The Spiral Staircase (1946 film)

The Spiral Staircase is a 1946 American psychological thriller film directed by Robert Siodmak, from a screenplay by Mel Dinelli based on Ethel Lina Whites novel Some Must Watch 1933. The novel was adapted for a radio production starring Helen Hayes before reaching the screen.

Mrs. Warren urges her to leave the house, as does Dr. Parry, who knows the reason for Helens loss of speech and hopes to help her get her voice back. Rounding out the household are Mrs. Warrens son and stepson, her verbally abused nurse, a secretary, a handyman and his wife, a housekeeper with a taste for brandy.Variety wrote, This is a smooth production of an obvious, though suspenseful murder thriller, ably acted and directed. Mood and pace are well set, and story grips throughout. Bosley Crowther of The New York Times wrote, This is a shocker, plain and simple, and whatever pretensions it has to psychological drama may be considered merely as a concession to a currently popular fancy. ........

Source: Wikipedia