Found and Restored: James Whale’s The Old Dark House — Creepy, Funny, and Now Streaming Free
The Old Dark House is a 1932 film directed by James Whale that mixes gothic atmosphere with elements of farce. It was out of circulation for decades, later restored, and is now widely available on free streaming services as well as for rent.
Overview
The film was released in 1932 and directed by James Whale. Whale also directed Frankenstein (1931), The Invisible Man (1933), and Bride of Frankenstein (1935). For many years, The Old Dark House was largely out of circulation and was at one point thought lost. A restoration brought the film back into wider availability in recent decades.
Cast and characters
Main credited cast members include Raymond Massey, Gloria Stuart, Melvyn Douglas, Charles Laughton, Lilian Bond, Ernest Thesiger, Eva Moore, and Boris Karloff. The plot centers on a group of travelers who seek shelter during a storm and arrive at the home of elderly siblings Horace and Rebecca. They are served by a mute butler named Morgan and encounter strange noises from upstairs.
Tone and style
The movie is often described as blending horror atmosphere with comic elements. Unlike pure horror films, it contains overtly comic moments while maintaining gothic set pieces. Additionally, Whale uses visual devices—such as distorted reflections—to shift characters from comic to more forbidding presentations. The film uses casting and performance choices that were unconventional for 1932, including gender-crossing casting for some elderly roles.
Where to watch
The film is currently available on several platforms. For free streaming, it is available on Mometu and on Tubi. Tubi is currently using a superior restoration, although that version may be scheduled to leave the service soon. The film is also available through Kanopy, and it can be rented on Amazon.
You can rent the film on Amazon at Amazon.
