'The Lodger'

Son of 31 Nights, 31 Frights: The Lodger

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Son of 31 Nights, 31 Frights

In observance of that autumn spell when we celebrate the primal, compulsive instinct of fear, Rainestorm once more highlights 31 days of spooky scares to season the eerie atmosphere of Halloween.

For those who tuned in last year, I subjected you to a daily dose of diabolical dread and devilish distress. Just as every good horror movie deserves an inferior sequel, I offer this follow-up of also-rans, not bads, and perhaps a couple of you’ve-gotta-be-kidding-mes.

Unleashed: 1927

'The Lodger'
"Don't worry about smudging my lipstick, darling. We're wearing the same color."

What evil lurks: It’s easy to see how Alfred Hitchcock earned his moniker of “Master of Suspense” with this, his first surviving film, wherein he pays homage to the mystery that was Jack the Ripper. This adaptation of a play by Marie Belloc Lowndes has a mysterious lodger appear at the home of a couple with a room to let at about the same time a series of brutal murders terrorize the city. Hitch clearly had a problem with blondes early on as all of the victims are fair-haired. The opening sequence is marvelously rendered, avoiding title cards as much as possible and letting the flashing lights that beckon “To-Night, Golden Curls” give the audience a glimpse inside the killer’s mind. Events unravel slowly but never dully, as the lodger’s odd behavior hints that he may be hiding something sinister. A thrilling movie to this day, with technical proficiency to rival many contemporary films.

Highlight from hell: The lodger pays a visit to the fair-haired Daisy at a fashion show… demonstrating perhaps a bit too much interest in her.

Terrifying trivia: This is the earliest film directed by Alfred Hitchcock that survives today in its entirety.

Diabolical dialogue: “No more peroxide for yours truly.”

Shoddy sequel syndrome: None. This is a marvelously paced mystery that keeps the audience guessing to the very end.