THE RED HOUSE is an odd little mix of Southern Gothic and western adventure, featuring a young cast tangling with a kooky old-timer. The latter role is played by familiar gangster movie star Edward G. Robinson in a lip-licking performance that makes the whole movie; to say that he's hiding some pretty dark secrets is an understatement, and the whole story hinges on his highly entertaining performance.
The rest of the film isn't quite in Robinson's lead, although it's watchable enough. The fresh and likable Lon McCallister falls for the pretty Allene Roberts, who is Robinson's likable daughter. An air of mystery hangs over Robinson's estate, in particular the titular dwelling which nobody is allowed to go near. The mystery, as it transpires, is quite straightforward, although there are shades of REBECCA and GASLIGHT in the build-up. Watch out for future western star Rory Calhoun as a thuggish type who prowls the woods with his rifle.
The rest of the film isn't quite in Robinson's lead, although it's watchable enough. The fresh and likable Lon McCallister falls for the pretty Allene Roberts, who is Robinson's likable daughter. An air of mystery hangs over Robinson's estate, in particular the titular dwelling which nobody is allowed to go near. The mystery, as it transpires, is quite straightforward, although there are shades of REBECCA and GASLIGHT in the build-up. Watch out for future western star Rory Calhoun as a thuggish type who prowls the woods with his rifle.