realisms. In this way the film comes to life in a child-like manner, for it must be remembered that these films were the first of their kind. From this shadowy world emerge so many of the great horror movies that we know today, with examples ranging from PSYCHO to THE OTHERS apparent in the bizarre characters and classic settings.
The film also marked the second collaboration between director James Whales and Boris Karloff. The on-going relationship (which would continue with BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN after this film) is evident in the portrayal of Karloff’s butler, who is by far the most interesting character – even shot in a different way to the others - despite having the least screen time.
Perhaps not the experience it once was, THE OLD DARK HOUSE is still a testament to the captivating Karloff, and the perfect start to the rest of his unforgettable roles to show at the festival.
Mike Boyd, Festival Daily
How else could a tribute to the legendary Boris Karloff begin, other than a late-night screening of one of the star’s first horror films?One rainy night a group of travellers are forced to knock on the door of a, surprisingly, dark old house only to be greeted by an eerie butler. But the house holds deeper secrets, and the guests soon discover the horror of the owners that dwell upstairs…
As with many films of this period, the frightening aspect has diminished with age, replaced by what now seems like charming dialogue and subtle innuendos, yet retaining moments of sinister realisms. In this way the film comes to life in a child-like manner, for it must be remembered that these films were the first of their kind. From this shadowy world emerge so many of the great horror movies that we know today, with examples ranging from PSYCHO to THE OTHERS apparent in the bizarre characters and classic settings.
The film also marked the second collaboration between director James Whales and Boris Karloff. The on-going relationship (which would continue with BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN after this film) is evident in the portrayal of Karloff’s butler, who is by far the most interesting character – even shot in a different way to the others - despite having the least screen time.
Perhaps not the experience it once was, THE OLD DARK HOUSE is still a testament to the captivating Karloff, and the perfect start to the rest of his unforgettable roles to show at the festival.
Mike Boyd, Festival Daily
Film details
The Old Dark House
BORIS KARLOFF: THE UNIVERSAL FACE OF HORROR
Director: James Whale
Actor: Raymond Massey
Actor: Gloria Stewart
Actor: Boris Karloff
Actor: Melvyn Douglas
Actor: Charles Laughton
Actor: Raymond Massey
Actor: Gloria Stewart
Actor: Boris Karloff
Actor: Melvyn Douglas
Actor: Charles Laughton
USA, 1932.
72 mins. English.
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