The uneasy atmosphere that prevails throughout this creepy psychological thriller provides an early indication that although it's set in a peaceful rural environment and features seemingly conventional characters, "The Red House" is actually a story about dark secrets, complicated relationships and the kind of mental instability that's caused by years of living with extreme fear and overwhelming feelings of guilt. Director/Screenwriter Delmer Daves, who adapted George Agnew Chamberlain's novel for the screen, does a superb job of establishing the sombre mood and on-going sense of danger that make this movie both suspenseful and very compelling to watch.
Teenage schoolgirl Meg (Allene Roberts) who was adopted as a 2-year-old by reclusive farmer Pete Morgan (Edward G Robinson) and his sister Ellen (Judith Anderson), recognises that age and disability are making it increasingly difficult for Pete to run the farm on his own and persuades him to hire her High School friend Nath Storm (Lon McCallister) to help out with some of the evening chores. When Nath completes his jobs and decides to go home through the neighbouring wood, Pete becomes angry and warns him against the idea saying that the woods are filled with mysterious screams at night and even contain a haunted house. The strong-willed Nath takes no notice but after entering the woods soon becomes freaked out and returns to the farm. On a later occasion, he again attempts to go home through the woods but again returns to the farm after having been struck over the head by a heavy object.
The mysteries of Ox Head Wood become a source of fascination for Nath and Meg who together with Nath's girlfriend Tibby Rinton (Julie London) start to spend their Sundays exploring the area. This leads to numerous problems as Meg falls for Nath and she and Tibby both become jealous of each other. Pete, who had always doted on Meg becomes more uncomfortable with her obvious interest in Nath and even threatens her with a beating if she re-enters the wood and the whole situation quickly makes it untenable for Nath to carry on working at the farm. Furthermore, no-one else is aware that Pete has hired a young woodman called Teller (Rory Calhoun) to keep all trespassers out of the woods. He's a tough, handsome but not very bright young guy who, as well as adding to the romantic complications by getting involved with Tibby, displays poor judgement when using his gun and unintentionally causes injuries to both Ellen and Meg.
Despite all the problems they encounter, Nath and Meg's determination to uncover the secrets of Ox Head Wood and the haunted red house remain strong and eventually lead to Meg discovering the truth about her parents and the circumstances under which she was adopted by Pete and Ellen.
In a particularly memorable performance, Edward G Robinson skilfully captures the various facets of Pete Morgan's character and makes the numerous transitions he goes through seem entirely credible. Whether he's the kindly father-figure, the angry man who threatens anyone who doesn't obey his orders or the tormented, guilt-ridden and fearful guy who becomes mentally unstable, Robinson is never less than convincing.
Judith Anderson is a strong presence throughout as Pete's devoted sister who gave up her own chances of happiness in order to support and protect her brother and Allene Roberts, Julie London and Rory Calhoun stand out amongst the very talented supporting cast.
"The Red House" has an intriguing plot, boasts some great acting performances and is notable for its eerie atmosphere which is greatly enhanced by Miklos Rozsa's fine score and Bert Glennon's top class cinematography.
Teenage schoolgirl Meg (Allene Roberts) who was adopted as a 2-year-old by reclusive farmer Pete Morgan (Edward G Robinson) and his sister Ellen (Judith Anderson), recognises that age and disability are making it increasingly difficult for Pete to run the farm on his own and persuades him to hire her High School friend Nath Storm (Lon McCallister) to help out with some of the evening chores. When Nath completes his jobs and decides to go home through the neighbouring wood, Pete becomes angry and warns him against the idea saying that the woods are filled with mysterious screams at night and even contain a haunted house. The strong-willed Nath takes no notice but after entering the woods soon becomes freaked out and returns to the farm. On a later occasion, he again attempts to go home through the woods but again returns to the farm after having been struck over the head by a heavy object.
The mysteries of Ox Head Wood become a source of fascination for Nath and Meg who together with Nath's girlfriend Tibby Rinton (Julie London) start to spend their Sundays exploring the area. This leads to numerous problems as Meg falls for Nath and she and Tibby both become jealous of each other. Pete, who had always doted on Meg becomes more uncomfortable with her obvious interest in Nath and even threatens her with a beating if she re-enters the wood and the whole situation quickly makes it untenable for Nath to carry on working at the farm. Furthermore, no-one else is aware that Pete has hired a young woodman called Teller (Rory Calhoun) to keep all trespassers out of the woods. He's a tough, handsome but not very bright young guy who, as well as adding to the romantic complications by getting involved with Tibby, displays poor judgement when using his gun and unintentionally causes injuries to both Ellen and Meg.
Despite all the problems they encounter, Nath and Meg's determination to uncover the secrets of Ox Head Wood and the haunted red house remain strong and eventually lead to Meg discovering the truth about her parents and the circumstances under which she was adopted by Pete and Ellen.
In a particularly memorable performance, Edward G Robinson skilfully captures the various facets of Pete Morgan's character and makes the numerous transitions he goes through seem entirely credible. Whether he's the kindly father-figure, the angry man who threatens anyone who doesn't obey his orders or the tormented, guilt-ridden and fearful guy who becomes mentally unstable, Robinson is never less than convincing.
Judith Anderson is a strong presence throughout as Pete's devoted sister who gave up her own chances of happiness in order to support and protect her brother and Allene Roberts, Julie London and Rory Calhoun stand out amongst the very talented supporting cast.
"The Red House" has an intriguing plot, boasts some great acting performances and is notable for its eerie atmosphere which is greatly enhanced by Miklos Rozsa's fine score and Bert Glennon's top class cinematography.