The Spiral Staircase

To mark the 50th anniversary of Robert Siodmak's death, we will commemorate his style-defining film noir phase in 1940s Hollywood with THE SPIRAL STAIRCASE, which is set in New England at the beginning of the 20th century. A serial killer, whose victims are mostly disabled young women, strikes fear and terror into the inhabitants of a small town. As his next victim, he seems to have his eyes set on Helen (Dorothy McGuire), who has been mute since a traumatic childhood experience and works for the bedridden widow Mrs. Warren (Ethel Barrymore) in an old mansion. There is a storm brewing when the killer enters the house, and a night of horror begins. With a magnificent ensemble, polished dialogues, and sophisticated use of light and shadow, Siodmak once again celebrates the pleasure of seeing and shows clearly why he is considered one of the leading film noir directors. (Diana Kluge)