Bloodtype Online

    The movie opens up with an expedition to India.  An American, John Prendergast, has been hired to locate and “acquire” native treasures.  But after he defiles the temple and is rescued by a beautiful native girl he disappears, along with the treasure.  The action then moves 20 years later where the surviving sponsors of the expedition have located Prendergast and want their share of the spoils.  He offers to share the wealth with them, but first they must spend a week with him in his home.  The treasure is cursed and he wants them to see what it has done to his life before they agree to take their share.  Of course after they arrive strange drums are heard.  Every time they hear the drums one of them dies.  Is it the ancient curse or is something else going on?   

    This is yet another of the movies that falls into the Old Dark House genre of horror film.  Like the others it also started out as a play, which is obvious by the manner in which it is staged.  The story is interesting and filled with mysterious characters and intrigue.  Well okay maybe not so much intrigue.  As a mystery this movie really isn’t that good.  It’s strength lies in the humor contained in it’s wickedly funny dialogue.  This is one of those movies that you really have to pay attention to or you will miss something.  The cast does a fine job handling the dialogue, which is delivered quickly.  As a group they also have an excellent sense of comedic timing and play off of each other well.  

    As I stated above this movie is staged very much like a play.  The camera doesn’t move much and there aren’t many exterior shots.  It feels like you are sitting in the audience watching a play.  This is typical of early movies, especially those adapted from the stage.  House of Mystery also falls back on that traditional Hollywood villain of the 30s and 40s, the guy in a Gorilla suit.  It looks silly to a modern audience, but then again this movie is being played for laughs anyway so who cares.   

    Unlike some of the other films in this genre I’m not sure that House of Mystery will hold any appeal to a wide audience.  This is defiantly a movie that you have to be a fan of the 30s Hollywood or a fan of theater to appreciate.  If that applies to you then definitely check this one out, otherwise I suggest you pass. 

*This movie is available from Mill Creek Entertainment.  Check them out at http://www.millcreekent.com/ 

Rating - **1/2 

- John “El Juan” Shatzer