The Spiral Staircase
First screened in June 2003 / Most recently screened in February 2016
Director: Robert Siodmak. Cast: Dorothy McGuire, George Brent, Kent Smith, Gordon Oliver, Ethel Barrymore, Sara Allgood, Rhonda Fleming, Rhys Williams, Erville Alderson, James Bell, Elsa Lanchester. Screenplay: Men Dinelli (based on the novel Some Must Watch by Ethel Lina White).

Twitter Capsule: I always worry I'm selling this short, but revisits confirm its superficial panache, forced plot, iffy cast.

VOR:   Siodmak had a brief, intriguing run, but Spiral looks more overstyled than stylish. Everything from the scenario to the treatment of muteness feels musty. Some effort, though.



Photo © 1945 RKO Radio Pictures/Dore Schary Productions

Not yet reviewed in full. C+


Academy Award Nominations (1946):
Best Supporting Actress: Ethel Barrymore

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