Small in scope but intense and disturbing when it needs to be, this Gothic Horror/Thriller is about a serial killer who is targeting women with disabilities. Pretty rough for the 1940s, the next target is a mute working in a large estate where the killer also lives. Much of the film takes place one dark and stormy night, and is so rich with atmosphere it’s a perfect pick for Halloween. Most of the dialogue is handled by Ethel Barrymore, with a voice as distinct as Vincent Price. The other star here is the house, the lighting and the occasionally menacing camera choices. Oddly paced, with the general feel of a bedtime story, only to shatter your nerves as your about to fall asleep. I first watched this at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, and it’s the type of film made for nighttime with all the lights out.
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