The Bat Whispers

Released Nov 13, 1930

1 hr. 22 min.

Mystery & Thriller

Comedy

List

64%

11 Reviews

Tomatometer

53%

100+ Ratings

Audience Score

Infamous burglar "The Bat" commits a daring jewelry theft despite heavy police presence. Soon after, a bank theft occurs, which may be the work of the criminal as well. Meanwhile, Cornelia Van Gorder (Grayce Hampton) has various people arrive at her old mansion, including her niece, Dale (Una Merkel), a bank employee, and police detective Anderson (Chester Morris). When guests start turning up dead, Cornelia begins to suspect that The Bat may be lurking around the estate.

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Steve D

Historical but not remotely good.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/26/24

Full Review

Lorenz L

Probably the grandaddy of the Old Dark House genre, and it holds up amazingly well. The main attractions are the technical aspects: the long tracking shots (in 1930!), the use of the sets, camera angles, and most surprising of all: the aspect ratio. West made two versions of the film at the same time (same cast, same sets, different cinematographers). One is shot in Academy Aspect (1.33:1) in 35mm, but the second version was shot in 65mm with an aspect ratio of 2:1, making it the equivalent of today's widescreen aspect ratios. The use of the exaggerated horizontal screen makes for some thrilling camerawork and staging. Yeah, some of the performances are going to garner laughs as the film approaches its 100th birthday, but it is well worth watching for the introduction of so many innovations – many of which were not further explored or developed for decades – and a few good chuckles, and some real thrills, too!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/16/23

Full Review

andy f

A forgotten gem, The Bat Whispers is an innovative early talkie. With some breath taking camera work and a dazling script - this movie has scares, mystery, humour and adventure. Terrific stuff.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

Audience Member

In my opinion better than its predecessor and its 1950's remake starring Vincent price. Pretty fun movie. Just watch it, you'll have a good time.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/11/23

Full Review

Audience Member

descent B movie suspenser and pre-code early talkie

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Very creaky antique.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/27/23

Full Review

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Roland West

Director

Chester Morris

Detective Anderson

Una Merkel

Dale Van Gorder

Maude Eburne

Lizzie Allen

Chance Ward

Police lieutenant

Richard Tucker

Mr. Bell

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TIME Magazine

Size is the only new thing about The Bat Whispers.

Oct 19, 2016

Full Review

Variety Staff

Variety

A good picture in the class division, for shivers and smiles.

Jul 7, 2010

Full Review

Fred Camper

Chicago Reader

Culturally it may be most noteworthy for its title arch-criminal, who influenced the creation of Batman.

Apr 5, 2010

Full Review

Alan Jones

Radio Times

[It] is by far the best movie adaptation of the stock spoof horror play set in a creepy mansion where masked menace lurks. It's also a superior mystery chiller in its own right.

Rated: 3/5

Oct 19, 2016

Full Review

TV Guide

The sets are top-notch, presenting the proper eerie atmosphere.

Rated: 3/5

Oct 19, 2016

Full Review

Michael Nordine

Not Coming to a Theater Near You

There's no doubting the sincerity or intention of The Bat Whispers, only how well it's aged.

Oct 18, 2011

Full Review

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Synopsis

Infamous burglar "The Bat" commits a daring jewelry theft despite heavy police presence. Soon after, a bank theft occurs, which may be the work of the criminal as well. Meanwhile, Cornelia Van Gorder (Grayce Hampton) has various people arrive at her old mansion, including her niece, Dale (Una Merkel), a bank employee, and police detective Anderson (Chester Morris). When guests start turning up dead, Cornelia begins to suspect that The Bat may be lurking around the estate.

Director: Roland West
Screenwriter: Avery Hopwood, Mary Roberts Rinehart, Roland West
Distributor: Grapevine Video, United Artists
Production Co: United Artists
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 13, 1930, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): May 24, 2018
Sound Mix: Mono