Paul Leni arrived in Hollywood in 1927 at the invitation of Carl Laemmle to work for Universal Studios. The two men shared both Jewish and Swabian roots, and Laemmle had been deeply impressed by DAS WACHSFIGURENKABINETT (WAXWORKS, 1924), Leni’s landmark contribution to cinematic Expressionism.
Leni remained devoted to the horror genre with THE CAT AND THE CANARY, an adaptation of a successful stage mystery and Broadway hit. Drawing on the visual vocabulary of German Expressionism – including stylized sets and dramatic contrasts of light and shadow – he infused the film with an unusually dark atmosphere. At the same time, exaggerated performances and deliberately grotesque comic moments repeatedly tip the film into comedy. The combination proved highly successful with audiences, and the film became a box-office hit following its 1927 premiere. Two further horror films followed before Leni died of heart disease at the age of just 44.
Synopsis:
On the twentieth anniversary of eccentric millionaire Cyrus West’s death, his relatives gather at his gloomy mansion for the reading of his will. To their disappointment, West has left his entire fortune to a distant relative, the young Annabelle West. But there is one catch: should she be declared mentally unfit, a second will comes into effect, transferring the money and valuable diamonds to another person whose identity is concealed in a sealed envelope.
Before Annabelle can learn the identity of her potential successor from the family lawyer, he disappears along with the secret. It is the first in a series of mysterious events that place Annabelle under increasing pressure and raise doubts about her sanity.
Ensemble Spooky Tune, under the direction of George Morton and featuring Carolina Eyck on theremin, will accompany the film with a score by Neil Brand, commissioned by Photoplay Productions for CHANNEL 4 and performed by arrangement with Photoplay Productions Ltd.
The presentation of THE CAT AND THE CANARY by arrangement with Photoplay Productions.
