On the Cusp Between Sound and Silents.
A Fascinating Expressionistic Fun-Film with Visuals that are Stunning.
But the Seriously Dated Comedic Histrionics are a Set-Back From Greatness.
The First 20 Min. Before Landing in "The Old Dark House" are an Eye-Popping Extravaganza of a Hyper-Moving Camera (rare in its day).
Expressionism is Everywhere in Every Shot and the Opening is a Wow.
Then the Audience is Transported to a Stodgy "Old Dark House" with Acting so Annoying and Over-the-Top that the Speeding Exposition Slams to a Halt.
From There the Movie is Half-Good and Half-Awful.
Mysterious and Shadowy Images Impress.
But are Coupled with an Abundance of Hysterics and Horrendous Antics that Render the Aforementioned Amazing Atmosphere Moot.
Some of the Slapstick Scenes are OK but when Piled Upon by the Whaling, Whining, Whimpering, and Screaming...
Well, its Just too Much to Endure.
The Movie has Other Curiosities
Like a 65mm Wide-Screen Shoot for "Especially Equipped" Movie Theatres.
But the Depression, the Transfer from Silents to Sound, and other Considerations were too Much too Soon for the Industry.
Wide-Screen would Not Return Until the 1950's.
Also, the Post-Ending Plea to Not Reveal the "Bat" Identity became a Trope Used in a Number of Mystery-Thrillers.
Overall, the Good Out-Ways the Bad.
For the Curious Movie-Buff on the Look-Out for Something Different, this is Definitely...
Worth a Watch.
A Fascinating Expressionistic Fun-Film with Visuals that are Stunning.
But the Seriously Dated Comedic Histrionics are a Set-Back From Greatness.
The First 20 Min. Before Landing in "The Old Dark House" are an Eye-Popping Extravaganza of a Hyper-Moving Camera (rare in its day).
Expressionism is Everywhere in Every Shot and the Opening is a Wow.
Then the Audience is Transported to a Stodgy "Old Dark House" with Acting so Annoying and Over-the-Top that the Speeding Exposition Slams to a Halt.
From There the Movie is Half-Good and Half-Awful.
Mysterious and Shadowy Images Impress.
But are Coupled with an Abundance of Hysterics and Horrendous Antics that Render the Aforementioned Amazing Atmosphere Moot.
Some of the Slapstick Scenes are OK but when Piled Upon by the Whaling, Whining, Whimpering, and Screaming...
Well, its Just too Much to Endure.
The Movie has Other Curiosities
Like a 65mm Wide-Screen Shoot for "Especially Equipped" Movie Theatres.
But the Depression, the Transfer from Silents to Sound, and other Considerations were too Much too Soon for the Industry.
Wide-Screen would Not Return Until the 1950's.
Also, the Post-Ending Plea to Not Reveal the "Bat" Identity became a Trope Used in a Number of Mystery-Thrillers.
Overall, the Good Out-Ways the Bad.
For the Curious Movie-Buff on the Look-Out for Something Different, this is Definitely...
Worth a Watch.