The Old Dark House
Seen it?1932 | 70 min | Drama, Horror, Thriller
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (97% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had soft box office. 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 The Silence of the Lambs or Peeping Tom, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Scary.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 10 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1932: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
In a remote region of Wales, five travelers beset by a relentless storm find shelter in an old mansion.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
97% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
6.7 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$250K worldwide on a $250K budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 30K people sought it out in the past year, and interest is climbing
Trailer
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Weeknight WatchAnother horror thriller, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
The Silence of the Lambs
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed thriller.
Peeping Tom
Saturday SpecialAnother horror thriller.
Gaslight Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed thriller.
The Words Weeknight WatchAnother drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
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Cast & crew
Directed by James Whale
- Boris KarloffMorgan
- Melvyn DouglasPenderel
- Charles LaughtonSir William Porterhouse
- Lilian BondGladys
- Ernest ThesigerHorace Femm
- Eva MooreRebecca Femm
- Raymond MasseyPhilip Waverton
- Gloria StuartMargaret Waverton
- Elspeth DudgeonSir Roderick Femm
- Brember WillsSaul Femm