Rating: 
Summary: Near classic precursor to the modern serial killer thriller
Review: Spiral Staircase (1946) Dir; Robert Siodmak Stars: Dorothy MacGuire, George Brent, Ethel Barrymore, Kent Smith, Rhonda FlemingOne of the most creepy and effective thrillers from the immediate post war era. The movie is in many respects a precursor to modern serial killer/stalker movies and used scare tactics that still remain in use more than 50 years later. The focus of the film is on a household at the turn of the century where a cranky old grandmother is bedridden and waiting to die, being looked after by a mute nurse who is the serial killers obvious next target as he clearly goes after victims with afflictions in his attempt to restore perfection and beauty to a tainted world. The director manages to conjure up an effective feeling of dread and claustrophobia - this is a long, long way from William Castle's amiable ghost frolic The House on Haunted Hill which played more like a farce than a thriller. The film is a little reminiscent of another classic serial killer outing made much later in England, Peeping Tom and was clearly way ahead of its time when it came out in 1946. The cast headed by Dorothy McGuire and George Brent but watch out especially for one of the screen's immortal icons, Elsa Lanchester who will forever be remembered as The Bride of Frankenstein. The Spiral Staircase is a superior thriller, may be a touch over wrought by today's standards, but effective, tense and fairly creepy. Perhaps, along with M, the great great granddaddy of the modern serial killer thriller. Far superior to the horrid remake that was dished up in 1975.
Rating: 
Summary: Very Good Suspense Film
Review: Splendid mystery movie, thanks to a great performance by its star, the excellent actress Dorothy McGuire, who plays a mute girl in danger (a murderer who only kills disabled women, is on the loose). McGuire works for a rich dowager, played with great skill as always, by Ethel Barrymore, who's very concerned about the girl's security, because she's almost sure that McGuire will be the next victim......what secrets does the big mansion hide?. The cast is full of seasoned pros: George Brent, Kent Smith, a very young and beautiful Rhonda Fleming.... and special mention deserve the performances of Elsa Lanchester, as a maid with a likeness for booze...and Sara Allgood, as a stern nurse. The film is rich in atmosphere, has an eerie quality, and an excellent camera work. The dvd edition is good. If you like thrillers, this one is for you.
Rating:
Summary: Not very mysterious ... but oh, the atmosphere!
Review: The plotting and script of "The Spiral Staircase" are reasonably good but unexceptional. The "surprise" ending isn't very startling even by 1940s standards -- try "Laura" (1944) for a much more inventive mystery plot. All of this is beside the point, however. As a thriller, this film is justly beloved for one critical factor: ATMOSPHERE. No special effects, no buckets of blood, no sexual escapades interrupted by serial killers, but a truly unnerving (and beautifully effective) sense of gloom and uneasy fear. Robert Siodmak was one of the greatest directors of film noir, and virtually every movie he made is shot through with his wonderful brand of darkly-shadowed artistry. It is sad to report that this is Siodmak's only film noir available on DVD. At least "The Killers" (1946; his "Citizen Kane") is on VHS -- along with "Phantom Lady" and a few other goodies -- but some of Siodmak's classic films are not commercially available in any form. When are we getting the DVDs of "Cry of the City" or "Christmas Holiday"? In the meantime, let's be glad that "The Spiral Staircase" is available for our shivery enjoyment.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Suspenser
Review: The theme of the "psycho-killer" is one of the leitmotifs of cinema: while younger generations may see "Halloween" as a pioneer in the genre, there are examples as far back as "Bluebeard" and "Hangover Square" (both 1944), "The Leopard Man" (1943), "M" (1930), and even Alfred Hitchcock's silent version of "The Lodger" (1926). The original version of "The Spiral Staircase," then, was not exactly groundbreaking in its use of a psychotic serial killer, and even its incorporation of an Old Dark House ambiance - typical of many mystery films of the 20s and 30s - did not particularly set it apart. What did make "The Spiral Staircase" rather innovative was the use of a mute servant girl, played by Dorothy McGuire, as one of the murderer's intended victims. It's this element that provides the film a larger measure of suspense, and creates a mood of vulnerability comparable to some of the best horror films of the day. There's the strong influence of Val Lewton's fright-films of the early 40s, signaled by the presence of Kent Smith and James Bell --- "leftovers" from the Lewton troupe who had appeared, respectively, in "The Cat People" and "I Walked With a Zombie." In fact, Lewton's use of Bell in "The Leopard Man" clearly figured in Robert Siodmak's direction for "The Spiral Staircase," except that in this film, Bell becomes a police inspector, and the red herring role goes to (well, no need to spoil it for newcomers...). Merely recounting the influences on this film, though, gives no indication of its real magic, which lies in the way Siodmak brings everything together into a sort of Gothic gestalt. And we might see McGuire's performance as sort of a visual obverse to that of Claude Rains in "The Invisible Man": whereas Rains did almost everything by conveying "omnipotence" with his voice, McGuire steals the show by conjuring helplessness through pantomime and facial expressions. Thankfully, we now have "The Spiral Staircase" in what is probably the best print seen in decades. In fact, Anchor Bay really deserves accolades for this excellent DVD, which gives us this film in a beautifully-preserved edition. True, the disc is short on "bonus" features (it's just the film and the trailer), but otherwise this is a fine addition to any suspense fan's film library.
