Watch House on Haunted Hill
- NR
- 1959
- 1 hr 15 min
-
6.8 (30,746)
House on Haunted Hill is a classic horror movie released in 1959. This movie is directed by William Castle and features an incredibly talented cast which includes Vincent Price, Carol Ohmart, Richard Long, and others. The film tells the story of an eccentric millionaire named Frederick Loren (Vincent Price) who invites a group of strangers to a haunted house party. The party takes place in a mansion on a hill that is said to be cursed due to a history of gruesome murders committed on the property. The catch is that each party guest will be given $10,000 to stay in the mansion overnight. However, as the night goes by, it becomes apparent that something sinister is happening in the mansion and every guest is in danger.
Vincent Price portrays the role of Frederick Loren brilliantly. The character is painted as an enigmatic, diabolical millionaire who has a cold streak and a twisted sense of humor. Carol Ohmart plays his wife, Annabelle, who is presented as a unfaithful woman with motives unknown. Richard Long plays a test pilot named Lance Schroeder who is one of the five guests who arrive at the mansion, and Carolyn Craig plays Nora Manning, who is looking to earn quick money.
The movie builds up a sense of suspense and dread as soon as the guests arrive at the mansion. They are welcomed by Roderick, the caretaker of the house, who shows them around and gives them a bit of history about the mansion, including some gruesome details about the murders that happened there in the past. The guests are left to themselves for most of the movie, and they quickly become aware of the supernatural occurrences happening around them. Several times throughout the movie, the guests are driven into a state of terror as they witness objects moving on their own, ghostly apparitions, and other mysterious events.
One of the most notable things about House on Haunted Hill is the incredible use of sound and music. The score by composer Von Dexter adds to the tension and is used effectively to heighten the suspense when necessary. The creaks and groans of the old mansion coupled with the howling winds outside create a sense of foreboding that is truly chilling.
The climax of the movie is nail-biting, with plenty of twists and turns that keep the audience guessing until the very end. The ending is quite unexpected, and it adds an additional layer of complexity to the movie that is quite satisfying.
The visuals in this movie add to the overall spooky atmosphere. The stylized sets, with their gothic architecture and eerie lighting, are a feast for the eyes. The black and white photography also accentuates the appearance of the mansion and the colorless appearance of the characters, which leads to a more frightening experience.
Overall, House on Haunted Hill is a classic horror movie that has stood the test of time. It is a great example of how suspenseful storytelling, the use of music and sound, and effective visual presentations can be used together to create an exceptional horror experience. Vincent Price's performance is a standout, and the ending is unforgettable. This movie is highly recommended for horror film enthusiasts or anyone looking for a good scare.
House on Haunted Hill is a 1959 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.