Bat

UPC: 096009017491

Studio: Platinum Disc

MPAA Rating: PG   Contains:[Violence, Questionable for Children]

Summary: 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. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Category: Horror

Features: Interactive menus
Scene index
Quiz
Cast bio

Bat

Format: DVD

Release Date: 08/29/2000

Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Pre-1954 Standard

Audio: DD2 Dolby Digital Stereo

Runtime: 80 Minutes

Sides: 1

Number of Discs: 1

Language(s) English

Chapters: Side #1 --
3. Leasing the Oaks [7:15]
4. Hatching a Plan [10:04]
5. Night of the Bat [10:56]
6. Dire Situation [6:52]
7. At the Oaks [9:51]
8. Sleepless Night [9:09]
9. Investigating [8:21]
10. Catching a Bat [8:10]
11. The Bat Returns [4:53]
12. You Can't Hide [1:11]

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. ~ Craig Butler, Rovi

Cast and Crew: Louis Forbes  Composer (Music Score) 
C.J. Tevlin  Producer 
Crane Wilbur  Director 
Crane Wilbur  Screenwriter 
Alvino Rey  Composer (Music Score) 
Vincent Price  Actor 
Agnes Moorehead  Actor 
Gavin Gordon  Actor 
John Sutton  Actor 
Lenita Lane  Actor 
Elaine Edwards  Actor 
Darla Hood  Actor 
John Bryant  Actor 
Harvey Stephens  Actor 
Mike Steele  Actor 
Riza Royce  Actor 
Robert B. Williams  Actor 

Country: USA