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The Spiral Staircase

1946

Robert Siodmak

Dorothy McGuire, George Brent, Ethel Barrymore, Rhonda Fleming ...

7.2

5,239

Mystery. Thriller. Film noir Beautiful young mute Helen is a domestic worker for old ailing Mrs. Warren. Mrs. Warren's two sons, Albert (a professor) and womanizing impudent Steven, also live in the Warren mansion. Mrs. Warren becomes concerned for Helen's safety when a rash of murders involving 'women with afflictions' hits the neighborhood. She implores her physician, Dr. Parry, to take Helen away for her own safety. When another murder occurs inside the Warren ... [+]

	Media	Author	Review
		David Parkinson Empire	"Although its whodunnit aspect is weak, the strong camera angles and cast performance make this a fine film (…) Rating: ★★★★ (out of 5)"
		Variety	"This is a smooth production (...) ably acted and directed. Mood and pace are well set, and story grips throughout."
		Dave Kehr Chicago Reader	"This 1946 film is one of [Siodmak's] least interesting"
		Adam Mars-Jones The Independent	"A genre product that touches all the bases without leaving any more to trouble the memory, perhaps, than a single image"
		Sue Heal Radio Times	"Thought-provoking and disturbing, this masterly thriller is directed with touches of sheer genius by Robert Siodmak (…) Rating: ★★★★ (out of 5)"
		Time	"Knowingly paced by Director Robert Siodmak and shrewdly acted by an expert cast, including Ethel Barrymore, is choice, eerie entertainment."

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Gregory J. Markopoulos

6.9

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