Comments on: EP13: The Old Dark House

By: tons18

tons18 — Sun, 09 May 2010 01:18:03 +0000

Hey, great movie. I had never seen it. Thanks for the mention about me in Ghost Story!!

By: Jason

Jason — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 01:30:26 +0000

Robert W! Here is the official answer from noted scribe Greg Mank, who also happens to be a Colin Clive buff. Anyone interested in the Golden Age of Hollywood horrors should check out his fine books, “Hollywood Cauldron”, “Women in Horror Films 1930s”, and “Women in Horror Films 1940s”.

“James Whale wanted Clive for TODH for Roger Penderel, the romantic lead ultimately played by Melvyn Douglas. It would have been a great part for Clive, and would have allowed him to act with sardonic comedy style — a very different showcase from Frankenstein. However, CC was in the play Elegant Edward on the London stage in March of 1932, and also starring in the British film Lily Christine, so he unfortunately wasn’t available when TODH began shooting at Universal in April of 1932. Melvyn Douglas is very good in The Old Dark House, but it’s a shame the film didn’t reunite Whale, Karloff and Clive.”

Thanks to Greg Mank for his time and to Tom Weaver for the lead!

By: Jason

Jason — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:32:47 +0000

Clive came from a long and distinguished line of military bigwigs but had his military career derailed when he was involved in an equestrian accident which was physically damaging enough to preclude the requisite long hours on horseback. This left his self-image shattered for the rest of his days and resulted in his lack of self-esteem and subsequent alcoholism (think Lt. Dan from Forest Gump). His alcoholism exacerbated his tuberculosis which ultimately led to his demise. Poor guy just wanted to rattle his saber but was left rattling theater-goers instead. However, I like to think that he would appreciate his legacy as it stands today.

By: Robert W

Robert W — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:20:15 +0000

I always wondered since TODH was, in effect, a Frankenstein reunion, why he wasn’t in it.

I also know that Clive was a pretty big emo, and was suffering greatly from an inferiority complex from what I’ve read.

By: Jason

Jason — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 09:44:59 +0000

My only guess could be that the juiciest roles were ill-fitting for him and what was left wouldn’t really satisfy an actor of his caliber. He made a film in Britain in ’32, so there is always the possibility that he was occupied on stage overseas during the time, but either way I doubt the role of Penderel or Stuart’s ineffectual hubby would really be worth flying back to Hollywood for. Information on Sir Clive is scarce, but I will promise to ask Tom Weaver when I see him in June!

By: Robert W

Robert W — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 20:01:28 +0000

Hey guys, any idea of why Colin Clive wasn’t in this?