In 1916, a shadowy serial killer is targeting women with "afflictions"; one night during a thunderstorm, the mute Helen feels menaced.In 1916, a shadowy serial killer is targeting women with "afflictions"; one night during a thunderstorm, the mute Helen feels menaced.In 1916, a shadowy serial killer is targeting women with "afflictions"; one night during a thunderstorm, the mute Helen feels menaced.
- Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 2 nominations total
Erville Alderson
- Dr. Harvey
- (uncredited)
Ellen Corby
- Neighbour
- (uncredited)
Myrna Dell
- Murder Victim
- (uncredited)
George Holmes
- The Killer's 'Shadow'
- (uncredited)
Stanley Price
- Starry-eyed Man
- (uncredited)
Robert Siodmak
- The Killer's 'Eye'
- (uncredited)
Richard Tyler
- Freddy
- (uncredited)
Charles Wagenheim
- Desk Clerk
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaRobert Siodmak: the close-ups of the killer's eyes and hands.
- GoofsWhen Helen first walks up the main staircase, she pauses to look at herself in the mirror. In the next shot as the camera slowly rolls backwards, she is still looking in the mirror, but there is no reflection of herself (just a painting designed to look like mirror).
- Alternate versionsThe MGM DVD has the opening and closing MGM logos in addition blacking out the RKO Pictures logo.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Stairs (1986)
- SoundtracksWaltz Op. 34 No. 2 in A minor
(uncredited)
Composed by Frédéric Chopin
[The first half of the piano accompaniment to the silent movie]
Featured review
In the beginning of the Twentieth Century, a serial-killer is terrorizing a small town, killing women with imperfections. In the Warren manor, the mute servant Helen (Dorothy McGuire) nurses Mrs. Warren (Ethel Barrymore) who is terminal in bed. The newcomer Dr. Parry (Kent Smith) falls in love for Helen and has the intention to take her to specialists in Boston for treatment for recovering her voice and marry her. When the reckless Steve Warren (Gordon Oliver) arrives from Europe, he stays in the mansion with his mother and his stepbrother Professor Albert Warren (George Brent) and has a brief affair with Albert's assistant Blanche (Rhonda Fleming). When a crippled woman is killed in the town, Mrs. Warren advises Helen to leave the house immediately since she is in danger. When a murder occurs in the mansion, Helen does not know who is trustful to help her to call Dr. Parry to rescue her.
"The Spiral Staircase" is a suspenseful stylish movie, with a magnificent black and white cinematography that follows the German Expressionism and wonderful set decoration in Victorian style. It is impressive the use of shadows and lights in many unforgettable scenes, like for example Blanche in the basement or Helen in the spiral staircase. The beginning is an awesome tribute to the earlier days of the cinema. The performances are excellent and it is impossible to individually highlight any actor or actress. The plot keeps the tension until the very end in this great movie. My vote is eight.
Title (Brazil): "Silêncio nas Trevas" ("Silence in the Darkness")
"The Spiral Staircase" is a suspenseful stylish movie, with a magnificent black and white cinematography that follows the German Expressionism and wonderful set decoration in Victorian style. It is impressive the use of shadows and lights in many unforgettable scenes, like for example Blanche in the basement or Helen in the spiral staircase. The beginning is an awesome tribute to the earlier days of the cinema. The performances are excellent and it is impossible to individually highlight any actor or actress. The plot keeps the tension until the very end in this great movie. My vote is eight.
Title (Brazil): "Silêncio nas Trevas" ("Silence in the Darkness")
- claudio_carvalho
- Jul 12, 2008
- Permalink
Details
- Runtime1 hour 23 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1
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