SYNOPSIS: "The Bat" (1959) is a classic horror film directed by Crane Wilbur, based on the 1920 Broadway play by Mary Roberts Rinehart and Avery Hopwood. The story centers around mystery writer Cornelia van Gorder, played by Agnes Moorehead, who rents a secluded mansion known as The Oaks for the summer. The mansion, however, becomes the focal point of a series of gruesome murders attributed to a mysterious criminal known as "The Bat." As Cornelia and her loyal maid, Lizzie (Lenita Lane), settle into the mansion, they become entangled in a web of intrigue involving hidden treasure, secret rooms, and a masked killer.

Meanwhile, local doctor Malcolm Wells (Vincent Price) harbors his own secrets, adding to the suspense. The plot thickens with each twist and turn, as the characters must unravel the mystery of The Bat's identity and survive his deadly games. With its eerie atmosphere, suspenseful storytelling, and strong performances, particularly by Moorehead and Price, "The Bat" delivers a thrilling and chilling cinematic experience that has cemented its place as a beloved entry in the horror genre.

PLOT Spoiler Alert: "The Bat" (1959) offers a compelling blend of mystery and horror, set against the backdrop of a sprawling, isolated mansion.

The plot begins with Cornelia van Gorder, a renowned mystery novelist, who rents the mansion known as The Oaks for a quiet retreat.

However, the peace is quickly disrupted by the return of the infamous criminal, The Bat, who had been presumed dead after a string of unsolved murders and robberies.

The mansion becomes the focal point of the investigation after a local bank president, John Fleming, embezzles a million dollars and hides it within The Oaks before being killed by his doctor, Dr. Malcolm Wells (Vincent Price). Dr. Wells, believing the money is hidden within the mansion, joins the hunt for the missing fortune.

As Cornelia and her maid Lizzie settle into the mansion, they become aware of the sinister events surrounding them. Strange occurrences, such as mysterious noises, flickering lights, and the discovery of secret passages, heighten the tension.

Cornelia's curiosity and determination lead her to investigate these oddities, putting herself and Lizzie in increasing danger.

Throughout the film, various characters, including the local police chief, a group of suspicious townsfolk, and Dr. Wells, weave in and out of the plot, each with their own agendas and secrets. The Bat, a masked figure dressed in black, stalks the mansion's dark corridors, leaving a trail of bodies in his wake.

Cornelia's investigative skills are put to the test as she pieces together clues about The Bat's identity and the location of the hidden money.

The tension culminates in a dramatic showdown where the true identity of The Bat is revealed, and the hidden treasure is finally uncovered. The film concludes with Cornelia and Lizzie surviving their harrowing ordeal, having solved the mystery and brought The Bat's reign of terror to an end.

"The Bat" is rich with gothic atmosphere, suspenseful plot twists, and a classic whodunit structure, making it a memorable entry in the genre of mid-20th century horror and mystery films.

PRODUCTION: "The Bat" (1959), directed by Crane Wilbur, was produced by the prolific B-movie studio, Allied Artists Pictures Corporation. The production began in the summer of 1959 and was notably swift, reflecting the studio's efficient and cost-effective approach to filmmaking. Principal photography took place over a few weeks, primarily on sound stages and sets designed to create the eerie, gothic atmosphere essential to the film's mood.

Much of the movie was filmed at the historic The Oaks mansion, located in Monrovia, California, which provided the perfect setting for the film’s suspenseful narrative. The mansion's elaborate architecture, with its dark, winding corridors and hidden passages, played a significant role in establishing the claustrophobic and tense atmosphere that is central to the story.

Director Crane Wilbur, known for his expertise in suspense and thriller genres, worked closely with cinematographer Joseph F. Biroc to employ shadowy lighting techniques and dramatic camera angles, enhancing the film's eerie feel. The production design team meticulously crafted the interiors to reflect the sinister undertones of the narrative, with attention to detail that brought the mansion to life as almost a character in itself.

Vincent Price, who played Dr. Malcolm Wells, brought his trademark gravitas and intensity to the set, adding a layer of credibility and allure to the production. The cast and crew worked under a tight schedule, typical of Allied Artists' productions, yet managed to deliver a polished and engaging film. Agnes Moorehead, who portrayed Cornelia van Gorder, brought her experience and talent to the film, working seamlessly with Price to create memorable on-screen dynamics.

Overall, the production of "The Bat" was a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of mid-20th century B-movie studios, able to create compelling, atmospheric films despite budget constraints and tight shooting schedules. The collaboration between the cast and crew resulted in a film that remains a notable example of classic horror and mystery cinema.

RELEASE: "The Bat," directed by Crane Wilbur, was released on August 9, 1959. Premiering in theaters across the United States, the film quickly garnered attention for its classic horror elements and the star power of Vincent Price and Agnes Moorehead. Initial reactions to "The Bat" were mixed; while some critics appreciated the film’s suspenseful atmosphere and effective use of a gothic setting, others found the plot somewhat predictable and derivative of earlier mystery-horror films.

Despite these mixed critical reviews, audiences generally responded positively to the film, particularly fans of the horror and mystery genres who enjoyed its blend of intrigue and eerie ambiance.

Vincent Price's performance as the enigmatic Dr. Malcolm Wells was widely praised, as was Agnes Moorehead’s portrayal of the determined Cornelia van Gorder. The film's tight pacing and the tension-filled storyline kept viewers engaged, helping it perform decently at the box office.

