Movie spotlight
Darkened Rooms
Phony spiritualists were given a good going-over in the early talkie melodrama Darkened Rooms. Evelyn Brent stars as Ellen, a fraudulent medium working in cahoots with genuine clairvoyant Emory Jago (Neil Hamilton). The plotline is secondary; the film's main purpose was to emulate the methods of such professional "de-bunkers" as Mrs. Harry Houdini by exposing the various tricks of the spiritualist's trade.
Insights
Plot Summary
A stage hypnotist, Dr. Von Kent, attempts to solve the murder of his former associate by using hypnosis on the victim's beautiful widow. As he delves into her subconscious, he uncovers dark secrets and a web of deceit. The investigation takes a dangerous turn as the line between reality and suggestion blurs, and the hypnotist finds himself entangled in the sinister plot.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, 'Darkened Rooms' received mixed to positive reviews, with critics often praising its atmospheric tension and Conrad Nagel's performance as the hypnotist. However, some found the plot somewhat convoluted. It is considered a notable early example of a horror-mystery film that utilized the then-popular fascination with hypnosis.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its suspenseful atmosphere and Nagel's performance.
Criticized by some for a sometimes confusing narrative.
An interesting early foray into hypnotism-themed horror.
Google audience: Audience reception data from Google Reviews is not readily available for this early film.
Fun Fact
The film is notable for its use of sound effects and early synchronized dialogue sequences, which were still novelties in 1929.
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