Bat, The (1959)

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 – 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 the scheming bank president who owns the house, who enters the action by killing the financial officer and providing an early suspect for the viewer.

John Sutton and Gavin Gordon are the other chief suspects.

Elaine Edwards and Darla Hood add their feminine screams to the general confusion.

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

Video