The Old Dark House (1932)

The Old Dark House
Directed by James Whale
Written by Benn W. Levy from a novel by J.B. Priestley
1932/US
IMDb page
Universal Pictures
Repeat viewing/Criterion Channel

Rebecca Femm: No beds! They can’t have beds!
Horace Femm: As my sister hints, there are, I’m afraid, no beds.

James Whale was definitely on a winning streak.

A group of travelers is forced to take shelter in a terrible storm and finds themselves in the title abode among the strangest family imaginable. With a boffo cast including: Boris Karloff, Charles Laughton, Melvyn Douglas, Ernest Thesinger, Raymond Massey, Gloria Stewart, Lillian Bond, and Eva Moore.

I adore this movie! It is just the perfect amalgam of thrills and wit. The screenplay and all the performances are spot on. Have a potato! The Criterion Channel is featuring a Pre-Code Horror collection this month and there are some great selections to dip into.  This film is also available for free on YouTube.