House on Haunted Hill (1959)

Old Man Winter finally decided to visit Reno. There’s nothing better on a chilly winter evening, than hot-buttered popcorn and a classic fright flick.

Five strangers are invited to a haunted house party thrown by millionaire, Frederick Loren and his fourth wife, Anabelle. The only thing the five have in common is a desperate need for money. Each member of the party who survives the night will receive $10,000. The house is reputed to be haunted by spirits of those who were murdered there. For “party favors” Loren gives a loaded gun to each of his guests. But can mere bullets offer protection against murderous spirits?

Vincent Price’s performance alone makes this film worth watching. He infuses a sense of menacing grace to millionaire, Frederick Loren. The film features another notable icon. A national landmark, the Ennis House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright makes a cameo appearance as the exterior of the haunted house.

Even with the usual features of a haunted mansion (creepy servants and a chandelier that suddenly plummets to the ground) it becomes apparent that the guests have more to fear of the darker side of human nature than what may lurking in the shadows. Readers what are some of your favorite classic fright flicks?

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