The House That Dripped Blood

The House That Dripped Blood

Year: 1971

Runtime: 102 min

Language: English

Director: Peter Duffell

Horror

In this chilling horror classic, a clever Scotland Yard detective unravels the dark secrets surrounding a mysterious country estate, where a series of gruesome events unfolds, each tale more terrifying than the last.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The House That Dripped Blood (1971)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The House That Dripped Blood (1971). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie appears to take place in a contemporary setting, although the exact time period is not specified. It reflects a world where the supernatural intertwines with the psychological struggles of its characters, showcasing themes of madness and obsession that resonate with modern audiences.

Location

Country House, Wax Museum

The country house serves as the central character in the story, with its serene appearance hiding a dark history of despair and madness. Known for its unsettling atmosphere, it entraps its inhabitants in a web of supernatural horrors. The wax museum, a site of grotesque fascination, reveals the sinister motives of its proprietor and lures characters into a trap of obsession and death.

🏡 House 🖼️ Museum

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:00

Main Characters – The House That Dripped Blood (1971)
Meet the key characters of The House That Dripped Blood (1971), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Paul Henderson (Denholm Elliott)

Paul Henderson is a film star whose mysterious disappearance sparks the central investigation. His presence lingers throughout the narrative, representing the haunting consequences of the house’s dark history. Despite not being present, his legacy weaves a chilling connection among the characters.

🎥 Actor 🕵️‍♂️ Mystery

Charles Hillyer

Charles Hillyer is a struggling writer whose obsession with his own creation, a killer named Dominic, leads him down a path of madness. As his psychological state deteriorates, Charles finds himself unable to distinguish between his reality and fiction, ultimately succumbing to the chaos he unwittingly conjures.

📚 Writer 🧠 Madness

Alice Hillyer

Alice Hillyer, Charles' wife, finds herself entangled in the disturbing events of their lives as they navigate their marriage amidst chaos. Unaware of the full extent of her husband’s descent, her own revelations contribute to the unraveling of their shared reality.

💔 Wife 🌀 Chaos

Dr. Andrews

Dr. Andrews is a psychologist who attempts to uncover the truths behind Charles' obsession with Dominic. His insights lead to disturbing revelations, ultimately making him a tragic victim of the very darkness he seeks to understand.

🩺 Psychologist ⚖️ Insight

Philip Grayson (John Bennett)

Philip Grayson is a retired stockbroker seeking solace in the haunted country house. His initial comfort soon turns to horror as he uncovers the sinister history of the wax museum and becomes embroiled in its deadly intrigue.

🏡 Stockbroker 🧟‍♂️ Horror

Neville Rogers (Joss Ackland)

Neville Rogers is a friend of Grayson who becomes obsessed with the wax museum’s mysteries. His disregard for caution not only puts his life at risk but ultimately leads to his gruesome demise, showcasing the fatal consequences of obsession.

🤝 Friend ⚰️ Obsessed

John Reid

John Reid is a grieving widower desperate to protect his daughter while battling his own demons. His oppressive nature alienates Jane, pushing her toward a dark exploration of powers that spiral into chaos, ultimately leading to his tragic end.

👨‍👧 Grieving 🔥 Destruction

Jane Reid

Jane Reid is John’s pyrophobic daughter, struggling under the weight of her father’s grief and her own fears. As she inadvertently dives into the occult, her dark powers become a devastating force, ultimately triggering a catastrophic finale.

👧 Daughter 🔮 Occult

Ann Norton

Ann Norton is a former teacher who attempts to help Jane overcome her fears but uncovers the grim realities of their home. Her growing insight into their dysfunction brings her into direct conflict with John, adding layers to the ongoing chaos.

👩‍🏫 Teacher ⚡ Confrontation

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:00

Major Themes – The House That Dripped Blood (1971)
Explore the central themes of The House That Dripped Blood (1971), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🖤 Obsession

The theme of obsession permeates the movie, driving characters to madness and destruction. Charles becomes consumed by his creation, Dominic, leading to violence and tragedy. Similarly, characters like Neville fall prey to their dangerous fascinations, illustrating how obsession can distort perception and reality.

👻 Supernatural

The supernatural elements of the house present a malevolent force that influences the actions and fates of its occupants. From Charles' psychological torment to Jane's descent into witchcraft, the supernatural acts as both a catalyst and a reflection of their darkest desires. This theme emphasizes the thin line between reality and the otherworldly.

🔥 Destruction

Destruction is a prominent theme as the characters' lives unravel in the face of their inner demons. The tragic demise of several key characters highlights the destructive consequences of their actions, driven by chaos and madness. The final conflagration serves as a metaphor for the irreversible damage inflicted by unchecked desires.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:00

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