Review of House on Haunted Hill (1959) by Russell G — 23 Oct 2014
The name, House on Haunted Hill, implies something far spookier than it really is. It is more of a playful mystery with dark undertones than a scary movie. There is plenty of classic film charm, but not much in the thrills department.
At times, it is downright cheesy. There are a few moments where the effects are so bad that they seem funny, but it is reasonably appropriate considering the tone of the movie. The eccentric and slightly dark Vincent Price is a good fit for the mischievous lead role.
His interactions with Carol Ohmart are enjoyable, as they play a humorous married couple who both love and hate each other. What appears as a simple story of a group of seemingly random people taking a challenge to stay the night in a haunted house has more misdirection than you might expect.
Even as bad things start to happen, it never seems fierce or uneasy. There are a few inconsistencies, and it feels like it is trying too hard to be clever. It effectively deflates or dismisses certain moments that seem important or dramatic as unimportant distractions.
I love the model of the Frank Lloyd Wright's Ennis House in the beginning; too bad none of the interior shots inside the actual interior of the Ennis house. Scaring people was not the goal here; it wants to be fun.
Going in with that in mind, it is not bad, but if you want scares than look elsewhere. It is not that fulfilling but if nothing else, this is much better than the 2005 remake.
This review of House on Haunted Hill (1959) was written by Russell G on 23 Oct 2014.
House on Haunted Hill has generally received mixed reviews.
Was this review helpful?
