THE BAT is historically important without being terribly engaging, even for modern silent movie fans. It lacks the style of later old dark house thrillers like THE CAT AND THE CANARY or THE OLD DARK HOUSE, and the plot is underserved by a series of flat characters (with the notable exceptions of Emily Fitzroy and Louise Fazenda who have enough great chemistry and humor to enliven the proceedings). It's only 80 minutes long, but much of the middle drags.
I'm glad I finally saw it but I doubt it will be a repeat.
I'm glad I finally saw it but I doubt it will be a repeat.