The Red House (1947) is a suspenseful psychological thriller that centers on the dark secrets hidden in a secluded farmhouse. The story follows Pete Morgan (Edward G. Robinson), a reclusive farmer who lives with his adopted sister, Ellen, and niece, Meg, in a quiet, rural town. When Meg’s friend Nath takes a job helping on the farm, he becomes curious about the mysterious woods nearby and the ominous red house within them—a place Pete has forbidden anyone to enter.
As Nath and Meg begin to explore the woods and the secrets surrounding the red house, Pete becomes increasingly paranoid and menacing, warning of eerie cries and strange occurrences that happen around the property. Tensions rise as Meg uncovers buried truths about her family and the tragic events tied to the house. The film delves into themes of guilt, obsession, and hidden trauma, slowly revealing the reasons behind Pete’s tormented mind.
With its shadowy cinematography, suspenseful score, and mounting sense of dread, The Red House is a haunting story of mystery and forbidden places, where the past lingers like a ghost, threatening to consume anyone who ventures too close to the truth.