The Bat

The Bat, a horror-thriller movie from 1959, is a must-see for Vincent Price fans. The movie, directed by Crane Wilbur, is based on a play of the same name by Mary Roberts Rinehart and Avery Hopwood.

The story revolves around an old mansion house, known as the Oakley Court, situated in a small town in rural America. The mansion has recently been purchased by Cornelia van Gorder (Agnes Moorehead), a retired stage actress, as her vacation home. The mansion was once home to a notorious criminal, "The Bat," who was believed to have stolen a fortune before disappearing without leaving any trace. However, the history of the house doesn't deter Cornelia, who plans to spend a quiet, peaceful time there.

As soon as she arrives, strange things start happening. First, she finds out that the construction of a new bank in the town, which is holding the fortune of the bank's wealthy clients, has made the mansion a buzz of interest. Several people start appearing, each with their own agenda, including a local doctor Mark Flemming (Vincent Price), Detective Davenport (Gavin Gordon), Lizzie, the maid (Lenita Lane), and John Fleming, the gardener (John Sutton).

Soon, Cornelia finds out that someone is trying to break into the mansion, and she suspects that it is The Bat himself. The local residents are scared that The Bat has returned to the mansion to retrieve his hidden treasure, and the presence of so many strangers in the mansion creates an unusual atmosphere of uncertainty and fear.

As the story unfolds, each character's persona is unveiled one by one, and it becomes hard to predict who the culprit is. The murder mystery plot keeps the audience engaged, and the suspenseful scenes keep them on the edge of their seats.

The Bat isn't just a typical horror movie; it's also a mystery. The plot keeps the audience guessing about who the real villain is until the very end. The Bat himself, who was believed to be a criminal mastermind, is seen only briefly in the movie, adding to the mystique surrounding him. Instead, the plot boils down to a cat-and-mouse game, where the characters are trying to catch The Bat before he catches them.

The director has done a great job in building suspense, and the engaging plot keeps the audience guessing throughout the movie. The cast, especially Vincent Price and Agnes Moorehead, has given outstanding performances, making the movie a classic.

Vincent Price's performance as Dr. Mark Flemming is noteworthy, as he brings a unique charm to the character. Although initially perceived as a possible suspect, his character's motives become clearer as the story unfolds. His deep, eerie voice and enigmatic demeanor add to the mystique of the movie.

Agnes Moorehead's performance as Cornelia van Gorder is equally impressive. She brings out the character's inner strength and grit, adding to the movie's suspenseful atmosphere. Her character is witty, endearing, and sympathetic, making it easy to root for her to catch The Bat.

In conclusion, The Bat is an excellent example of a horror-mystery movie. It has a solid plot, engaging characters, and great performances, all of which contribute to its lasting popularity. The movie is a classic and a must-watch for all Vincent Price fans, and it still holds up well after more than sixty years.