The Spiral Staircase
Seen it?1946 | 83 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Drama
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (86% on Rotten Tomatoes). A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who likes to be kept guessing and horror fans. If you loved Peeping Tom or Gaslight, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Scary and gory.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 23 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1946: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
On a stormy night, the mute servant to an ailing matriarch is stalked by a serial killer.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
86% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.0 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
Nominated for 1 Oscar.
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$3 million worldwide on a $750K budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 47K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Gaslight
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Weeknight WatchAnother drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Robert Siodmak
- Dorothy McGuireHelen
- George BrentProfessor Warren
- Ethel BarrymoreMrs. Warren
- Kent SmithDr. Parry
- Rhonda FlemingBlanche
- Gordon OliverSteve Warren
- Elsa LanchesterMrs. Oates
- Sara AllgoodNurse Barker
- Rhys WilliamsMr. Oates
- James BellConstable