The Silent House | 1929 | Mystery Crime

Title: The Silent House | 1929 | Mystery Crime Director: Walter Forde Studio: Nettlefold Films Starring: Mabel Poulton, Gibb McLaughlin, Arthur Pusey, Gerald Rawlinson, Albert Brouett, Rex Maurice, Raston Medrora, Frank Perfitt, Arthur Stratton, Kiyoshi Takase Based on: Stage play by John G. Brandon and George Pickett Release Date: January 1929 Runtime: 82–95 minutes Format: Silent black and white, 35mm, 1.33:1 Country: United Kingdom Language: Silent with English intertitles Genres: Mystery Crime --- Chapters: 00:00:00 Opening and arrival at the old house 00:15:00 Reading of the will and hidden clues 00:30:00 Strange happenings begin 00:45:00 Chan Fu’s hypnotism 01:00:00 Search for hidden bonds 01:15:00 Confrontation and resolution --- Summary: The Silent House is a 1929 British silent mystery film set in a secluded and eerie mansion where secret panels, hidden rooms, and concealed dangers await. After inheriting the house, George Winsford and his companion Captain Barty discover unsettling occurrences linked to a cache of valuable bonds. A mysterious Mandarin named Chan Fu uses hypnotism to extract information as tension grows among those drawn into the sinister plot. The narrative combines elements of crime thriller and atmospheric suspense as alliances shift and threats emerge within the labyrinthine residence. --- Background: Directed by Walter Forde and produced by Nettlefold Films, The Silent House was adapted from a popular stage play and shot at Walton-on-Thames. Released in the late silent era, it reflects the British film industry’s engagement with “old dark house” mysteries and features elaborate set design and location work. Despite mixed box office reception, the film survives in archives and is noted for its period genre stylings. --- Trivia: The film was also released under the alternative title The House of Silence. The character Chan Fu resembles the popular fictional archetype Fu Manchu, reflecting contemporary genre influences. A print of the film exists at the National Film Archive in London, making it accessible to preservation efforts. --- Public Domain / Rights: Original Release: January 1929 Original Studio / Distributor: Nettlefold Films / Butcher’s Film Service Copyright Status: Public Domain Renewal: Unknown --- Hashtags: #TheSilentHouse #WalterForde #BritishSilentFilm #Mystery #Crime #1929Film #PublicDomain