THE OLD DARK HOUSE (1963) *1/2 The main thought triggered by this film, more of a question actually, was whether this was the responsibility of Brittons or Americans. The most charismatic male is an American car salesman, obviously no one but the Yanks would come up with a premise like that and the film perpetuates the sterotype that all Brits are eccentric and live in a castle. On the other hand the car salesman shies away from violence and never gets much going with either of the aggressive British semi-beauties (including Janette Scott, name-checked in the theme to Rocky Horror), and such meekness in a protagonist would never make it past the Hollywood censors. Turns out that it's the British at fault, I'm afraid (mainly, but partial blame to American director William Castle). The eccentricities of the characters (one of whom has an ark in the middle of Dartmoor waiting for the next great flood, one hasn't spoken in 15 years, several of the other you wish wouldn't) never make up for the general lameness of the gags, I can still see Tom Poston throwing them off and raising his eyebrows hopefully. The opening credits were very good, I like scary cartoon credits.
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