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Bob Hope, Paulette Goddard, John Beal, Douglass Montgomery, Gale Sondergaard ... see more see more... , Elizabeth Patterson , Nydia Westman , George Zucco , John Wray , George Regas , Chief Thundercloud , Milt Kibbee , Frank Melton , Charles Lane

The classic "old dark house" motif is given sterling treatment in this second filmed version of the hit play. Bob Hope's status as a star was assured with his role as Wallie Campbell, the cowardly pro... read more read more...tector of Joyce Norman (Paulette Goddard), who must spend one night in the eerie mansion of her late, eccentric, millionaire uncle. If she can make it through the night without losing her mind, Joyce stands to inherit her uncle's entire fortune. Of course, all the other potential heirs now have a motive to drive her insane. The frights are nonstop as hands reach out from nowhere, people disappear between trap doors, the halls echo with terrifying sounds, and secret doorways lead to hidden passageways. Three people are murdered before Wallie solves the mystery and sees Goddard through the night. Hope integrates his wiseacre comedic style into a essentially straight role, with the humor well-placed in the otherwise moody material. Creepy lighting and music also aid director Elliott Nugent in crafting an effective and fun version of one the genre's archetypal stories. ~ Don Kaye, Rovi

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83% liked it

318 ratings

Unrated, 1 hr. 12 min.

Directed by: Elliott Nugent

Release Date: November 10, 1939

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Flixster Reviews (36)


  • December 11, 2011
    Long on my list of films to see, this was quaint and enjoyable. Hope brings a disarming sense of cowardice to his role while maintaining full likability of his character. Goddard is simply lovely.
  • September 19, 2008
    Hope throws some life into this remake.
  • May 1, 2011
    This version stars Bob Hope and is re-make of the earlier silent film by the same name (which was based on a play by the name. As per the rules of an "old dark house" film, a will is read at midnight to a group of people in a mansion (this time in the bayou). The will states the ... read morefirst heir must remain sane for 30 days or it goes to the backup plan. Of course the other potential heirs attempt to drive the heiress batty. The heiress is a young hottie, so Bob Hope tries to get laid instead of driving her crazy. Not really any better than the silent-era version.

Critic Reviews


Ken Hanke
October 20, 2010
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

While it's not as stylistically impressive as the 1927 Paul Leni silent, it's probably an all around more successful film. Full Review

Sean Axmaker
June 11, 2010
Sean Axmaker, Seanax.com

(Bob) Hope and (Paulette) Goddard have marvelous chemistry and Hope is completely amiable, using wisecracks to cover up his discomfort and fear. Full Review

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