The Red House

The Red House, released in 1947, is a psychological drama and mystery film directed by Delmer Daves. The story revolves around the Peterson family, consisting of the aged patriarch, Arthur Peterson (played by Edward G. Robinson), his sister Meg (played by Mildred Dunnock), and their adopted daughter, Mary (played by Judith Anderson). The family resides in a modest home near the woods, where an old, abandoned farmhouse stands in the distance. Mary, a beautiful and intelligent teenager, becomes increasingly curious about the old mansion and begins to develop a fascination with it. Her adoptive parents, Arthur and Meg, are hesitant to talk about the house, often dismissing her questions and diverting her attention. Unbeknownst to Mary, her parents harbor a dark secret that they have been concealing for years. Deep in the woods, the Peterson family's past remains shrouded in mystery. The abandoned farmhouse, though seemingly deserted, holds the key to unraveling a complex web of deceit and tragedy. As Mary's curiosity turns into an obsession to uncover the truth, her relationship with her parents begins to deteriorate. The film masterfully crafts a sense of suspense and foreboding, hinting that the mysterious farmhouse holds the answer to the family's dark history. The narrative is expertly woven, skillfully manipulating the audience's perception of reality. Daves' direction expertly interweaves the story's mystery with the family's psychological dynamics. The atmosphere of the film is predominantly somber and unsettling, reflecting the dark undercurrents within the Peterson family. As tensions rise between Mary and her parents, Meg begins to crack under the pressure. In a series of eerie and unsettling scenes, Meg's fragile mental state becomes apparent. Her increasingly erratic behavior raises questions about the family's troubled past and the possible cause of Mary's adoption. Meanwhile, Mary becomes more persistent in her pursuit of the truth, her determination growing with each passing day. A pivotal moment in the story comes when Mary encounters an enigmatic stranger, Nate (played by Rory Calhoun), who lives in the nearby town. Their initial interaction is tense, but he eventually opens up about his connection to the old farmhouse. Nate has been aware of the Petersons' presence and has been watching them, sensing that they are hiding something. As Mary becomes drawn to Nate, their friendship sparks a confrontation between Mary and her parents. As the events unfold, the line between truth and deception blurs, raising more questions about the family's history. Arthur's sinister intentions are eventually revealed, showcasing the depth of the family's dark past. A tragic event has occurred in the abandoned farmhouse, and Arthur has been desperate to keep it hidden from the world. Mary's discovery forces Arthur to confront his actions and the reasons behind his secrecy. Ultimately, The Red House becomes a haunting tale about family secrets, trauma, and the devastating consequences of concealing the truth. The narrative masterfully navigates the complexities of human relationships, revealing the darker side of family dynamics. Daves' gripping direction ensures that the film remains an intense, suspenseful, and unsettling experience, capturing the turmoil that lies beneath the surface of the seemingly ordinary Peterson family. As the story concludes, the abandoned farmhouse, once shrouded in mystery, stands before the audience, a haunting reminder of the devastating consequences of human actions. The narrative leaves the viewer pondering the lasting impact of past traumas, forever altering the lives of those involved.