Nifty 1940s suspense thriller
The 1940s witnessed the release of many gaslight melodramas, including “The Lodger,” “The Body Snatcher,” “Hangover Square,” and, of course, “Gaslight.” “The Spiral Staircase” fits into that category, though it is also a thriller and film noir with touches of horror. Mostly set in a large New England mansion, the film centers on servant Helen (Dorothy McGuire), traumatized as a child and mute ever since. The woman who owns the house is elderly, bedridden Mrs. Warren (Ethel Barrymore). Other characters are new physician in town Dr. Parry (Kent Smith), stepbrothers Prof. Warren (George Brent) and Steve Warren (Gordon Oliver), attractive secretary Blanche (Rhonda Fleming), Nurse Barker (Sara Allgood), and frequently inebriated cook Mrs. Oates (Elsa Lanchester).<br /><br />The film opens with the murder of a young crippled woman by an unseen assailant hiding in a closet. All we see is a close-up of the person’s eye, staring, just the way Norman Bates would stare at Marion Crane 14 years later in “Psycho.” The murderer’s identity is not revealed. As in traditional murder mysteries, the killer is among the various characters introduced along the way. Director Robert Siodmak throws suspicion on several of them, maintaining suspense throughout. Because the murderer targets women with physical imperfections, Helen is in danger.<br /><br />Only a few scenes take place outside the house and one is especially atmosphere-rich. Helen is walking alone through a wooded area when the wind kicks up in advance of a storm. As she approaches the house, the sky darkens, thunder crashes, rain starts falling, and a shadowy figure is seen lurking behind some trees. Helen’s key falls into a puddle, and as she tries to retrieve it, the figure moves closer. Roy Webb’s music, the thunderstorm, and Helen’s helplessness create an excellent moment,<br />establishing the moody tone of the film.<br /><br />Ms. McGuire’s role is almost entirely silent, so she must rely heavily on expression and reaction to convey what she’s thinking and feeling. Sometimes she does this subtly, other times her reactions are more extreme, resulting in a nicely nuanced performance. The screenplay is talky but focus always remains on the silent Helen, who exhibits both vulnerability and strength.<br /><br />Ms. Barrymore is similarly restricted in her acting choices because her character is immobile. Her eyes are quite expressive and her thoughts are never in doubt. Mrs. Warren may not be able to get around, but her mind is sharp and she doesn’t miss a trick.<br /><br />George Brent, a generally bland actor, was usually cast in movies opposite strong leading ladies. He made 11 movies with Bette Davis alone. It was important for his Prof. Warren not to overshadow Helen, and indeed he does not. Kent Smith, too, generally was cast not to dominate the lead actress. His most famous role was as Oliver Reed in “Cat People” opposite Simone Simon. Both actors are serviceable and hardly scene stealers.<br /><br />“The Spiral Staircase” explores the lasting effects of psychological trauma in a simplistic way but its explanations feel authentic. Stylistically, the film has much to offer from Siodmak’s direction, the excellent cast, Nicholas Muscuraca’s shadowy photography, and a gradual build-up of suspense.<br /><br />Bonus features include audio commentary by film historian Sara Smith, a 1945 Screen Director’s Playhouse radio broadcast of “The Spiral Staircase” starring Dorothy McGuire and Robert Siodmak, and a series of theatrical trailers.
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This title falls under the categories of Movies & TV, Featured Categories, Blu-ray and Mystery & Thrillers. 
The additional details include the following in key-value format :
 {"Genre": "Mystery & Suspense", "Format": "Anamorphic, Subtitled", "Contributor": "Robert Siodmak, Dorothy McGuire, George Brent", "Language": "English", "Runtime": "1 hour and 23 minutes", "MPAA rating": "NR (Not Rated)", "Product Dimensions": "0.7 x 7.5 x 5.4 inches; 2.4 Ounces", "Director": "Robert Siodmak", "Media Format": "Anamorphic, Subtitled", "Run time": "1 hour and 23 minutes", "Release date": "October 2, 2018", "Actors": "Dorothy McGuire, George Brent", "Subtitles": "English", "Studio": "KL Studio Classics", "Number of discs": "1"}

Here is a brief synopsis of the title : Newly Remastered in HD from a 4K of the restored fine-grain master! One of the all-time great Hollywood chillers! A murderer is targeting disabled young women in a New England town, and Helen (Dorothy McGuire, Gentleman’s Agreement), a mute servant in a Gothic mansion, is terrified she's next. Mrs. Warren (Ethel Barrymore, Deadline – U.S.A.), the invalid, bullying mistress of the house, warns Helen to leave at once, rather than rely on her weak son and stepson for protection. But even as Helen is packing her things, she suspects she may be too late and the murderer is closer than she ever imagined. This terrifying and suspenseful thriller was produced by David O. Selznick (Duel in the Sun), directed by Robert Siodmak (Cry of the City), shot by Nicholas Musuraca (Out of the Past) and written by Mel Dinelli (The Reckless Moment), based on a novel by Ethel Lina White (The Lady Vanishes). The wonderful cast includes George Brent (Dark Victory), Kent Smith (The Night Stalker), Rhonda Fleming (Those Redheads from Seattle), Elsa Lanchester (Witness for the Prosecution), Sara Allgood (The Lodger), Rhys Williams (The Farmer’s Daughter) and James Bell (I Walked with a Zombie). The great Ethel Barrymore received a supporting actress Academy Award nomination. Special Features:-Audio Commentary by Film Historian Imogen Sara Smith -1945 Screen Director's Playhouse Radio Broadcast of "The Spiral Staircase" with Dorothy McGuire and Robert Siodmak -Original Theatrical Trailer.