Haunted People
Haunted People

Movie spotlight

Haunted People

1932
Movie
94 min
German

Widowed carpenter Vincenz Olivier lives with his 8-year-old son Boubou in a small French town. But on the day he is supposed to marry the mayor′s daughter, Louise, his dark past catches up with him: Ten years ago, Vincenz – whose real name is Leon Bernier – escaped from prioson after being convicted of murdering his lover′s sister. Taking Boubou with him, Vincenz, who then and now still denies the crime, flees from the police in a desperate attempt to prove his innocence.

Insights

IMDb5.8/10
Director: Edward L. CahnGenres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

A wealthy young man inherits a secluded mansion with a dark past and a family curse. He finds himself drawn into a web of intrigue and danger as he uncovers the secrets of his lineage and the spectral presence that haunts the estate. Strange occurrences and mysterious deaths plague those who venture too close to the truth, forcing him to confront his own mortality and the supernatural forces at play.

Critical Reception

While "Haunted People" is a lesser-known entry in early horror cinema, it is noted for its atmospheric tension and early exploration of psychological horror themes within the genre. Its impact is often overshadowed by more prominent films of the era, but it holds a cult status among aficionados for its unique, if somewhat dated, approach to suspense and the supernatural.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unsettling atmosphere and early use of psychological suspense.

  • Recognized as an interesting, albeit obscure, example of 1930s horror.

  • Some find the plot convoluted but appreciate its period detail.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce due to the film's limited release and age, but when available, they often highlight the film's effectiveness in creating a spooky mood despite its technical limitations. Some viewers appreciate the classic horror tropes employed.

Fun Fact

The film was based on the novel "The House of the Arrow" by A.E.W. Mason, a well-regarded mystery writer whose works often featured intricate plots and suspenseful narratives.

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