One Frightened Night
One Frightened Night

One Frightened Night

1935Movie66 minEnglish

Eccentric tycoon Jasper Whyte hosts a dinner at his mansion and announces that he will divide his money and give each guest a million dollars before the stroke of midnight. When his long-lost granddaughter suddenly arrives, Whyte changes his mind and proclaims that she will receive his entire fortune. A second lady appears at the estate, claiming that she is actually Whyte's granddaughter, Doris Waverly, and the first woman is found murdered in her room! With each guest possessing a motive, the mystery of the killer's identity briskly unfolds through a stirring series of surprises.

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Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Director: William WylerGenres: Horror, Mystery, Comedy

Plot Summary

A young woman inherits a secluded mansion and gathers her relatives for a reading of the will. The reading is interrupted by a series of strange occurrences and a killer on the loose, turning the night into a terrifying ordeal. As the guests are picked off one by one, they must uncover the identity of the murderer before they all become victims.

Critical Reception

One Frightened Night is a minor but enjoyable entry in the haunted house genre of the 1930s. While not a groundbreaking film, it offers a good balance of suspense, mystery, and dark humor. Critics at the time noted its effective atmosphere and surprising twists, though some found its comedic elements occasionally undercut the horror. It's generally regarded as a well-crafted B-movie that provides a satisfyingly spooky experience.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its atmospheric tension and effective whodunit plot.
  • Noted for its blend of horror and comedic elements, though some found the tone inconsistent.
  • Considered a solid example of the 'old dark house' subgenre with clever twists.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this older film, but general sentiment indicates appreciation for its classic spooky atmosphere and engaging mystery, often highlighting it as an entertaining B-movie from its era.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

The film was directed by William Wyler, who would go on to win three Academy Awards for Best Director for films like 'Mrs. Miniver' and 'Ben-Hur'.

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