The Terror Reviews

A creative mystery which would simply be average had it not been for a smart use of sound. McAvoy is one of many patrons of an inn terrorized by a hooded figure who plays the organ late at night. Some standard murders occur, but their effect is multiplied by the filmmakers' use of creepy, squeaky sound effects. Before McAvoy can be killed, the murderer is caught and identified as a former bank robber who had framed a pair of fellow cons. The first talkie completely free of subtitles and title cards, and Warner's second all-talkie after LIGHTS OF NEW YORK. The somewhat nutty guest who turns out to be the chief of detectives is played by Horton in one of his first talking roles. He continued to play lovable screwballs throughout his long film career, which continued into the 1970s.