The Old Dark House (1932) - 4K Ultra HD Analysis

      The Old Dark House, 1932.

      Directed by James Whale.

      Starring Boris Karloff, Melvyn Douglas, Charles Laughton, Gloria Stuart, Lilian Bond, Raymond Massey, and Eva Moore.

      SYNOPSIS:

      Amid a thunderstorm, five travelers seek refuge in an eerie mansion inhabited by the peculiar Femm family. Recently, a subgenre of horror termed ‘old dark house horror’ has emerged, and this 1932 classic serves as its origin. While haunted house tales existed prior in both literature and film, this film consolidates the tropes that may now appear cliché into one cohesive narrative that highlights the era's talent.

      Adapted from J.B. Priestley’s novel Benighted, which critiques British class structures, the film begins with couple Philip and Margaret Waverton (Raymond Massey and Gloria Stuart), alongside their friend Roger Penderel (Melvyn Douglas), driving through a fierce thunderstorm in the Welsh countryside. Upon their car becoming stuck, they flee to a mysterious old mansion, where they are welcomed by the brutish mute butler Morgan (Boris Karloff). Inside, they encounter the eccentric Horace Femm (Ernest Thesiger) and his sister Rebecca (Eva Moore), who invite them to stay safe from the storm.

      As dinner unfolds, two additional guests arrive: chorus girl Gladys (Lilian Bond) and Sir William Porterhouse (Charles Laughton). The evening takes a bizarre turn as the heavy-drinking Morgan becomes aggressive. Adding to the suspense, Horace exhibits a peculiar reluctance to ascend the stairs in the dark after the storm disrupts the electricity.

      Following the success of Frankenstein in 1931, director James Whale was highly sought after in Hollywood. He insisted that Universal secure the rights to J.B. Priestley’s work and assembled a largely British cast—albeit none were Welsh—with Boris Karloff, a star of Frankenstein, receiving top billing despite Morgan being a secondary character.

      Taking inspiration from Edgar Allan Poe and released during a time that shaped the genre, The Old Dark House faced limitations in production value, compelling Whale to be resourceful. Influenced by German expressionism, this early horror film exhibits Whale's unique style through innovative use of shadows and lighting, differentiating it from the comparatively flat Dracula. This distinct visual approach not only enhances the film's aesthetic but also provides subtle character and plot cues that dialogue may not convey.

      Although initially perceived as a commercial and critical disappointment, The Old Dark House has gained recognition over the past 80 years as the catalyst for an entire horror subgenre and for Whale's expert direction. Changing societal attitudes have allowed contemporary audiences to re-evaluate the film, viewing it in the context of evolving norms and recognizing it as a camp classic. Whale continued to challenge boundaries with his later work, Bride of Frankenstein, collaborating again with Ernest Thesiger and crafting one of horror cinema's most memorable villains, Doctor Septimus Pretorius. This film laid the groundwork for subversion in pre-Code Hollywood, showcasing Whale’s storytelling prowess and willingness to take risks.

      This raises the question of how Whale would perceive his film receiving a 4K UHD upgrade for a potential new audience. Given the sharp and striking black-and-white visuals, it's likely he would be pleased. However, this release also prompts a consideration: is it worth upgrading if one already possesses Eureka’s earlier Blu-ray from 2018?

      Without a doubt, this 4K UHD version is stunning, and for classic horror enthusiasts with the means to experience it in this format, it's worth indulging. Nevertheless, the disc includes the same special features as the Blu-ray—three audio commentaries, an interview with Boris Karloff’s daughter Sara, a video essay by critic and filmmaker David Cairns, and an archived interview with director Curtis Harrington discussing the film's restoration. Despite the inclusion of a collector’s booklet with new essays, one might wonder if the improved contrasts justify repurchasing the film after owning the previous version. At over 80 years old, there's only so much enhancement possible to remove any imperfections.

      Ultimately, it’s a personal decision to make, but doubling up on this film means experiencing a classic horror movie from Hollywood's golden age in its best possible form, still delivering impact even after decades of parodies and imitations.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★

      Chris Ward