There’s nothing like an old dark house for raising the goose pimples. If it happens to be haunted by a killer who calls himself “The Bat,” so much the better.
Just to ensure there isn’t a dull moment, this house – called “The Oaks” and full of creaking shutters and secret panels, rooms and doors – is also the hiding place for one million dollars in recently embezzled loot.
Luckily, the temporary resident is Cornelia van Gorder (Agnes Moorhead), a resourceful writer of thrillers who takes in her stride the bumps in the night and the non-stop stream of murders.
Vincent Price effectively plays the part of Dr Malcolm Wells – friend and physician of scheming bank president Victor Bailey (Mike Steele) who owns the house – who enters the action by killing the financial officer and providing an early suspect for the viewer.
Warner the chauffeur (John Sutton) and housekeeper Jane Patterson
(Riza Royce) are the other chief suspects of Lt. Andy Anderson (Gavin Gordon).
Dale Bailey (Elaine Edwards) and Judy Hollander (Darla Hood) add their feminine screams to the general confusion.
Late one night, the Bat makes his way into “The Oaks” despite a police guard and begins to search for the hidden booty. The sounds of his search awake the resident women, and one of them is killed when the Bat makes his escape.
Cornelia discovers the hidden money and sets a trap for the Bat. Meanwhile, Dr Wells is killed by the fast-moving murderer.
The butler, a prime suspect by now, disappears. The Bat is about to open fire on the defenceless Cornelia and companions when three shots ring out, and the Bat drops to the floor. It wasn’t the butler. It was the cop.
Although the killer’s visits are usually heralded by the presence of the night creatures from whom the film’s title is derived, and death does follow in the slayer’s wake, the film is not a horror drama. It’s a mystery that should keep you cheerfully guessing and gasping.
Dr Malcolm Wells
Vincent Price Cornelia van Gorder
Agnes Moorehead Lt. Andy Anderson
Gavin Gordon Warner (Chauffeur)
John Sutton Lizzie Allen
Lenita Lane Dale Bailey
Elaine Edwards Judy Hollander
Darla Hood Mark Fleming
John Bryant John Fleming
Harvey Stephens Victor Bailey
Mike Steele Jane Patterson
Riza Royce Detective Davenport
Robert B. Williams
Director Crane Wilbur
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Vincent Price effectively plays the part of Dr Malcolm Wells – friend and physician of scheming bank president Victor Bailey (Mike Steele) who owns the house – who enters the action by killing the financial officer and providing an early suspect for the viewer.
