The Bat Whispers (1930)
directed by Roland West
cinematography by Robert H Planck
How effective to use frames within frames to maintain the feeling of claustrophobia on a 70mm screen. It keeps yet another old dark house story from becoming lost in the dark.
directed by Roland West
cinematography by Robert H Planck
How effective to use frames within frames to maintain the feeling of claustrophobia on a 70mm screen. It keeps yet another old dark house story from becoming lost in the dark.
5 comments:
I only just watched this recently on my PC, a friend sent it to me on region 2. The writing is fluff, but the visuals are wonderful. Btw, shahn, I just saw something this past weekend I thought you might enjoy, Death of a Cyclist (1955), made in Spain, directed by Juan Antonio Bardem (uncle of Javier). Great B&W cinematography. Looked upon as a mix of film noir, neo-realism and Hitchcockian thriller. I think the camerawork is ahead of its time, looks more early Sixties than mid-Fifties.
Hiya Guy,
I agree. I could have done without the comedy element in this film. It really dragged down the momentum. It feels as though they were hedging their bets, trying to appeal to a wide audience instead of trusting the mystery concept.
I have seen Death of a Cyclist, and even posted about it. Its a stunning film, isn't it?
Absolutely.
I have a soft spot for the Bat Whispers and so thank you for the cool images. Alas, most of the old dark house films had comedy relief of one sort or another, it's a drag unless done right (by Bob Hope in the 1939 CAT AND THE CANARY which is still nowhere to be found on DVD, and GHOST BREAKERS of course.) The one I really can't stand is the annoying reporter character, ala Lee Tracy in DR. X. It's funny how badly some comedy ages while others stay perennial, which for me is WC Fields, Mae and the Marx Brothers (pre-Day at the Races).
Welcome, Erich
I've had Cat and the Canary on my must-see list for a while. Ghost Breakers is new to me, I'll have to search that one out. I'd love to see a good blend of horror and comedy.
The funny thing about Bat Whispers is the awkward pause after each comedic line, as though time was left for the audience to laugh without missing the next piece of dialog. Unfortunately it only emphasizes the corn when I watch the film with no one laughing.
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