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The Spiral Staircase (1945)

APPROVED  83 min  -  Mystery | Thriller   -  December 1945 (USA)
7.6
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Ratings: 7.6/10 from 3,933 users  
Reviews: 86 user | 23 critic

A serial killer (circa 1916) is targeting women with 'afflictions'; one night during a thunderstorm, mute Helen feels menaced.

Director:

Robert Siodmak

Writers:

Mel Dinelli (screenplay), Ethel Lina White (novel)

Stars:

Dorothy McGuire, George Brent and Ethel Barrymore
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Nominated for Oscar. See more awards »
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Cast

Complete credited cast:
Dorothy McGuire ...
George Brent George Brent ...
Professor Warren
Ethel Barrymore ...
Mrs. Warren
Kent Smith Kent Smith ...
Rhonda Fleming ...
Blanche
Gordon Oliver Gordon Oliver ...
Steve Warren
Elsa Lanchester ...
Sara Allgood Sara Allgood ...
Nurse Barker
Rhys Williams ...
Mr. Oates
James Bell James Bell ...
Constable
Full cast and crew »
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Storyline

Beautiful young mute Helen is a domestic worker for old ailing Mrs. Warren. Mrs. Warren's two sons, Albert (a professor) and womanizing impudent Steven, also live in the Warren mansion. Mrs. Warren becomes concerned for Helen's safety when a rash of murders involving 'women with afflictions' hits the neighborhood. She implores her physician, Dr. Parry, to take Helen away for her own safety. When another murder occurs inside the Warren mansion, it becomes obvious that Helen is in danger. Written by Gary Jackson <garyjack5@cogeco.ca>  

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

Mute | Mansion | Serial Killer | Murder | Professor  | See more »

Genres:

Mystery | Thriller

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

(USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Die Wendeltreppe See more »

Company Credits

Production Co:

RKO Radio Pictures, Dore Schary Productions, Vanguard Films See more »
Show detailed company contact information on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

"The Hedda Hopper Show - This Is Hollywood" broadcast a 30 minute radio adaptation of the movie on February 15, 1947 with George Brent reprising his film role. See more »

Goofs

Crew or equipment visible: Shadow of camera can be seen on the wall of Blanche's bedroom when she goes to talk to Helen. See more »

Quotes

Constable: She's dead!
Dr. Parry: Well, in that case, Constable, I certainly can't do her any harm.
See more »

Connections

Features The Sands of Dee (1912) See more »

Soundtracks

"Waltz Op. 34 No. 2 in A minor"
(uncredited)
Music by Frédéric Chopin
Played during the scene at the silent movie theater See more »