Scared Stiff

A timid lawyer inherits a spooky mansion and plans to use it as a haunted house attraction to make money. He hires a group of actors, including a down-on-his-luck horror star, to play the roles of ghosts and ghouls. However, their plans are complicated when a real murder occurs within the mansion, and everyone becomes a suspect.

Scared Stiff is a lesser-known comedy-horror film from the 1940s. While it features Bela Lugosi in a supporting role, it is primarily remembered as a vehicle for comedian Jack Haley. Critical reception at the time was generally mild, with reviewers often noting its predictable plot and reliance on slapstick humor. Audience reception was similarly lukewarm, with the film failing to make a significant impact on the box office.

• A predictable but occasionally amusing comedy-horror.
• Relies heavily on slapstick and the presence of Bela Lugosi.
• Fails to deliver genuine scares or strong comedic moments.

Google audience: Audience reviews for 'Scared Stiff' are scarce due to its age and limited distribution. Those that are available suggest a film that is more silly than scary, with some viewers finding its B-movie charm endearing while others found it to be forgettable.

The film was originally intended to be a serious horror film before the script was rewritten to incorporate more comedy, capitalizing on the popularity of Jack Haley's comedic persona.