So much average

Simply Perfect

Excellent, Without a doubt!!

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

You get to find out. You can probably guess what the secret of the Red House is but it doesn't matter as the film gently carries you through the story with some spookiness, tension and drama thrown in and used to good effect. It's a simple setting and a simple story about the effect of a house on nutcase Edward G (Pete) and the curse of the woods.After student Lon McCallister (Nath) takes his first walk through the woods at night-time, the scary woods become the most important cast member. No way would I be returning. We get a mystery/thriller as teenagers Lon and Allene Roberts (Meg) explore the woods in search of the Red House. There are many secrets and dangers that lurk in this forest setting.Julie London turns up in a role as sexually aware student Tibby before her singing career took off in real life. All the cast do fine although sometimes the dialogue delivery from Lon is slightly off – he has moments where he is a little too rude to Edward G and out of his depth when challenging farmhand Rory Calhoun. He's got guts but I don't think so!

THE RED HOUSE is an odd little mix of Southern Gothic and western adventure, featuring a young cast tangling with a kooky old-timer. The latter role is played by familiar gangster movie star Edward G. Robinson in a lip-licking performance that makes the whole movie; to say that he's hiding some pretty dark secrets is an understatement, and the whole story hinges on his highly entertaining performance.The rest of the film isn't quite in Robinson's lead, although it's watchable enough. The fresh and likable Lon McCallister falls for the pretty Allene Roberts, who is Robinson's likable daughter. An air of mystery hangs over Robinson's estate, in particular the titular dwelling which nobody is allowed to go near. The mystery, as it transpires, is quite straightforward, although there are shades of REBECCA and GASLIGHT in the build-up. Watch out for future western star Rory Calhoun as a thuggish type who prowls the woods with his rifle.

. . . especially when he's down to his last leg, as "Pete" (Edward G. Robinson) is in THE RED HOUSE. This low-budget mess resulted from someone's lame idea that if you threw several unknown young actors together with "Mrs. Danvers" (REBECCA's Judith Anderson) and DR. CLITTERHOUSE himself (Robinson) you might get a passable suspense and\or horror flick. Unfortunately, the trashy script, based upon a magazine serial, plays like Eugene O'Neill Lite. Instead of DESIRE UNDER THE ELMS, we're treated to WAILING IN THE WOODS. Pete is mad as a hatter, but he lives in some alternate universe in which everyone else exists as his zombie-like enablers, whose sole purpose is to carry out his crazy commands. From sister Ellen to ward Meg, from gamekeeper Teller to handy boy Nath, from Nympho Tibby to Doc Byrne, everyone lets Peg-leg Pete get away with murder. To add insult to injury, this flop is filmed in grainy black & white. Truth-in-advertising dictates that it be retitled THE GRAY HOUSE.

Pete (Edward G. Robinson) and his sister Ellen Morgan (Judith Anderson) have raised their adopted girl Meg (Allene Roberts). Nath Storm (Lon McCallister) starts helping out at the farm for a bit of money. His girlfriend Tibby (Julie London) isn't happy with him spending time at the farm with Meg. Pete warns Nath not to use a short cut near the red house but Nath ignores him.I'm not sure if I watched the best version of this movie. It looks a bit rough in black and white. The night time scenes are really dark without much details. I certainly don't think the cinematography is getting any awards. The music is definitely the old fashion orchestra. The acting and directing style is somewhat stiff. The big exception is Edward G. Robinson. He has more acting power in his little pinkie than any of the kids.The story is a slow build. The most fascinating part is the change in Robinson's demeanor. He's a nice guy at the beginning, but then turns creepy as the movie progresses. EGR is probably the only thing that makes this movie stand out.