Wicked Derrick De Mornay (Uncle Silas) and his partner in crime Katina Paxinou (Madame de la Rougierre) spend the film trying to get their hands on the fortune left to Jean Simmons (Caroline). The setting is a large Gothic mansion with its fireplaces, corridors and general spooky largeness. Cousin Manning Whiley (Dudley) is yet another family member who is part of the plot to get the dough out of Simmons.
It's a peculiar film in that it combines menace with humour. De Marney is more of a cartoon comedy character – he's evil but with a nod and a wink. As for Katina Paxinou, she is brilliant. She is scary but provides hilarious moments, especially her fondness for a swig of brandy! However, whilst these characters are the standout baddies, they don't quite work in the context of the film's themes because they are so amusing. Paxinou does manage to carry off evil but it's a friendly kind of evil. It is her appearance and her costumes which are the most disturbing aspect to her character. She's brilliant and the film's clear favourite character. Simmons, whilst OK, needs to grow a pair. She's too nice for too long.
The film is actually pretty slow at the beginning – where is it going? And there are a few scenes that drag, particularly the dance sequence where everyone is gossiping. I'm afraid it's just tedious. For a spooky film it isn't very spooky – only Paxinou scores on this front. Thank goodness for Paxinou. And pass the wine – straight out of the bottle, please. Ha ha.
It's a peculiar film in that it combines menace with humour. De Marney is more of a cartoon comedy character – he's evil but with a nod and a wink. As for Katina Paxinou, she is brilliant. She is scary but provides hilarious moments, especially her fondness for a swig of brandy! However, whilst these characters are the standout baddies, they don't quite work in the context of the film's themes because they are so amusing. Paxinou does manage to carry off evil but it's a friendly kind of evil. It is her appearance and her costumes which are the most disturbing aspect to her character. She's brilliant and the film's clear favourite character. Simmons, whilst OK, needs to grow a pair. She's too nice for too long.
The film is actually pretty slow at the beginning – where is it going? And there are a few scenes that drag, particularly the dance sequence where everyone is gossiping. I'm afraid it's just tedious. For a spooky film it isn't very spooky – only Paxinou scores on this front. Thank goodness for Paxinou. And pass the wine – straight out of the bottle, please. Ha ha.