The Black Room
1935 · Movie · NR · 70 min · ★ 6.5 · 67% critics
In a centuries-old castle, a prophecy hangs over twin heirs: one is expected to kill the other. When the cruel ruler fears losing power, he turns to murder, deception, and a sealed torture chamber to try to outwit fate while keeping control of the terrified townspeople.
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Details
- Years
- 1935
- Release date
- 1935-07-15
- Language
- English
- Rated
- NR
- Runtime
- 70 min
- Critic score
- 67/100
- TMDB rating
- 6.5/10 (62 votes)
About
You’ll likely enjoy this if you like vintage gothic thrillers with cursed family legends, sinister castles, and identity games, especially if The Spiral Staircase or Son of Frankenstein appeal to you; Not for you if you want fast-paced modern horror.
Pros: eerie gothic atmosphere; strong dual performance; brisk, gripping setup | Cons: some rushed pacing; light on scares; melodramatic at times
Themes
- prophecy
- arranged marriage
- castle
- ruling class
- twin brother
- torture chamber
- class differences
- lust
- twins
- dog
- hedonism
- impersonation
- +5 more
Cast & crew
Boris Karloff
as Baron Gregor de Berghman / Anton de Berghman
Marian Marsh
as Thea Hassel
Robert Allen
as Lt. Albert Lussan
Thurston Hall
as Col. Paul Hassel
Katherine DeMille
as Mashka
John Buckler
as Beran - the gypsy
Henry Kolker
as Baron de Berghman
Colin Tapley
as Paul Hassel as a young lieutenant
Torben Meyer
as Peter, the majordomo
John George
as Inn Waiter (uncredited)
Directed by Roy William Neill