The Spiral Staircase, based on the novel by Ethel Lina White - 9 out of 10

The Spiral Staircase, based on the novel by Ethel Lina White 
9 out of 10


The Spiral Staircase is a wonderful thriller, filmed in black and white and launched in 1946, nominated for an Oscar one year later.

It is also included on the New York Times' Best 1,000 Movies Ever Made list.

Helen is a mute woman who is at the center of this drama, the protagonist who has suffered from a trauma and lost her voice.
Doctor Parry, one of the two physicians in the neighborhood, competing for clientele, is of the opinion that she could talk again.

He is also in love with her.

A serial killer is terrorizing the locals and he has a preference for women with an affliction, a handicap of some kind.
Those close to Helen, in particular the patient she cares for, Mrs. Warren, worry for her safety, thinking that her muteness could attract the attention of the murderer.

Mrs. Warren even insists that the young heroine should go away from the house, that very night.
The old patient who has to stay in bed is very observant and knowledgeable. 

She may suspect or even know better who could present a threat to the charming Helen.
The public is mostly concerned with Steve Warren, one of the two sons of the owner of the mansion, who seems to be untrustworthy, superficial, a philanderer who tries to seduce Blanche, another character, a young attractive woman in her turn.

His step brother, Professor Warren appears to be serious, calm, concerned with the wellbeing of Helen and others.
On the fateful night, a strong storm is striking and Doctor Parry is called away to see a patient.
Then an employee, Mr. Oates, has to travel to another town to get ether for Mrs. Warren, who needs it badly and there is none left in the house.

Mrs. Oates, a gentle creature and a possible ally against the killer, has thought she had sneaked a bottle of brandy, but in fact, it is the monster who had encouraged the trap.
Mrs. Oates is thus drunk and unable to be of any assistance.

Things are precipitated when Steve Warren, the prime suspect, comes and Helen thinks she must use the ruse explained to her by the now inebriated woman and capture the one she thinks is the murderer in the cave.
Alas, that was her last possible support, for he is not the brute, in spite of all the signs, indications that appeared to incriminate him.

So the mute woman has to face the Monster.
She cannot even speak on the phone, to alert the police...

It is gripping.