The Mysterious Old Man
The Mysterious Old Man

Movie spotlight

The Mysterious Old Man

1981
Movie
69 min
Russian

In the small town of Krutovo, three friends live — Mitrya, Andrian and Lenka. From the director of the Museum of local lore, the children learn about the theft of the portrait "The Old Man with a Candle" from the museum collection of Prince Meshchersky. The valuable painting is somewhere in the city. The guys are starting the search...

Insights

IMDb5.8/10
Director: E. Arthur KeanGenres: Mystery, Horror, Thriller

Plot Summary

A reclusive and eccentric old man lives in an isolated mansion filled with strange artifacts and secrets. When a group of young people trespasses on his property, they uncover a dark mystery connected to his past and the unsettling occurrences within the house. They soon find themselves trapped, fighting for survival against the enigmatic owner and the horrors his mansion holds.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'The Mysterious Old Man' received a mixed to negative reception. Critics often pointed to its predictable plot and underdeveloped characters, although some appreciated its atmospheric tension and occasional effective scares. Audiences were similarly divided, with some enjoying the suspenseful elements while others found the film to be derivative and lacking in originality.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its attempts at building suspense and a creepy atmosphere.

  • Criticized for a convoluted and often nonsensical plot.

  • Some found the performances to be a highlight despite the material.

Google audience: Audience reviews for 'The Mysterious Old Man' are scarce, but those available suggest a film that failed to resonate broadly, with viewers often citing its dated pacing and uninspired narrative as significant drawbacks.

Fun Fact

Despite being released in 1981, the film was shot entirely on sets that had a distinctly retro feel, contributing to its eerie, timeless quality.

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