The Bat (1959)

 

A crazed killer known as "The Bat" is on the loose in a mansion full of people. 

OK mystery drama obviously based on a stage play is neither very exciting nor scary, but well-made in an old-fashioned way.

Halliwell (no star): "Poor remake of a standard twenties stage thriller; everyone chews the scenery."

Maltin**1/2: "Faithful filming of the...play..." 

 

My Cousin Rachel (1952)

 

 

A young man plots revenge against the woman he believes murdered his cousin, but his plans are shaken when he comes face to face with the enigmatic beauty.

Superior adaptation of a Daphne Du Maurier,novel has, similar to Rebecca, a mystery about an enigmatic  woman and good Gothic settings and atmosphere as well as a competent cast, although the the ending is somewhat confusing.
 

Halliwell*: "Well-wrought but dramatically unsatisfactory Victorian melodrama from a bestseller; plenty of suspicion but no solution makes Rachel a dull girl."

Maltin***: "Successful filmization of Daphne du Maurier mystery..." 

 

 

The Second Woman (1950)

An architect Jeff Cohalanis haunted by the death of his fiancée the previous year, and he sequesters himself in the fabulous house he designed for his beloved and broods over the incredible string of bad luck he has experienced since her death.

Above-average psychological thriller with a noir touch with an improbable plot works due to atmosphere and solid performances.

Halliwell (no star): "Tolerable semi-star melodrama with a deliberate film noir look."

Maltin**1/2: "Atmospheric psychological drama..."