The Old Dark House - Classic Horror Movie DVD [English Import] | Perfect for Halloween Nights & Thriller Movie Marathons

THE OLD DARK HOUSEAll the elements are here: a dark stormy night, a group of stranded travelers, and an old gothic house inhabited by an eccentric and slightly disturbed family. Along with a top-notch cast, terrifying background, and some of the finest script writing ever to blaze the screen of horror, this is one of the greatest films to ever bless the genre. The whole thing is a gem--from start to finish, and even after several viewings you will still find it highly engaging and original each time.As simple as the plot is, it's a very fascinating story. Three lost travelers are forced to find shelter for the night in a large country home that looks like some left over fortress from the dark ages. Its occupiers are not far off from the dark ages, either. The butler Morgan is a hulking ape-like half-mute. The man of the house--Horace--is an effeminate smart-aleck bug. His stooped sister Rachel who runs the house de facto is a religious zealot constantly preaching the woes of youth and feminine allure. More strangers arrive on the scene to add to the craziness, but it's not until Morgan begins empting gin bottles that the real trouble starts.The house itself is filled with lots of dark shadows and mysteries. The camera work is fantastic in working these elements to their best with lots of strange lighting to set the mood, and the house begins to seem alive itself. The dining area is warm yet emptying, and everywhere the long shadows reflect sinister intentions. Windows blow open, the wind howls mercilessly, and strange noises emanate from the attic. The whole place reeks of danger.Add to this the odd trio who run the house, and the mood becomes more eerie still. Morgan obviously has ideas about the beautiful blonde, and Horace spews ominous words about something lurking in the upstairs of the house.The acting in the film is simply too amazing to talk about in this short space. Everyone is memorable, but in this circle of greats it is Ernest Thesiger and Eva Moore as brother and sister who shine bright. Their characters are so bizarre and deranged and their dialogue so twisted you love every minute they are on the screen. Boris Karloff as Morgan is interesting, too. Once more he plays a hulking giant of few words, but his performance composed of awkward movements, intense glares, and one sinister smile speak volumes.As the night progresses the strangers all get to know each other and a peaceful comfort sets in. But as Morgan gets drunk things turn ugly. Things get pretty tense and in his inebriated condition Morgan decides it's time to introduce the thing in the attic to the party. If you thought the party was fun before, just wait till you see who comes down the stairs and how that changes the coarse of the night for good!There are too many elements in this movie to talk about in one small review. The film it littered with lots of cool images and characters, and of coarse lots of classic James Whale humor to lighten the mood. In fact, some of the most memorable scenes are the ones that will get the most laughs. It's an intelligently made movie that somehow has faded into obscurity but if you want to see one of the most well rounded horror films produced, check it out.