A superb thriller, this riveting nail biter is chock full of surprises that literally shock a few of the eight and might shock viewers as they get more intrigued by the goings on in this variation of Agatha Christie's "Ten Little Indians". Eight people of varying moralities are gathered together for a lavish party at a stranger's home where the staff knows nothing of their employer, and no host seems to be around. As they are about to leave, the radio goes on and a booming voice warns them about the impending dangers they face should they decide to leave, indicating that only the strong will survive, and that most of them will perish due to their immoral characters. The battle of wills between the apparently evil guests and the sinister evil of the host becomes drawn, with one guest getting their due right at the stroke of 11, and several others forced through panic into doing things they know might either shock them right then and there or send them to the electric chair over crimes they commit in their efforts to escape.
The set up of this film is a mixture of gripping horror and light comedy, particularly through clumsy butler Vince Barnett who steals every moment that he is on screen, particularly in a drunk scene in a wine closet hidden within the elaborate kitchen setting. The cast of characters might not be all star players from Columbia's contract players, but they each get minutes to shine as they share their character (or lack of it) with other members of the party and the audience. Moments of panic leads to moments of intensity for the office, so this mystery/thriller gets to include genuine moments of terror as well, making this a combo mystery/horror film that keeps you guessing right up until the end. Donald Cook, Genevieve Tobin, Hardie Albright and Edward Ellis are the top billed guests, with Samuel S. Hinds and Nella Walker also recognizable for savvy classic movie watchers. The script, though, is the true star, intelligently written and sophisticated in its way of developing the terrors that go on right up until the end.
The set up of this film is a mixture of gripping horror and light comedy, particularly through clumsy butler Vince Barnett who steals every moment that he is on screen, particularly in a drunk scene in a wine closet hidden within the elaborate kitchen setting. The cast of characters might not be all star players from Columbia's contract players, but they each get minutes to shine as they share their character (or lack of it) with other members of the party and the audience. Moments of panic leads to moments of intensity for the office, so this mystery/thriller gets to include genuine moments of terror as well, making this a combo mystery/horror film that keeps you guessing right up until the end. Donald Cook, Genevieve Tobin, Hardie Albright and Edward Ellis are the top billed guests, with Samuel S. Hinds and Nella Walker also recognizable for savvy classic movie watchers. The script, though, is the true star, intelligently written and sophisticated in its way of developing the terrors that go on right up until the end.