Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

I have been viewing Vincent Price films I've not previously seen. I didn't know what to expect from a movie titled The Bat. At first I thought it was science fiction, perhaps a vampire flick. Turns out "The Bat" is a mystery … and a good one!


Plot in Brief

A killer nicknamed "The Bat" is on the loose, and a half-million in securities has been stolen from the bank. A few too many people suspect the stolen loot is hidden in The Oaks, a mansion being rented by Cornelia van Gorder, a well-known mystery writer. Clues and red-herrings abound in this classic who-done-it.


My Experiences

This is a suspenseful movie. It's a good old-fashioned mystery with great characters and a solid storyline with a satisfying ending.

Even though this movie features well-known actor Vincent Price as the eerie Dr. Wells, the local physician, the real star of this film is Agnes Moorehead who portrays mystery writer Corneilia van Gorder. Corneilia is renting the mansion that is the crux of murder and mystery. She claims center stage and keeps it while alternately being terrified and overcoming her fear to solve the mystery of "The Bat". Viewers will most likely recognize Agnes Moorehead as the bothersome mother-in-law Endora in the television sitcom "Bewitched".

Vincent Price is excellent as always. He is more than he seems as Dr. Wells (and I'm not giving anything away by saying this). If you have an extreme fear of bats, be warned that Vincent Price handles live bats during this movie.

This movie includes a strong cast, and each of them is terrific in their roles. Gavin Gordon is the stalwart policeman, determined to solve the crime. John Sutton enters the household as hired help, but is he what he appears to be? Lenita Lane is brilliant as Lizzie Allen, companion to the mystery writer played by Moorehead. The two actresses play well off each other, too. They build marvelous suspense over the spooky events happening that are beyond their control. Darla Hood came as a surprise. She looked somewhat familiar, and I finally placed her after doing some research. If you've ever seen the old films of "The Little Rascals", Darla Hood played sassy little-girl Darla in the programs.

I like the setting in this movie, too. The scenes move from the bank, woods, police station, and doctor's office to the mansion where much of the action takes place. This mansion makes a wonderful backdrop for this movie. In some sense, the building almost becomes a character in the film, speaking a language all its own.

While there is violence and murder in this movie, there is no gore. This film is so well done, I'm surprised it isn't seen on television or cable broadcast as one of the classic mystery movies.

The black-and-white clarity in this movie is excellent. There is one spot where a black band across the top of the screen rolls down a bit like a window shade and then the band goes away. The sound is excellent, voice clarity superb. The music is equally spooky and lends beautifully to the suspense.


Cast

Vincent Price – Dr. Malcolm Wells
Agnes Moorehead – Cornelia van Gorder
Gavin Gordon – Lt. Andy Anderson
John Sutton – Warner
Lenita Lane – Lizzie Allen
Elaine Edwards – Dale Bailey
Darla Hood – Judy Hollander
John Bryant – Mark Fleming
Harvey Stephens – John Fleming


Purchasing & Specifications

Amazon.com sells this movie for $14.98.

This 1959 black-and-white movie is Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only) and has an aspect ratio of 1.33:1. Run time is 80 minutes.


Summary

I thoroughly enjoyed The Bat and will be watching it again! This is an excellent mystery where it's a challenge to peg who the killer is. I can't say enough complimentary things about the cast and how well they work together. I definitely recommend this movie to those who like classic mysteries.

I hope you found this review useful.

Enjoy the day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com


Please read my other reviews:

The House on Haunted Hill (Vincent Price movie)

Ghost of Mae Nak (movie)

Topper & Topper Returns (two movies)

Ghost Ship (movie)

The Mummy: The Legacy Collection (five movies)

Philips Portable DVD Player with Screen

Lite-On DVD Player & Recorder


Copyright 2008 Dawn L. Stewart

This is an entry into Stephen Murray's write-off to honor isinga.


Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD