The Bat

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Overview

This fourth film version of the Mary Roberts Rinehart-Avery Hopwood stage chestnut The Bat is so old-fashioned in its execution that one might suspect it was intended as "camp" though that phrase wasn't in common usage in 1959. Agnes Moorehead plays mystery novelist Cornelia Van Gorder, whose remote mansion is the scene for all sorts of diabolical goings-on. The "maguffin" is a million dollars' worth of securities, hidden away somewhere in the huge and foreboding estate. Vincent Price is seen committing a murder ...
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Overview

This fourth film version of the Mary Roberts Rinehart-Avery Hopwood stage chestnut The Bat is so old-fashioned in its execution that one might suspect it was intended as "camp" though that phrase wasn't in common usage in 1959. Agnes Moorehead plays mystery novelist Cornelia Van Gorder, whose remote mansion is the scene for all sorts of diabolical goings-on. The "maguffin" is a million dollars' worth of securities, hidden away somewhere in the huge and foreboding estate. Vincent Price is seen committing a murder early on-but he's not the film's principal villain. Others in the cast include Gavin Gordon as an overly diligent detective, and former Our Gang star Darla Hood as a murder victim. The Bat was adapted for the screen by its director Crane Wilbur, himself a prolific "old dark house" scenarist and playright.
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Editorial Reviews

All Movie Guide - Craig Butler
Despite the title and the presence of horror-meister Vincent Price, The Bat is actually a murder mystery rather than a horror film. While it's all done in a by-the-numbers manner, there's more than enough here to entertain whodunit fans. Those looking for deep meaning or surprising characterization will need to look elsewhere; the plot takes center stage in The Bat, and surprises are relegated to its many twists and turns. Fortunately, the screenplay is very well structured, if a trifle confusing, and while it's "scare quotient" may be fairly low, it does keep the viewer interested. Crane Wilbur's direction is fairly static, although he does make effective visual use of the deep dark shadows that are part and parcel of these "old dark house" stories. He also gives his cast free rein, allowing Vincent Price and Agnes Moorehead to take the performing ball and run away with it. They're frequently over-the-top and occasionally campy, but so committed to what they're doing that they create a palpable sense of fun. The supporting cast is not as impressive, ranging from adequate to poor. Despite the efforts of the stars, the film lags in many places; the mechanical nature of the script and Wilbur's insufficiently imaginative direction drag it down. Still, The Bat is a diverting way to spend a stormy evening at home.
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Product Details

  • Release Date: 3/22/2011
  • UPC: 874757044491
  • Original Release: 1959
  • Source: Synergy Ent
  • Time: 1:20:00
  • Format: DVD

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits
Vincent Price Dr. Malcolm Wells
Agnes Moorehead Cornelia Van Gorder
Gavin Gordon Lt. Anderson
John Sutton Warner
Lenita Lane Lizzie Allen
Elaine Edwards Dale Dailey
Darla Hood Judy Hollender
John Bryant Mark Fleming
Harvey Stephens Carter Fleming
Mike Steele Jack Bailey
Riza Royce Mrs. Patterson
Robert B. Williams Detective
Technical Credits
Crane Wilbur Director, Screenwriter
William Austin Editor
Joseph Biroc Cinematographer
Louis Forbes Score Composer, Musical Arrangement
Kiva Hoffman Makeup
Dave Milton Art Director
Alvino Rey Score Composer
C.J. Tevlin Producer
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Scene Index

Disc #1 -- Bat
1. Chapter 1 [20:55]
2. Chapter 2 [20:22]
3. Chapter 3 [19:45]
4. Chapter 4 [18:28]
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Menu

Disc #1 -- Bat
   Play Movie
   Chapters
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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4.5
( 3 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(2)

4 Star

(0)

3 Star

(1)

2 Star

(0)

1 Star

(0)

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Sort by: Showing all of 3 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    ' Restored Murder Mystery Gem!'

    'The Bat' is a forgotten murder mystery film from 1959 that is real 'old gold'! Produced by Allied Artists in black & white, and starring Hollywood movie greats Agnes Moorehead and Vincent Price, 'The Bat' is a terrific, first-rate 'Who Done It?' and certainly great fun for everyone. Agnes Moorehead plays a popular writer of pulp murder mystery novels, who rents an old gothic mansion for the summer. The owner, who was recently murdered, left a stolen million dollar treasure in the castle-like manor house, hidden in a secret vault. The house is being stalked by a killer known to the press and the police as 'The Bat', who murders three more victims in the house. The sinister and secretive Vincent Price is a local doctor, who does research on, what else but bats! Is Price 'The Bat' or is it perhaps the banker, or the police detective, or heaven forbid, the butler?! Miss Moorehead's character, whose both brave and relentless, methodically solves the mystery of 'The Bat'! The Goodtimes Video DVD of 'The Bat' is the very best on the market, with a sharp, clear, gorgeous picture from a 35MM negative, and presented in it's original letterbox format! Get some popcorn, turn down the lights, and sit back for some great Halloween fun with Vincent Price and Agnes Moorehead in 'The Bat'!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Very enjoyable!

    This is a great suspense mystery about an eccentric writer (Agnes Moorehead) who rents a mansion with a fortune in stolen money hidden in it. Murder and mayhem erupt when a masked killer called the ''Bat'' tries to retrieve the money at any cost. For those of you who think this is a gory or bloody movie, you're wrong. There are murders all right, but nothing graphic or stomach turning. The setting and photography may seem primitive, but that adds to the atmosphere. Vincent Price stars as the local doctor who may or may not be the killer. Lenita Lane, Darla Hood and Elaine Edwards turn in good supporting performances. Be sure to see this one!

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted December 29, 2009

    No text was provided for this review.

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