THE SPIRAL STAIRCASE

US, 1946, 83 minutes, Black and white.
Dorothy McGuire?, George Brent, Ethel Barrymore, Kent Smith, Rhonda Fleming, Elsa Lanchester, Sara Allgood.
Directed by Robert Siodmak.

The Spiral Staircase was an original thriller of the mid 40's. It has become something of a classic. The Gothic atmosphere, the black and white photography, the music and the excellent performance by Dorothy McGuire? ensured an impact on audiences. Dorothy McGuire? portrays the deaf mute who is caught in the atmosphere of intrigue and murder. Ethel Barrymore was very impressive as the mother. George Brent was the hero, the mysterious doctor. The film was made at a time when Hollywood sets were most important, and it looks somewhat dated in its presentation these days. Nevertheless, the film has strong impact, and is a good study of horror and mysterious relationships.

1. This film is considered a classic thriller. Why? In terms of technique? Content? How suspenseful was it? Why?

2. How was the suspenseful atmosphere-created? By music and photography? By the opening with the film show? The use of the weather? The fact that Helen was mute? Was the spiral staircase itself important?

3. The atmosphere of mystery? Was the film a successful mystery - the showing of hands doing the murder? were you puzzled by who was the murderer? Why?

4. The central role of Helen - how sympathetic a character? How did she draw audience sympathy? Her initial watching of the film and her return home, her fear, her continual state of fear and suspicion, the relationship of the storm to her character, the fact that she was mute and could be terrorised?

5. Professor Warren - was he a credible character? Did you believe that he would be the hero? Were you surprised that he was the villain? Why?

6. Did you think Stephen was the murderer? How did the film seem to suggest this?

7. Mrs. Barker -what importance did she have in the plot?

8. Mrs Warren - the impression of Ethel Barrymore, her being bed-ridden, the mysterious nature of the relationship with her sons, her relationship with Helen, did you think that she was the murderer? The impact of her final shooting of the Professor?

9. The importance of Blanche as a character? Her relationship with the Professor? Were you surprised at her murder? Did this add to the mystery?

10. Were you suspicious of Doctor Parry? Did the film try to make him suspicious?

11. Was the film plausible in its psychology,. and its reasons for Professor Warren being a murderer? What motivated him? Was this plausible?

12. Was the ending too melodramatic? Or did it fit into the melodramatic suspense of the film's style? Was there too much talk in the resolution? Should it have been handled visually?

13. How did this film manipulate audience suspense and fear?