Spiral Staircase, The

Robert Siodmak, 1946.

Beautiful, mute Helen works for cantankerous and mansion-bound Mrs. Warren, while the local town is being terrorized by a serial killer slaying imperfect women. The film follows a cold and stormy night where Helen is to be the next victim. Classic horror shot in high contrast with an entertaining ensemble of eccentric characters. Helen’s inability to speak is used to great effect as the murderer stalks the house.