The Bat (1959)

53% of users liked it
(2,943 ratings)

This fourth film version of the Mary Roberts Rinehart-Avery Hopwood stage chestnut The Bat is so old-fashioned in its execution that one might suspect it was intended as "camp" (though that phrase wasn't in common usage in 1959). Agnes Moorehead plays mystery novelist Cornelia Van Gorder, whose… More This fourth film version of the Mary Roberts Rinehart-Avery Hopwood stage chestnut The Bat is so old-fashioned in its execution that one might suspect it was intended as "camp" (though that phrase wasn't in common usage in 1959). Agnes Moorehead plays mystery novelist Cornelia Van Gorder, whose remote mansion is the scene for all sorts of diabolical goings-on. The "maguffin" is a million dollars' worth of securities, hidden away somewhere in the huge and foreboding estate. Vincent Price is seen committing a murder early on-but he's not the film's principal villain. Others in the cast include Gavin Gordon as an overly diligent detective, and former Our Gang star Darla Hood as a murder victim. The Bat was adapted for the screen by its director Crane Wilbur, himself a prolific "old dark house" scenarist and playright. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 20 min.
Directed By: Crane Wilbur
Written By: Crane Wilbur
Genres: Mystery & Suspense, Horror

In Theaters: Aug 9, 1959 Wide
On DVD: Oct 4, 2005
Studio: American Pop Classics

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
The stars chew the scenery and the supporting cast give limited performances.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Botched version of the famous play. Stick with 1926 and 1930 versions.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

jay n

Spooky old house chiller is blessed with having Agnes Moorehead and Vincent Price in the cast. Nothing special but compared to the gory junk that passes for mysteries today a welcome old fashioned treat. It helps that the whole thing moves at a nice clip logging in at just 80 minutes.
AJ V

This movie has an ordinary mystery movie type story, but the style is more like a horror movie, and the actors are good, so the movie is pretty good too.
Chris B

"The Bat" is another version, the fourth, of the story and is one of the lesser versions in terms of credibility and portrayal. Even with the legendary and one of my personal favorites, Vincent Price as one of the lead characters, the film fails to be much more than a… More
"The Bat" is another version, the fourth, of the story and is one of the lesser versions in terms of credibility and portrayal. Even with the legendary and one of my personal favorites, Vincent Price as one of the lead characters, the film fails to be much more than a "who did it" mystery. While the film has its moments, in the end the poor script and cringe worthy dialogue and movements to fit the screenplay destroy any Classic status. While it was enjoyable at times and has some creepy bits, overall I wasn't blown away and look forward to seeing the '26 and '30 versions next. If you love Vincent Price, watch it and if not then it's no big loss.