The Ghost Walks (1934) | American horror-mystery film directed by Frank R. Strayer

"The Ghost Walks" is a 1934 American horror-mystery film directed by Frank R. Strayer. It falls within the genre of old-fashioned, atmospheric horror with elements of mystery and suspense.

The film unfolds in a classic, eerie setting—a stormy night in a remote mansion. Playwright John Spencer (played by John Miljan) has gathered a group of people at his mansion for the reading of his latest play. As the storm intensifies, the group finds themselves isolated in the mansion, setting the stage for mystery and suspense.

Unexpectedly, the lights go out, and the group is plunged into darkness. When the lights return, one of the characters is found dead. The situation becomes even more mysterious when they discover that the deceased had predicted his own demise in a letter.

As the characters attempt to unravel the mystery, suspicions arise among them. The plot thickens with the appearance of a mysterious stranger, a detective named Carl Beldon (played by Richard Carle), who adds an additional layer of intrigue. The detective is skeptical about the supernatural explanations suggested by the characters and believes there's a more rational explanation for the death.

The film employs classic horror and mystery tropes, including secret passages, hidden compartments, and suspicious characters. The characters are trapped in the mansion, and tensions rise as they try to uncover the truth behind the death and the ominous presence that seems to haunt the house.

As the narrative unfolds, the film keeps the audience guessing about the identity of the killer and the motives behind the mysterious events. The stormy night, creaky doors, and flickering candlelight contribute to the atmospheric and spooky ambiance.

John Miljan (John Spencer): Miljan leads the cast as the playwright whose gathering takes a sinister turn.
June Collyer: Collyer plays a key role in the film, contributing to the suspense and mystery as the events unfold.

"The Ghost Walks" is a product of the atmospheric horror-mystery films that were popular in the 1930s. While it may not be as widely remembered as some other classics of the genre, it remains a representation of the kind of spooky and mysterious storytelling that captivated audiences during that era. The film's reliance on mood, suspense, and a classic whodunit structure makes it an interesting watch for fans of vintage horror films.