Movie Review: House of Horrors (1946)
Synopsis: A struggling sculptor rescues a deformed mad man from the river, nurses him back to health and uses him as a model for his next work of art. However, frustrated by bad reviews, he eventually uses "The Creeper" to get revenge on the critics that have left him hungry and unable to pay his bills.
Who's in it? The movie stars Rondo Hatton, Robert Lowery, Virginia Grey, Martin Kosleck, Alan Napier and Bill Goodwin.
Review: My oldest daughter and I watched House of Horrors some time ago but when I came across it again this evening, I didn't remember much about it. I gave it a chance, and it proved to be as good as I remembered.
There is an award celebrating classic horror research creativity and preservation named and modeled after actor Rondo Hatton. This movie is a great example of the reasons why. His performance as the Creeper is one that stands the test of time, even nearly 80 years after this movie first was released.
His character was a remorseless killer but was also believable as a victim. Marcel de Lange (Kosleck) was a great manipulator, and it was clear the Creeper was only trying to help out someone he believed was a struggling friend. Of course, the audience knew better, and it was very clear de Lange would stab the Creeper in the back and let him take the fall alone if caught.
The movie itself proved to be much more unpredictable than I thought it would be. While there's no mystery surrounding the murders, there's no doubt it is the Creeper who is committing the crimes, it remained unclear if the police would be able to figure out de Lange's involvement and, at times, if the Creeper would be fingered even.
In fact, for the majority of the movie, it looked like the police were determined to prove another man, Steven Morrow (Lowery) was the guy behind the slayings. In fairness to them, however, Morrow made it difficult for them by looking as guilty as possible. The lack of predictability did make it considerably more entertaining to watch.
Final Opinion: This is a solid thriller that makes full use of a horror movie legend and a strong supporting cast. It's worth taking the time to watch if you get a chance.
My Grade: A
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Here are some reviews of other movies from 1946:
Movie Review: Shadow of a Woman (1946)
Movie Review: The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946)
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