Dark Waters [DVD]

This was a good movie! Unfortunately, I have to agree with other reviewers saying that the plot does not always add up but it does not really make or break the movie, in my opinion. Some pieces of the plot do not make sense, or are poorly explained, almost as an afterthought. If you just love classic movies, like myself, you will overlook these shortcomings and enjoy the movie in itself. Interesting plotline, gorgeous lead, and all of that classic goodness that we all love!

I've always loved Merle Oberon in "These Three" and, especially, "Wuthering Heights". It was nice to see her in a thriller (like Joan Bennett in "Secret Beyond the Door" and Barbara Stanwyck in "Cry Wolf"). In this film, Merle's in a creepy house being disturbed by lights turning themselves on and off, and an eerie voice calling her name from the swamp at night. An overall enjoyable thriller from the 1940s which should be seen by lovers of this genre.

Minor spoiler… those aren’t her relatives at the plantation as stated in the synopsis but it really doesn’t matter and we’re never told why these new folks are there in the first place. It’s a tight little mystery/drama typical of what was offered in the 40’s and it moves along fast. Overlook the plot flaws and enjoy a classic B&W movie that does what many of them did… find an attractive woman and make her the center of it all.

This is a good, suspenseful movie but falls down in the conclusion. [Possible SPOILERS ahead] The plot is reviewed by others, but as is typical in many movies of this type, the villains, who have been careful and crafty up to the end, make mistakes (such as leaving intended murder victims unbound) that allow for the ultimate escape of the hero and heroine. It also seems illogical that Mr Sydney does not know his way around the swamp when we see him walking around there earlier. It appears that the writers could not figure out how to save Leslie and Dr Grover!

Really good acting for a lower budget movie from 1944! Story was interesting, and the characters were, too. Leading lady is mesmerizing. Had never seen her before. With a few plot tweaks and better sets/cinematography, this movie might have been a blockbuster.

I would recommend going into this without reading a lot of praise-heavy reviews. Not to say it's not praiseworthy, but, you might want to consider going into it just wanting to see a different sort of horror film. This is all about mood and atmosphere. And visual storytelling. The look of the film, the haunting (but not heavy-handed) imagery, the simple but effective soundtrack, the incredibly get-under-your-skin disturbing sounds (including an incredibly unnerving crying baby/child) got me caught up in its spell. It reminded me in some ways of Dario Argento's SUSPIRIA; dream logic, a somewhat stiffly-played-but-determined young heroine, women guarding ancient secrets, bursts off bloody violence, a strong sense of place and an off-the-rails conclusion. However, the look of the this film is more grounded in reality. Especially the beach fishing village sequences. The satisfying aspects far outweighed the few places where the story stumbles or where the effects let it down. And it makes a good deal of sense if you pay attention. It's not a masterpiece but it's a strong piece of sustained mood and storytelling, with several long passages not having or requiring dialogue. I'd just suggest not going into viewing this with lofty descriptions like Lovecraftian for the movie to live up to. For me, it was like the original THE SHINING, the parts that made little sense were often just as striking and memorable as the ones that did- yet without falling into the trap of style over substance.

I'm sorry, but I need to really dock this movie to balance out all the positive reviews here. I am pissed off that I bought this after reading the positive reviews. And I REALLY wanted to like this movie. My son and I set aside a father/son movie night to watch it, with pizza and beer.Are people seeing the same movie we did? I am a serious fan of horror movies and sci fi, and this one falls way WAY short in the quality department. The story is poorly put-together and is really confusing. It's hard to know what's going on... or what different characters are doing or what their motivations are. This movie has more loose ends than a hemorrhoid sufferers convention. The atmosphere is fine, if you don't mind nuns constantly parading around with a burning cross (and WHY are they doing it, exactly?).In the end, what are the nuns doing? Worshiping the monster? Fighting it? Keeping it at bay? Why does the girl become a nun? Why do they try to help her, then try to kill her? Why do the nuns kill her best friend? Why is some weird guy cutting another guy up in a room behind his shop? Why is the monster stuck behind a wall? Why do they crucify nuns? Why why why. None of the questions are answered. Stupid movie and a waste of time!

A bit of the movie "Gaslight" in this old mystery. Rather slow moving until the bayou scene. Not great in plot development. Predictable. Needs some visual restoration. But, I do like Merle Oberon and Franchot Tone, who made the movie bearable.

I'll start with the negative - Elisha Cook Jr - I cant relate to him at all in anything I've seen him in. In this one he also does some unnecessary screaming at the end of the film which is characteristically 3rd rate. Personal feelings aside about him, its a good film. Merle Oberon is good in the lead role as someone being psychologically tortured by her "family". The supporting cast are all good, except for you-know-who! Thomas Mitchell makes a good baddie, especially as he looks like Bill Haley, a friendly grandfather-type, and completely harmless. This makes his ruthless nature more effective as its gradually revealed.

love it

If you like Dark Water you must buy this special edition.I like the mvie and his atmosphere but the extra on this DVD are just perfect.My favorite extra are all the short movies of director Mariano Baino. I love that.Highy recommanded !