Watch The Red House

The Red House is a 1947 film noir thriller directed by Delmer Daves and starring Edward G. Robinson, Lon McCallister, and Judith Anderson. The movie is based on a novel by George Agnew Chamberlain and follows a dark and twisted journey of secrets, lies, and dangerous desires of a rural American family. The film takes place in a small farming community where a reclusive farmer, Pete Morgan (Robinson), lives with his sister Ellen (Anderson) and their adopted son Nath (McCallister). Pete owns a large piece of land that includes a mysterious red house that sits deep in the woods. The house has been abandoned for years, and Pete has forbidden anyone from entering it or even asking about it. This secret only adds to the intrigue surrounding the Morgan family.

The story picks up when Nath, a high school senior, decides to ask Meg (Allene Roberts), a girl from his class, to come to his house to study. Nath has a crush on Meg and hopes to impress her with his country life. However, when Meg starts asking questions about the red house, Nath realizes he must steer her away from the subject. Despite his efforts, Nath and Meg accidentally wander into the woods and stumble across the red house, where they discover a horrifying truth that will unravel the Morgan family's carefully guarded secrets.

As the story unfolds, we see the intense dynamics between the three main characters. Robinson's performance as Pete Morgan is outstanding. He captures the complexities of this tormented man, who is struggling with his inner demons and cannot escape his violent past. Anderson, as Ellen, brings a strong presence to the screen, portraying a stern and disapproving character that is always lurking in the background. McCallister's portrayal of Nath is also noteworthy. He conveys the innocence and curiosity of a young man who is starting to question what he knows about his family and himself.

The cinematography of the movie is remarkable. The contrast between the bright sunshine of the country life and the dark and mysterious atmosphere of the woods creates an eerie and unsettling feeling that stays with the viewers. The use of shadows and light emphasizes the sinister undertones of the story, enhancing the overall mood of the movie.

The Red House is not your typical film noir. It is a slow-burning thriller that relies heavily on character development and the building of suspense. The story has several layers, and just when the viewers think they have figured it out, another twist emerges, promising to reveal deeper truths. The film's underlying themes of guilt, shame, and the consequences of keeping secrets resonate with the audience.

Overall, The Red House is an excellent classic film noir that deserves more recognition. The performances, cinematography, and the intricate plot make it a captivating movie that will stay with the viewers long after the credits roll.

The Red House is a 1947 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.