Rating:
Summary: Trapped
Review: There's a serial killer on the loose who preys on afflicted women, and poor mute Dorothy McGuire seems like the next likely victim. McGuire works in one of those big old movie houses with flickering candles, dark cellars, and a general feeling of unease all around. She nurses invalid Ethel Barrymore who lives with son Gordon Oliver and stepson George Brent. Barrymore is worried for McGuire's safety, and as the film progresses, it becomes obvious she has good reason - the killer is after Dorothy. The supporting cast does a good job, albeit a little over the top at times (except for Brent, who is his usual lifeless self). McGuire turns in a memorable performance, using her face and body language to communicate what her character can't say. Director Robert Siodmak uses some interesting shots to establish the menacing presence, and the tension does gradually build as we realize that McGuire isn't only trapped by a killer, but also by her inability to communicate her situation. Although it doesn't have the effect of a Hitchcock thriller (wonder what he would have done with this story?!), it's nonetheless a very good thriller in that creepy old house tradition of classic Hollywood.
Rating:
Summary: Trapped
Review: There's a serial killer on the loose who preys on afflicted women, and poor mute Dorothy McGuire seems like the next likely victim. McGuire works in one of those big old movie houses with flickering candles, dark cellars, and a general feeling of unease all around. She nurses invalid Ethel Barrymore who lives with son Gordon Oliver and stepson George Brent. Barrymore is worried for McGuire's safety, and as the film progresses, it becomes obvious she has good reason - the killer is after Dorothy. The supporting cast does a good job, albeit a little over the top at times (except for Brent, who is his usual lifeless self). McGuire turns in a memorable performance, using her face and body language to communicate what her character can't say. Director Robert Siodmak uses some interesting shots to establish the menacing presence, and the tension does gradually build as we realize that McGuire isn't only trapped by a killer, but also by her inability to communicate her situation. Although it doesn't have the effect of a Hitchcock thriller (wonder what he would have done with this story?!), it's nonetheless a very good thriller in that creepy old house tradition of classic Hollywood.
Rating:
Summary: best scary movie yet!
Review: thirlling and spinetingling it leaves you on the edge of your seat.if your ever looking for agood scary movie this is the one for you.i have seen it twice now and still love it and always leaves me wondering about it.
Rating: 
Summary: OK ATMOSPHERIC THRILLER...
