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The Spiral Staircase

  • 1946
  • Approved
  • 1h 23m
IMDb RATING
7.3/10
12K
YOUR RATING
The Spiral Staircase (1946)
WhodunnitDramaHorrorMysteryThriller

In 1916, a shadowy serial killer is targeting women with "afflictions"; one night during a thunderstorm, the mute Helen feels menaced.In 1916, a shadowy serial killer is targeting women with "afflictions"; one night during a thunderstorm, the mute Helen feels menaced.In 1916, a shadowy serial killer is targeting women with "afflictions"; one night during a thunderstorm, the mute Helen feels menaced.

  • Director
    • Robert Siodmak
  • Writers
    • Mel Dinelli
    • Ethel Lina White
  • Stars
    • Dorothy McGuire
    • George Brent
    • Ethel Barrymore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • IMDb RATING
    7.3/10
    12K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Robert Siodmak
    • Writers
      • Mel Dinelli
      • Ethel Lina White
    • Stars
      • Dorothy McGuire
      • George Brent
      • Ethel Barrymore
    • 140User reviews
    • 71Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 1 Oscar
      • 2 nominations total

    Videos1

    The Spiral Staircase
    Trailer 1:59
    The Spiral Staircase

    Photos25

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    Top cast19

    Edit
    Dorothy McGuire
    Dorothy McGuire
    • Helen
    George Brent
    George Brent
    • Professor Warren
    Ethel Barrymore
    Ethel Barrymore
    • Mrs. Warren
    Kent Smith
    Kent Smith
    • Dr. Parry
    Rhonda Fleming
    Rhonda Fleming
    • Blanche
    Gordon Oliver
    Gordon Oliver
    • Steve Warren
    Elsa Lanchester
    Elsa Lanchester
    • Mrs. Oates
    Sara Allgood
    Sara Allgood
    • Nurse Barker
    Rhys Williams
    Rhys Williams
    • Mr. Oates
    James Bell
    James Bell
    • Constable
    Erville Alderson
    Erville Alderson
    • Dr. Harvey
    • (uncredited)
    Ellen Corby
    Ellen Corby
    • Neighbour
    • (uncredited)
    Myrna Dell
    Myrna Dell
    • Murder Victim
    • (uncredited)
    George Holmes
    George Holmes
    • The Killer's 'Shadow'
    • (uncredited)
    Stanley Price
    Stanley Price
    • Starry-eyed Man
    • (uncredited)
    Robert Siodmak
    Robert Siodmak
    • The Killer's 'Eye'
    • (uncredited)
    Richard Tyler
    Richard Tyler
    • Freddy
    • (uncredited)
    Charles Wagenheim
    Charles Wagenheim
    • Desk Clerk
    • (uncredited)
    • Director
      • Robert Siodmak
    • Writers
      • Mel Dinelli
      • Ethel Lina White
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Robert Siodmak: the close-ups of the killer's eyes and hands.
    • Goofs
      When Helen first walks up the main staircase, she pauses to look at herself in the mirror. In the next shot as the camera slowly rolls backwards, she is still looking in the mirror, but there is no reflection of herself (just a painting designed to look like mirror).
    • Quotes

      Constable: She's dead!

      Dr. Parry: Well, in that event, Constable, I certainly can't do her any harm.

    • Alternate versions
      The MGM DVD has the opening and closing MGM logos in addition blacking out the RKO Pictures logo.
    • Connections
      Featured in Stairs (1986)
    • Soundtracks
      Waltz Op. 34 No. 2 in A minor
      (uncredited)
      Composed by Frédéric Chopin
      [The first half of the piano accompaniment to the silent movie]

    User reviews140

    Review
    Review
    Featured review
    8/10

    The Greatest Old Dark House Film of Its Era?

    A killer who targets women with imperfections is on the loose. Everyone suspects the next victim will be Helen, who is mute and works as a caregiver for a wealthy old woman. Who is the killer and is Helen safe?

    George Brent stars in this, along with a marvelous cast. I am not familiar with Brent's work, but he was amazing here. And working under Robert Siodmak? What more can you ask for? The Siodmak brothers were a strong force in their day, and sadly forgotten by many today.

    If you like film noir, thrillers or subtle horror, this film is really a must-see. The title is a tad misleading. Near as I can tell, the spiral staircase plays no important role in the film. But, still, a must-see regardless of title.
    • gavin6942
    • Jan 20, 2011
    • Permalink

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    FAQ22

    • How long is The Spiral Staircase?Powered by Alexa
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    • Where is this movie supposed to be set?
    • Where is that old Victorian mansion located?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • February 7, 1946 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Silence of Helen McCord
    • Filming locations
      • Detroit, Michigan, USA
    • Production companies
      • RKO Radio Pictures
      • Dore Schary Productions
      • Vanguard Films
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 23 minutes
    • Color
      • Black and White
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.37 : 1

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