The Bat (1960)

On a dark and stormy night in an old dark country house, the household is terrorized by a mysterious criminal known as The Bat. Could it be the reputed stolen money hidden in the house that brings him there? Based on the 1920 hit Broadway play by Mary Roberts Rinehart and Avery Hopwood based on Rinehart's novel THE CIRCULAR STAIRCASE and directed by Paul Nickell. The play was a huge hit and spawned three film versions (1926, 1930, 1959) before this version debuted on television. Helen Hayes plays the lady of the house and Jason Robards plays the investigating detective. The acting is fairly broad and although filmed, it has the feel of a radio play. If you're looking for a first rate thriller, you won't find it here but if, like I am, you're a sucker for these "old dark house" mysteries, this is quite enjoyable in its hokey way. With Margaret Hamilton, Bethel Leslie, Shepperd Strudwick and Martin E. Brooks.