"Dragonwyck", based on the novel by Anya Seton, tells of a naive farm girl who accepts an offer from an aristocratic cousin to act as a governess at Dragonwyck Manor. Once there, however, we find that her benefactor may have ulterior motives.
The cast is a pretty good one. Vincent Price's speciality was playing characters like Nicholas Van Ryn. His suavity and seductiveness serves to conceal a malignant nature. Gene Tierney also gives a fine performance, as does Walter Huston as her disciplinarian father.
The main problem with the film, though, is the script. Writer/director Joseph L. Mankiewicz's script is well written but I find that the plot just isn't that compelling. Also, some of the mystery shrouded background could have used a little elaboration.
Mankiewicz's first-time direction is steady but unspectacular. Meanwhile, the cinematography by three-time Oscar winner Arthur C. Miller and the score by nine-time Oscar winner Alfred Newman effectively establish the film's tone.
All things considered, "Dragonwyck" is a perfectly acceptable Gothic thriller. While the story may be a little flat, the film is still worth watching due to some strong performances.
The cast is a pretty good one. Vincent Price's speciality was playing characters like Nicholas Van Ryn. His suavity and seductiveness serves to conceal a malignant nature. Gene Tierney also gives a fine performance, as does Walter Huston as her disciplinarian father.
The main problem with the film, though, is the script. Writer/director Joseph L. Mankiewicz's script is well written but I find that the plot just isn't that compelling. Also, some of the mystery shrouded background could have used a little elaboration.
Mankiewicz's first-time direction is steady but unspectacular. Meanwhile, the cinematography by three-time Oscar winner Arthur C. Miller and the score by nine-time Oscar winner Alfred Newman effectively establish the film's tone.
All things considered, "Dragonwyck" is a perfectly acceptable Gothic thriller. While the story may be a little flat, the film is still worth watching due to some strong performances.