Other reviewers have been kinder, however; a positive assessment in "Variety" declared, "It's not precisely the Edgar Allan Poe short story known to high school English that emerges in 'House of Usher,' but it's a reasonably diverting and handsomely mounted variation ... The film has been mounted with care, skill and flair by producer-director Roger Corman and his staff." "Harrison's Reports" called it "fairly good entertainment. Although a bit too wordy, the abundant gore, photo gimmicks, special effects and unusual theme, help keep the viewer on his seat's edge." "The Monthly Film Bulletin" praised the film's "unusually resourceful" camerawork as well as "an excellent central performance" from Vincent Price, finding that although Corman's direction "does not suggest a great stylist in the making, he brings off the big scenes with some invention, as well as making the most of what was probably only a medium-sized budget." Betty Martin of the "Los Angeles Times" called it "a better than average horror film—if that's saying much", adding that Price "does a masterful job" in his role.