"The Bat" also benefited from a strong marketing campaign that emphasized its chilling plot and the reputation of its lead actors. This helped to draw in viewers looking for a thrilling cinematic experience. Over time, the film has gained a cult following, appreciated for its atmospheric tension and the performances of its iconic leads. It remains a significant entry in the horror-mystery genre and a noteworthy part of Vincent Price’s illustrious career.

In addition to its initial mixed reviews, "The Bat" has grown in stature over the years, particularly among fans of classic horror and mystery films. The film's atmospheric cinematography, achieved through clever use of shadows and lighting, contributed significantly to its eerie and suspenseful tone, a hallmark of the genre during that era.

The screenplay, adapted from Mary Roberts Rinehart's 1908 play "The Bat," retained much of the original play's tension and mystery, appealing to audiences who enjoyed classic whodunits. This adherence to the source material helped in maintaining a coherent and engaging storyline, which, coupled with strong performances, kept viewers on the edge of their seats.

"The Bat" was also noted for its set design, which effectively created a sense of claustrophobia and impending doom within the confines of the mansion. The use of practical effects, including the portrayal of the titular masked killer, added to the film’s authenticity and appeal.

Despite its low budget, the film managed to utilize its resources effectively, showcasing Crane Wilbur’s directorial skills in crafting a tight, suspenseful narrative.

The enduring popularity of "The Bat" is evidenced by its frequent airings on television, particularly during late-night horror marathons, and its continued availability on various home media formats.

Overall, "The Bat" remains a testament to the skill of its creators in delivering a memorable and engaging horror-mystery film, cementing its place as a beloved classic in the genre.

CAST:

• Vincent Price as Dr. Malcolm Wells

• Agnes Moorehead as Cornelia van Gorder

• Gavin Gordon as Lt. Andy Anderson

• John Sutton as Warner

• Lenita Lane as Lizzie Allen

• Elaine Edwards as Dale Bailey

• Darla Hood as Judy Hollander

• John Bryant as Mark Fleming

• Harvey Stephens as John Fleming

• Mike Steele as Victor Bailey

• Riza Royce as Jane Patterson

• Robert B. Williams as Detective Davenport

CREW:

• Director: Crane Wilbur

• Producer: C.J. Tevlin

• Writers: Crane Wilbur (screenplay), Avery Hopwood (play), Mary Roberts Rinehart (novel)

• Cinematographer: Joseph F. Biroc

• Editor: William Austin

• Music: Louis Forbes

• Art Director: Dave Milton

Production Company: Liberty Pictures
Distributor: Allied Artists Pictures

Release Date: August 9, 1959
Country of Origin: United States
Running Time: 80 minutes
Budget: N/A
Box Office Return: N/A

IMDB Rating =  6.0 / 10

TRIVIA:

• Vincent Price's portrayal of Dr. Malcolm Wells in "The Bat" further cemented his reputation as a master of horror and suspense, adding depth to the film's eerie atmosphere.

• Agnes Moorehead, renowned for her role in "Citizen Kane" (1941), brought a commanding presence to her character, Cornelia Van Gorder, in "The Bat," elevating the film's dramatic intensity.

• "The Bat" is based on the play by Mary Roberts Rinehart and Avery Hopwood, which has been adapted multiple times for film and stage, demonstrating its enduring popularity in mystery genre adaptations.

• The film's use of the secluded mansion setting, combined with suspenseful cinematography and a haunting musical score, contributed to its reputation as a classic of 1950s thriller cinema.

• In a 1987 interview on Sinister Image, Vincent Price revealed that the stage version had terrified him as a child. He accepted the film role because he thought the filmmakers "would revive it and bring it up to date," but he was disappointed with the final result because "It wasn't a good script."

• This was the final film of Darla Hood.

• "The Bat" was the first of only two films in which Agnes Moorehead was the lead. The other was "Dear Dead Delilah" (1972), in which she received top billing.

• RKO bought the rights to remake the film from Mary Pickford, who had produced the first screen version, "The Bat" (1926).

• At the time she made this film, Moorehead had already been nominated three times for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar. She would later snag a fourth and final Supporting nod (for "Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte") but never take home a statuette.

• Director Crane Wilbur didn't have a problem finding an actress to play Lizzie Allen. Lenita Lane, the director's wife, took the role. It was her final film appearance.

• The character of Moorehead's houseguest Judy, who plans to testify at an upcoming trial, is played by Darla Hood, who years earlier had been the leading lady in the "Our Gang" movies. This was her final screen appearance.

• "The Bat" is based on the 1908 novel "The Circular Staircase," which was turned into the 1920 play with this film's title that opened at the Morosco Theatre, 217 W. 45th St., on August 23, 1920, and ran for 867 performances until September 1922. It had limited revivals in 1937 and 1953.

• The $1M embezzled from the bank would equate to about $10.8 million in 2024.

• The film's musical score is an odd hybrid of classical orchestral music and rock 'n' roll, with a main theme featuring steel guitar riffs by popular musician Alvino Rey.

• "The Bat" is the fourth film adaptation of the novel and stage play.

• A year later, the television anthology series "Dow Hour of Great Mysteries" premiered with "The Bat" (1960), which ran approximately 54 minutes and featured Helen Hayes and Jason Robards.

• Most prints seen on television and home video are missing the opening credit for Allied Artists (distributor) and the second for the production company, Liberty Pictures. These prints start with the main title.

• Cinematographer Joseph F. Biroc would photograph a very different, less glamorous Agnes Moorehead five years later in "Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte" (1964).

"The Bat" from 1958 remains a suspenseful thriller known for its gripping plot, tense atmosphere, and memorable performances, continuing to captivate audiences with its mystery and intrigue surrounding a masked criminal preying on a group of people trapped in a secluded mansion.