Don't Look in the Basement

Watch Don't Look in the Basement

"Hell... has found a new home!"
  • R
  • 1973
  • 1 hr 28 min
  • 4.9  (3,440)

Don't Look in the Basement is a classic horror film from 1973 that has earned a cult following over the years. The film was directed by S.F. Brownrigg and stars Bill McGhee, Jessie Lee Fulton, and Robert Dracup in lead roles. The movie is set in a mental institution called Stephens Sanitarium, where the patients are left in the care of nurses and an absent-minded doctor. The story begins with the arrival of a new nurse named Charlotte who quickly learns that the patients are not your typical mental patients. They are all quirky and eccentric characters who seem to have a deep-rooted trauma that led to their institutionalization.

Charlotte is tasked with taking care of the patients, but soon, she realizes that things are not as they seem. She notices strange occurrences and realizes that the patients are trying to warn her about something sinister. Her attempts to warn those in charge fall on deaf ears, but she continues to investigate.

As she slowly unravels the mystery of the sanitarium, she discovers a dark secret that the staff has been hiding. The patients have been experimenting with unorthodox therapies and treatment methods, leading to unpredictable and dangerous results. Charlotte soon finds herself in the middle of the chaos and must fight to survive the night.

The film's suspense is built up through the eerie atmosphere and creepy sound effects. The gloomy, isolated setting of the sanitarium is used to great effect, and the audience is constantly on edge, anticipating something to jump out from behind the dark corners. The pacing of the movie is slow, but it builds up to a heart-pumping finale that will leave you gasping for air.

The acting in the film is solid, with the lead actress Jessie Lee Fulton giving a commendable performance as the determined nurse. The rest of the supporting cast does a great job in portraying their characters, each with their unique quirks and idiosyncrasies.

One of the standout characteristics of the film is its use of practical effects. The film was made in the '70s, and the lack of CGI means that every effect was achieved through physical means. This adds to the authenticity of the movie and makes every creepy scene feel all the more real.

The movie's themes are centered on the idea of what happens when people in authority abuse their power. The doctors and nurses in the film are meant to be the caretakers of the patients, but instead, they use their positions to experiment on them. The patients, in turn, are portrayed as victims of the system, and their anger and frustration are understandable.

Overall, Don't Look in the Basement is a classic horror movie that has stood the test of time. It's a slow burn, but the suspense and tension build up to a memorable conclusion. The film's themes are still relevant today, and the movie serves as a chilling reminder of what can happen when people in power abuse their authority. If you're a fan of classic horror, this is definitely a film that shouldn't be missed.

Don't Look in the Basement is a 1973 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9.

Don't Look in the Basement
Description
Where to Watch Don't Look in the Basement
Don't Look in the Basement is available to watch free on Pluto TV. It's also available to stream, download and buy on demand at Amazon Prime, FuboTV, The Roku Channel and Amazon. Some platforms allow you to rent Don't Look in the Basement for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1973
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 28 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    4.9  (3,440)