Search - One Frightened Night on DVD

Old Dark House Style Thriller

Tim Janson | Michigan | 11/23/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"One Frightened Night cannot hope to aim for the heights set by the more well known "Old Dark House" but for a cheapie released by "Mascot Pictures" it's not too bad.

An eccentric millionaire Jasper Whyte, unable to locate his only granddaughter, decides to divide his estate among a group of people less close to him: his niece and nephew, his attorney, his doctor, and his housekeeper. But complications and murder arise when two different women turn up, claiming to be the granddaughter.

Typical "reading of the will" type fare. The crotchety Jasper surprises his relations by promising them all $1,000,000, barring the return of wayward granddaughter Doris Waverly before midnight-- but come the witching hour, Jasper finds he must choose between two young women claiming to be the grown up Doris.

The movie does have a bit of that poverty row look to it but still rises above most others in the genre with some great atmosphere and strong performances. Among the co-stars are Wallace Ford, who would later co-star in two of Universal's Mummy movies As Babe Jensen and Hedda Hopper who would become Hollywood's leading gossip columnist.

Quite a well-done murder/Old Dark House Mystery. Surprisingly good!
"

Fun "B" Mystery

Bobby Underwood | Manly NSW, Australia | 06/21/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This little "B" gem from Mascot Pictures, one of the "Poverty Row" studios who specialized in low-budget fillers for double-bills, is quite entertaining. While the storyline sounds familiar the execution is done with humor and flair, and an excellent cast.

It all begins on a dark, stormy night as Jasper Whyte (Charley Grapewin) reveals to his servants and relatives that he is giving them each one million dollars. Since his long-missing granddaughter, Doris Waverly, is the only one who could throw a monkey-wrench into the plan, their inheritance seems assured.

But Doris shows up, of course, in the form of Evalyn Knapp. As the old man dotes on her, grateful for her sweet return, the rest of the household fumes. Things take a u-turn when a second Doris Waverly (Mary Carlisle), an actress not nearly as passive as the first, appears right on her heels.

Before the first Doris can be exposed as an imposter, she is murdered and we have ourselves an old dark house murder mystery. Sheriff Jenks (Fred Kelsey) isn't that much help when he shows, nor is Doris' pal from the stage, the "Great Luvalle (Wallace Ford). Tom Dean (Regis Toomey), the easygoing and fun-loving member of the clan, takes a real shine to the second Doris (Mary Carlisle) and decides to do a little detecting.

An attempt on Doris' life by poison blowdart adds to the fun in this easy to like "B" mystery. This is great entertainment for late at night when you can't sleep. Famous gossip columnist Hedda Hopper plays the part of Laura Proctor in this one, for a little added nostagia.

Many of these "B" films are just slow-moving imitations of the real thing, but this one has some snappy dialog and a fun atmosphere to recommend it, not to mention a fine cast. A good rainy night time killer."