SYNOPSIS: The Red House (1947), directed by Delmer Daves, is a psychological thriller that unfolds in a rural American setting. The story centers around Pete Morgan (Edward G. Robinson), a farmer who lives with his sister Ellen (Judith Anderson) and their adopted daughter Meg (Allene Roberts). Pete is protective and possessive of Meg, warning her not to venture into the woods near their property where an ominous red house sits amidst dark secrets. Meg, curious about her past and the mysterious house, defies Pete's warnings with the help of Nath (Lon McCallister), a local boy who harbors feelings for her. As they unravel the truth, tensions escalate, revealing buried traumas and forbidden desires that threaten to shatter their lives.

The film's atmosphere is hauntingly atmospheric, enhanced by its noirish cinematography and a chilling score. The Red House explores themes of guilt, obsession, and the destructive power of secrets, culminating in a gripping climax that exposes the dark underbelly of seemingly tranquil rural life.

PLOT Spoiler Alert: The Red House centers on Pete Morgan (Edward G. Robinson), a reclusive farmer who lives with his sister Ellen (Judith Anderson) and their adopted daughter, Meg (Allene Roberts), in a secluded farmhouse. The plot thickens when Nath Storm (Lon McCallister), a high school student, is hired to help with chores around the farm. Meg, intrigued by Nath, begins to show him around the property, despite Pete's strict warnings to avoid the nearby woods and, in particular, the enigmatic red house located within.

Julie London plays Tibby, Nath's girlfriend, whose presence adds to the complexity of Nath's life as he becomes entangled in the mystery. Rory Calhoun portrays Teller, a local troublemaker whose involvement adds another layer of danger and tension to the unfolding drama.

The film's tension builds as Nath becomes more curious about the red house, prompting him to explore the forbidden area. His investigation reveals a series of disturbing secrets that Pete has kept hidden for years. As Nath delves deeper, he learns about a tragic event involving the red house, which serves as the source of Pete's fears and obsessive behavior. This event is tied to a dark family history, including murder and betrayal.

Meg, who initially supports Nath's curiosity, becomes increasingly distressed by the revelations and Pete's growing paranoia. The once peaceful household is now engulfed in an atmosphere of fear and suspicion. As the story progresses, Pete's mental state deteriorates, leading to a climactic confrontation in the woods.

In the end, the truth about the red house is unveiled, revealing the depths of Pete's guilt and the lengths he went to protect his secrets. The film concludes with a resolution that brings closure to the tormented characters, but not without leaving a lasting impact on their lives.

PRODUCTION: The Red House, directed by Delmer Daves, was a significant production for its time, blending elements of psychological thriller and noir with a rural American setting. Delmer Daves directed and also adapted the screenplay from the novel of the same name by George Agnew Chamberlain. His approach aimed to bring Chamberlain's atmospheric and suspenseful story to life on screen, focusing on the psychological undercurrents and suspenseful atmosphere of the narrative. 

Daves, was known for his ability to craft compelling narratives and complex characters, which is evident in The Red House. His attention to detail and skillful storytelling contributed significantly to the film's success and enduring legacy.

The cast of Edward G. Robinson as Pete Morgan was pivotal; renowned for his intense roles in gangster films, he brought a brooding and complex presence to the character of Pete Morgan, whose inner turmoil and dark secrets drive much of the plot. Judith Anderson was selected to portray Ellen, Pete's sister, adding an eerie intensity to their familial dynamic. Allene Roberts portrayed Meg, the adopted daughter whose curiosity propels the narrative, while Lon McCallister took on the role of Nath, a local boy who becomes Meg's ally in unraveling the mysteries surrounding the red house.

The film was shot on location in the rugged countryside of California, chosen to evoke the isolation and mystery of the rural setting depicted in Chamberlain's novel. The red house itself was a meticulously designed set piece, serving as a central symbol of the hidden secrets and psychological tension within the story. The cinematography by Bert Glennon utilized shadows and lighting to enhance the film's noirish atmosphere, creating a sense of foreboding and suspense throughout.

Creating a believable and suspenseful atmosphere was crucial to the film's success. Delmer Daves and his team worked closely on set design and cinematography to capture the eerie ambiance of the woods and the ominous presence of the red house. The psychological depth of the characters required careful handling, especially in depicting Pete Morgan's internal struggles and the emotional dynamics between the characters.

RELEASE: The Red House was released in the United States on April 16, 1947. Directed by Delmer Daves, the film received generally positive reviews from critics at the time. It was noted for its atmospheric cinematography and suspenseful narrative. However, specific box office figures for the film are not readily available.

Critics praised Edward G. Robinson's performance in particular, noting his departure from his usual gangster roles to play a more complex character. The film's psychological tension and eerie atmosphere were also highlighted positively. Despite its critical acclaim, "The Red House" did not achieve significant commercial success upon its initial release.

CAST:

• Edward G. Robinson as Pete Morgan

• Lon McCallister as Nath Storm

• Judith Anderson as Ellen Morgan

• Rory Calhoun as Teller

• Allene Roberts as Meg Morgan

• Julie London as Tibby Rinton

• Ona Munson as Mrs. Storm

• Harry Shannon as Dr. Jonathan Byrne

• Arthur Space as The Sheriff

CREW:

• Director: Delmer Daves

• Producer: Sol Lesser

• Writers: Delmer Daves (screenplay), George Agnew Chamberlain (novel)

• Cinematographer: Bert Glennon

• Editor: Merrill G. White

• Music Composer: Miklós Rózsa

• Art Director: McClure Capps

Production Company: Sol Lesser Productions, Thalia Productions
Distributor: United Artists

Release Date: February 7, 1947
Country of Origin: United States
Running Time: 100 minutes
Budget: $1 million
Box Office Return: N/A

IMDB Rating =  6.7 / 10

TRIVIA:

• Edward G. Robinson, renowned for his gangster roles, showcased his versatility by portraying a different kind of character in The Red House.

• The haunting score of the film was composed by Miklós Rózsa, known for his work in film noir and thriller genres.

• The Red House was one of the earlier films to explore psychological horror, setting the stage for future developments in the genre.

• Filming took place in Sonora, California, utilizing the red house and surrounding woods to create the film's eerie atmosphere.

• The novel on which the movie is based was serialized in "The Saturday Evening Post" from March to April 1945, and first published in book form in 1943.

• It was the first movie produced by Thalia Productions, owned by Edward G. Robinson and producer Sol Lesser.

• Nath Storm's salary of 50 cents an hour at the time would equate to over $7.00 an hour in 2024.

• The Red House served as the film debut of actress Allene Roberts.

  
  

  The Red House remains a gripping thriller distinguished by its haunting mood, enigmatic storyline, and strong performances continuing to captivate audiences with its blend of psychological tension and eerie atmosphere.