This film takes place in a small town in Vermont at the very beginning of the 20th Century with an unknown serial killer taking the life of his 3rd female victim by strangulation. As it so happens, a young mute woman by the name of "Helen" (Dorothy McGuire) was in the house at the time and fearing that she may be in danger her close friend "Dr. Parry" (Kent Smith) offers to drive her to the large house where she lives and also works taking care of an elderly woman named "Mrs. Warren" (Ethel Barrymore). We then learn that there are several other people who live and work in this house to include Mrs. Warren's son "Steven Warren" (Gordon Oliver) and her stepson "Professor Albert Warren" (George Brent). Although nobody in this house is under suspicion, the local "Constable" (played by James Bell) advises Professor Warren to keep a close eye on Helen as he fears that she is the next target due to the fact that all of his victims have suffered from one disability or another. Likewise, if Helen were to be attacked, she would be unable to call for help. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this was a pretty good mystery movie which managed to keep the identity of the serial killer a secret until the very end. I also like the dark ambiance during the course of the picture as well. That being said, while I would have liked to have seen a bit more horror and suspense here and there, I still enjoyed this film for the most part and I have rated it accordingly. Above average.
Review of The Spiral Staircase
