by Cavett Binion
synopsis
This "Old Dark House" melodrama features popular radio performer Ed Lowry as an insurance investigator who, among several others, accepts an invitation to a creepy mansion whose owner ostensibly offers his collected guests a chance to obtain a fortune in rare jewels looted from a Hindu temple. The proceedings are decidedly darkened, however, by hints of an ancient curse attached to the purloined gems, made more credible when the guests begin dropping like flies. Though fairly atmospheric, this film pales in comparison to Paul Leni's original The Cat and the Canary, which undoubtedly served as its inspiration. Fans of cantankerous cowboy sidekick Gabby Hayes will be surprised by his wicked turn as a villain.
characteristics
- Insurance-investigator
- Mansion
- Nail-biters
- Opal
- Curse
- Jewel Theft
- Hindu
- Guest
- Sacred
- Temple
- Priceless
- Group
