Review of The Bat Whispers (1930) by Sarah B — 30 Aug 2008

A classic example of a forgotten genre known as "Old dark house mysteries". Usually involving various people showing up at a mansion or inn on a dark and/or stormy night. Murders and dissapearances abound in these stories.

Originally popular on the stage (The Bat Whispers was a play), the genre was frequently used in early sound films of the early thirties. They would later be absorbed into the horror and mystery genres.

This film even includes the original curtin speach by one of the actors asking the audience to not reveal the ending to their friends. It's stylishly photographed and the plot moves at a quick pace.

A great example of earily thirties film making.