The third film version of The Thirteenth Chair is a fairly dull rendition. Séance films can be a great deal of fun, even if they are rarely high art. The setting provides the filmmakers with ample opportunity for atmosphere, tension and suspense, and in the right hands the result can be a nifty little joyride. Director George B. Seitz apparently didn't possess the right hands, as this B-picture only intermittently takes advantage of the possibilities presented to it. Oh, there's a modicum of suspense, but that is mostly generated by the (rather mechanical) workings of the screenplay rather than by any directorial sleight of hand. Seitz goes through the paces, but he doesn't add a great deal of imagination of surprise. The screenplay is serviceable but no more, especially to modern audiences who are largely too sophisticated to be entertained by its by-now-familiar twists and turns. Fortunately, Chair does have the captivating Dame May Whitty on hand. Whitty doesn't have the material to really shine, but she brings her years of experience to the project and manages to sprinkle a little magic here and there. The rest of the cast is fine, and David Snell's moody score is helpful.