Paul Leni's classic film of John Willards influential horror/comedy stage play. A decade after the death of a wealthy recluse his will is read. Most of his wealth is left to his young niece upon the provision that if she doesn't make it through the night the wealth passes to the individual name in a second will. Meanwhile and escaped convict "The Cat" is at large and may be coming to the old house on the hill.

Filled with beautiful expressionist imagery, this is the film that started the old dark house genre.