In some ways, this movie is like a live action version of a Scooby-Doo episode (without Scooby and the gang). There’s a campy vibe that runs through the whole thing. But that’s also what makes it so effective at times. Because just when you are settling into the “joke”, there’s a super creepy moment that is truly terrifying. Like when an old woman ghost (with white eyes) appears in a dark hallway for a second. Truly disturbing image. The black & white photography also helps to add to the atmosphere.
This was the first film to experiment with screams & sounds over a black screen. It’s how the film opens and this must have been super effective back in the days while it played in theaters. Hearing those creepy sounds in the dark set the perfect mood. Of course, seeing it now on TV, the effect is largely lost (wish I could see this screened somewhere. Would make an awesome late night movie in a dark theater).
Vincent Price owns every scene he’s in and the wonderful character actor Elisha Cook Jr. (The Maltese Falcon, Twilight Zone, etc) gives a tremendous performance as well. The dialogue is one of the best reasons to watch this. So many great lines and snappy deliveries abound. Great little haunted house flick.