MovieChat Forums > The Old Dark House (1932) Discussion > Decent

Decent

posted 16 years ago by Gotensive
3 replies | jump to latest

This was a decent little horror/comedy. The atmosphere was great, and it contained Whale's usual dark humor, but overall I think it stands as his weakest of his four "major films". Some of the performances were a bit hokey for my taste, and I felt that it dragged a bit, despite only being 70 something minutes. From the get go you knew everyone in the house was weird, but it took forever for anything to happen. I also found the "romance" between Gladys and William to be ridiculous. They just met, and yet he wanted to marry her? (and She apparently accepts). It just seemed ridiculous to me.

All and all, I give it a 6/10. It's a decent little film, but it doesn't come close to Whale's true masterpieces (Frankenstein and The Invisible Man). It's even inferior to Bride of Frankenstein.

Formally known as Coilector

[–] a_l_i_e_n 9 years ago

The atmosphere was great,

Sure was.

and it contained Whale's usual dark humor,

"No beds! They can't have beds!"

There were also some very creative and creepy shots, and the landslide that blocks the road is an 84 year old effects shot that still looks terrific.

but overall I think it stands as his weakest of his four "major films". Some of the performances were a bit hokey for my taste, and I felt that it dragged a bit, despite only being 70 something minutes. From the get go you knew everyone in the house was weird, but it took forever for anything to happen.

A thriller with that short a running time should not be tedious to sit through.

I also found the "romance" between Gladys and William to be ridiculous. They just met, and yet he wanted to marry her? (and She apparently accepts). It just seemed ridiculous to me.

Completely agree.

[–] irishtom99 9 years ago

great atmosphere,great cast,absurd script..worth seeing,but not a classic..by the by,I always hate scenes where people are locked in a room for their "safety"..

[–] samoanjoes (57758) 7 years ago

Decent but not great. The art-direction was the scariest thing about it.