Review: This film, based upon the book, "Some Must Watch" by Ethel Lina White, author of "The Lady Vanishes", which was made into a film by Alfred Hitchcock, is an atmospheric, gothic thriller. It not particularly suspenseful, however, as anyone with half a brain can figure out what is going on fairly early in the film. The plot revolves around a turn of the century serial killer who singles out those who have some sort of affliction. At risk is Helen Capel (Dorothy McGuire), a young, mute woman, who works as a servant/companion for a crotchety invalid, Mrs. Warren (Ethel Barrymore), who lives in an enormous Gothic style mansion outside of town. There she lives with her step-son, Professor Warren (George Brent) and her biological son, Steve (Gordon Oliver). Mrs. Warren has some concern that Helen may be next on this serial killers hit list. She also suspects her biological son of the unspeakable. There is friction in the household between Professor Warren and his brother Steve. It appears that they both are salivating over Blanche (Rhonda Fleming), a tasty morsel of flesh who acts as secretary to Professor Warren. There is also friction between Mrs. Warren and her private nurse , Nurse Barker (Sara Allgood) Moreover, the housekeeper, Mrs. Oates (Elsa Lanchester) has a drinking problem. What a motley crew. To complicate matters further, the town's new doctor, Dr. Parry (Kent Smith), hankers after Helen. It is also clear that the serial killer, for different reasons, also hankers after Helen. The only question is as to his identity and whether he can be stopped before Helen joins the ranks of the dearly departed. Though the cast is quite good and the screenplay is suitably melodramatic in feel, the film never becomes really gripping. Still, notwithstanding its predictability, this film is certainly worth a rental.
Rating:
Summary: OK ATMOSPHERIC THRILLER...
Review: This film, based upon the book, "Some Must Watch" by Ethel Lina White, author of "The Lady Vanishes", which was made into a film by Alfred Hitchcock, is an atmospheric, gothic thriller. It not particularly suspenseful, however, as anyone with half a brain can figure out what is going on fairly early in the film. The plot revolves around a turn of the century serial killer who singles out those who have some sort of affliction. At risk is Helen Capel (Dorothy McGuire), a young, mute woman, who works as a servant/companion for a crotchety invalid, Mrs. Warren (Ethel Barrymore), who lives in an enormous Gothic style mansion outside of town. There she lives with her step-son, Professor Warren (George Brent) and her biological son, Steve (Gordon Oliver). Mrs. Warren has some concern that Helen may be next on this serial killers hit list. She also suspects her biological son of the unspeakable. There is friction in the household between Professor Warren and his brother Steve. It appears that they both are salivating over Blanche (Rhonda Fleming), a tasty morsel of flesh who acts as secretary to Professor Warren. There is also friction between Mrs. Warren and her private nurse , Nurse Barker (Sara Allgood) Moreover, the housekeeper, Mrs. Oates (Elsa Lanchester) has a drinking problem. What a motley crew. To complicate matters further, the town's new doctor, Dr. Parry (Kent Smith), hankers after Helen. It is also clear that the serial killer, for different reasons, also hankers after Helen. The only question is as to his identity and whether he can be stopped before Helen joins the ranks of the dearly departed. Though the cast is quite good and the screenplay is suitably melodramatic in feel, the film never becomes really gripping. Still, notwithstanding its predictability, this film is certainly worth a rental.
Rating:
Summary: OK ATMOSPHERIC THRILLER...
Review: This film, based upon the book, "Some Must Watch" by Ethel Lina White, author of "The Lady Vanishes", which was made into a film by Alfred Hitchcock, is an atmospheric, gothic thriller. It not particularly suspenseful, however, as anyone with half a brain can figure out what is going on fairly early in the film. The plot revolves around a turn of the century serial killer who singles out those who have some sort of affliction. At risk is Helen Capel (Dorothy McGuire), a young, mute woman, who works as a servant/companion for a crotchety invalid, Mrs. Warren (Ethel Barrymore), who lives in an enormous Gothic style mansion outside of town. There she lives with her step-son, Professor Warren (George Brent) and her biological son, Steve (Gordon Oliver). Mrs. Warren has some concern that Helen may be next on this serial killers hit list. She also suspects her biological son of the unspeakable. There is friction in the household between Professor Warren and his brother Steve. It appears that they both are salivating over Blanche (Rhonda Fleming), a tasty morsel of flesh who acts as secretary to Professor Warren. There is also friction between Mrs. Warren and her private nurse , Nurse Barker (Sara Allgood) Moreover, the housekeeper, Mrs. Oates (Elsa Lanchester) has a drinking problem. What a motley crew. To complicate matters further, the town's new doctor, Dr. Parry (Kent Smith), hankers after Helen. It is also clear that the serial killer, for different reasons, also hankers after Helen. The only question is as to his identity and whether he can be stopped before Helen joins the ranks of the dearly departed. Though the cast is quite good and the screenplay is suitably melodramatic in feel, the film never becomes really gripping. Still, notwithstanding its predictability, this film is certainly worth a rental.
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