Lesser-known Val Lewton film is engrossing, suspenseful story about a young man (Russell Wade) that signs up with a merchant ship whose obsessive captain (Richard Dix) may be going crazy. Fifth Lewton film at RKO is not quite a horror film but instead a psychological thriller. Despite not being a horror film or having any supernatural elements, it still has lots of spooky scenes and shadowy atmosphere. It also has Lewton's trademark plot ambiguity, this time surrounding the captain's intentions throughout the story. The first half of the film nicely builds up to the tense second half. Great performances by Wade and especially Dix. Quite possibly my favorite Richard Dix role. Also a memorably creepy performance by Skelton Knaggs as a mute. This is a very underrated film. Well directed by Mark Robson with fine performances all around. Definitely check it out.
Review of The Ghost Ship
