Cult Movie Challenge 2018 | 30/52 | Psychotronic Encylopedia
Greenwich, Connecticut, May 1844
Miranda runs through the cemetery and field of sheep, back home to the farm with a letter for her mother, Abigail. The letter is from Abigail’s cousin, Nicholas Van Ryn, who lives on a large estate called Dragonwyck in Hudson, NY, and whom she has never met. In the letter, Nicholas invites one of Abigail’s daughters to stay with them at Dragonwyck, while also acting as a companion to Nicholas’ daughter, Katrine. Though Miranda is smitten with the idea, Abigail is content to dangle it over Miranda and offer the trip to Miranda’s sister, Tibbie, who has no interest in ever leaving the farm.
The letter comes up at dinner that night, where Pa Ephraim browbeats Miranda for even considering the notion, despite Abigail suggesting it might be good for her. When Miranda suggests that the Lord wants her to go, Pa softens and takes Miranda to meet Nicholas in New York. At the hotel, when they discover that they are there on behalf of Mr. Van Ryn, the hotel goes out of its way to provide every ounce of service they can muster. This service horrifies Pa, who prides himself on living on the simple things, but of course, delights Miranda.
As the two read scripture, Nicholas arrives, further sending Pa into a conniption. But as Nicholas displays basic manners, Pa sees it fit for Miranda to travel with him. As they ferry up the Hudson, Nicholas and Miranda develop a fondness for one another. But as Miranda spends time with Nicholas and his wife, Johanna, she sees how much Nicholas despises her (it seems because she likes to eat) and how much she hates him (for liking harpsichords or something). Also, neither appears fond of their daughter, Katrine, whose dismal demeanor suggests she barely knows them.
Word among the servants is that the ghost of Nicholas and Miranda’s shared great-grandmother still walks the halls. A maid suggests that the grandmother killed herself in that very room, and that it is a curse of those with Van Ryn blood to hear the ghost that haunts them. What, pray tell, has Miranda gotten herself into? Maybe handsome Anti-Rent honcho, Dr. Jeff Turner, will provide some salvation?
It’s fun to speculate how this might have turned out had Lubitsch not fallen ill during pre-production. The film has high production value, with immaculate costuming, lavish and period-accurate sets, and sharp matte paintings. The movie is at its best when things grow sinister and the lighting becomes more subjective. But it lacks the Lubitsch touch that makes these things feel effortless.
I love the Gothic tone the movie takes, even if it feels a little too familiar. Part of it is that I can tell Guillermo Del Toro drew inspiration for Crimson Peak from this movie, especially the interiors at Dragonwyck. And, of course, this story has massive Hawthorne Heights vibes.
I love how the movie first suggests that Nicholas has issues with Ephraim, who is disgusted to learn that tenant farmers work for Nicholas.
As a farmer, I'd rather own one half-acre of barren rot, free and clear, than work the richest land in the world for someone else!
The Anti-Rent War plays out in the background, signaling the end of one form of feudalism and Nicholas’ loss of control over his life. The power he has come to take for granted slips ever further from his grasp so long as he has no heir.
Actor Talk
- I cannot imagine what direction Gene Tierney received, or didn’t receive. Her performance is so odd and flat.
- Vincent Price feels like a locked-up creature until he lets loose.
- Walter Houston makes a meal out of every scene with his god-fearing Ephraim — every line out of Miranda’s mouth is a chance to rebuke and quote scripture.
- The maid, Magda, is so unhinged! Just messy as hell, and smirking the whole time. I love it.
I understand why this Gothic melodrama received such middling treatment, but it plays in a lot of cozy spaces for me. It doesn’t have much room to wow, but it’s compelling enough for genre fans like me.
Tags
fawsomecmccmc2018written-by-womenedited-by-womengothic-horror