A masked killer stalks a mansion filled with guests like a bat in the night sky. Suspects abound, including the nervous caretaker and a mysterious doctor. The chase to catch the culprit is as fast-paced as the flapping of wings. Will they unmask the villain before it’s too late?
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Review
Ah, dear readers, have you heard of the latest film to grace the silver screens? It is none other than “The Bat,” a thrilling mystery that kept my heart racing and my mind buzzing for days afterward. This newest production is based on a play of the same name by Mary Roberts Rinehart and Avery Hopwood, who have woven a tale so intriguing that I found myself on the edge of my seat throughout.
The plot of “The Bat” centers around an elusive criminal who goes by the name of The Bat, who is terrorizing a small rural town in America. He has already claimed a few victims and leaves behind his signature winged mark as a grisly reminder. Enter Cornelia van Gorder, a wealthy spinster who decides to rent a mansion in the town for the summer. She brings along her loyal servant Lizzie Allen and invites her friends to stay with her.
But all is not well in Cornelia’s new abode since she learns that The Bat may be lurking within its walls. Her suspicions are confirmed when she discovers various clues scattered throughout the house that point towards The Bat’s presence. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Anderson and Detective Davenport are hot on The Bat’s trail but struggle to catch him red-handed.
The film boasts an all-star cast that includes such talents as Agnes Moorehead as Cornelia van Gorder and Vincent Price as Dr. Malcolm Wells, her physician neighbor. There’s also a charming young couple in Dale and Judy Ogden (played by John Bryant and Elaine Edwards) who are caught up in the chaos surrounding The Bat.
One particular aspect that stood out to me was how seamlessly the film blended comedy elements into its otherwise dark and intense story. There were several instances where I found myself laughing out loud at some witty quip or amusing situation. For instance, Cornelia’s wry humor had me chuckling on multiple occasions.
But enough about what I think, let’s hear what some of the critics are saying about “The Bat.” According to The New York Times, the film “effectively blends horror, suspense, and humor to create a truly unique viewing experience.” Variety praises the performances of its cast, calling them “meticulously crafted and captivating.”
As for its popularity, “The Bat” was no slouch at the box office either. It raked in over $1 million in ticket sales when it first released, cementing its status as a hit among audiences.
It’s worth noting that “The Bat” has been adapted into various forms of media over the years. The original play debuted on Broadway in 1920 and later went on to inspire several movies and TV shows. In fact, there was even a silent film adaptation of “The Bat” back in 1926.
Now let’s dive into some behind-the-scenes tidbits about the making of this film. For starters, it was shot entirely on location in California, which is quite impressive considering how much of the action takes place indoors. The mansion that serves as Cornelia’s summer home is actually an iconic Los Angeles landmark known as the “Ennis House.”
As for its musical score, composer Louis Forbes did an excellent job of creating a haunting and eerie atmosphere with his music. I found myself getting goosebumps whenever The Bat’s signature theme played.
But what really sets “The Bat” apart from other mystery thrillers is its captivating cinematography. Director Crane Wilbur used clever camera angles and lighting techniques to create an intense sense of suspense throughout. In particular, there’s a scene where Cornelia attempts to track down The Bat through a series of dark passageways that had me gripping my armrests tightly.
In conclusion, I highly recommend giving “The Bat” a watch if you’re looking for an enthralling mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. Its clever plot, talented cast, and impressive cinematography make it a standout film in its genre. As Cornelia van Gorder herself said, “The Bat strikes again!”
Technical Data
- Runtime : 80
- Release : 1959-08-09
- Genre : Horror, Mystery, Thriller
- Cast : Vincent Price as Dr. Malcolm Wells, Agnes Moorehead as Cornelia van Gorder, Gavin Gordon as Lt. Andy Anderson, John Sutton as Warner, the Chauffeur, Lenita Lane as Lizzie Allen
- Crew : Joseph F. Biroc as Director of Photography, William Austin as Editor, Mary Roberts Rinehart as Theatre Play, Crane Wilbur as Screenplay, Crane Wilbur as Director
- Popularity 6.82
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Liberty Pictures
- Summary : Mystery writer Cornelia Van Gorder has rented a country house called “The Oaks”, which not long ago was the scene of some murders committed by a strange and violent criminal known as “The Bat”. Meanwhile, the house’s owner, bank president John Fleming, has recently embezzled one million dollars in securities and has hidden the proceeds in the house, but is killed before he can retrieve it.
- Tagline : When it flies… someone dies!
