 The ghosts are moving tonight, restless, hungry. May I introduce myself? I'm Watson Pritchard. In just a minute, I'll show you the only really haunted house in the world. Since it was built a century ago, seven people, including my brother, have been murdered in it. Since then, I've owned the house. I've only spent one night there, and when they found me in the morning, I was almost dead. And I've rented the house on Haunted Hill tonight so that my wife can give a party. A haunted house party. She's so amusing. There'll be food and drink and ghosts, and perhaps even a few murders. You're all invited. If any of you will spend the next 12 hours in this house, I'll give you each $10,000, or you're next of kin in case you don't survive. Ah, but here come our other guests. It was my wife's idea to have our guests come in funeral cars. She's so amusing. Her sense of humor is, shall we say, original. I dreamed up the hearse. It's empty now, but after a night in the house on Haunted Hill. Who knows? This is Lance Schroeder, a test pilot. So no doubt a brave man. But don't you think you can be much braver if you're paid for it? I happen to know that Lance needs the $10,000 I'll give him. If he's brave enough to stay all night. This is Ruth Bridges. You've no doubt read her column in the newspapers. She says her reason for coming to the party is to write a feature article on ghosts. She's also desperate for money. You've already met Watson Pritchard, a man living in mortal fear of a house, and yet he is risking his life to spend another night here. I wonder why? He says for money. This is Dr. David Trent, a psychiatrist. He claims that my ghost will help his work on hysteria. But don't you see a little touch of greed there? Around the mouth and that. This is Nora Manning. I picked her from the thousands of people who work for me because she needed the $10,000 more than most. Supports her whole family. Isn't she pretty? The party's starting now. And you haven't till midnight to find the house on Haunted Hill. Most in this house are glad we're here. Are we all strangers to each other? Don't you two know each other? I'm afraid I don't even know your name. I'm Nora Manning. Lance Schroeder. Is Frederick Law an friend of yours? I've never met him. I work for one of his companies, but I've never seen him. I've never met the man either. Just a phone call. Do you know him? Well, then you're the only one of us who does. I don't know him. All the details about running the house were done by mail. He's quite wealthy, isn't he? Millions. And, uh, five wives, I believe. Four, I think, so far. A $50,000 party for only five people is a little steep, even for a millionaire. Buddy, this would certainly be the house I'd do it in. Who closed the door? He's made of solid steel. He's still alive. Is your face on yet? Water barely trickles. Couldn't you have had the place clean? Atmosphere, darling. You know how ghosts are. They never tidy up. And that's a very fetching outfit, but hardly suitable for a party. I'm not going to the party. The spend the night ghost party was your idea, remember? Since it's going to cost me $50,000, I want you to have fun. The party was my idea until you invited all the guests. Why all these strangers? Why none of our friends? Friends? Do we have any friends? No, you're a jealousy to have that. I had a reason for inviting each guest. I wanted kind of a cross-section. From psychiatrist to typist. And from drunk to jet pilot. They share one thing. They all need money. Now let's see if they're brave enough to earn it. And you call this a party? Could be. Why do you always do that? It spoils the champagne. It might explode. Never does. You guarantee that? That isn't funny, Frederick. Make a good headline. Playboy kills wife with champagne cork. Will you join me? No, thank you. Just a sip might improve your humor. My humor is fine, thanks. And I haven't poisoned it. It's always good to know that. You'll enjoy the party more. Your trust is so touching. And I'm not going to the party. Of all my wives, you're the least agreeable. But still alive. Would you go away for a million dollars in tax-free? You want it all, don't you? I deserve it all. Your jealousy is in tax-free. And your possessiveness is maddening. If ever a man had grounds for divorce. But can't prove them. The time will come. You'll slip up one of these days. If I live long enough. You remember the fun we had when you poisoned me? Something you ate, the doctor said. Yes. Us, Nick, on the rocks. You'd do it again if you thought you could get away with it, wouldn't you? Darling, what makes you think that? Something about you. That hanging is very uncomfortable in case you get any more ideas. Don't let the ghosts and the ghouls disturb you, darling. Darling, the only ghoul in the house is you. And don't sit up all night thinking of ways to get rid of me. It makes wrinkles. You used how my brother and her sister hacked them to pieces. We found parts of the bodies all over the house. And places you wouldn't think. A funny thing is the heads have never been found. Hands and feet and things like that. But no heads. The wife, probably in a rage, threatened her husband with a knife and then carried away by hysteria, took a swing at him and simply went on from there. She certainly went on. How many people did she kill, Mr. Bridget? Only two. Her husband and her sister. No one else was here. So there are two loose heads just floating around in here somewhere? You can hear them at night. They whisper to each other and then cry. Since our host isn't here, would anyone care to mix me a drink? Certainly. What will you have? Frederick Lauren. Since we're all strangers to each other, let's get acquainted with the drink, shall we? Mr. Lauren, I advise you to call this party off now. The ghosts are already moving and that's a bad sign. Let me apologize for my wife. She'll join us later. What do you have? Got to end. Doctor? I'll have the same. Now, before the party begins, let's go over the details. The caretakers will leave at midnight, locking us in here until they come back in the morning. Once the door is locked, there's no way out. The windows have bars that a jail would be proud of and the only door to the outside locks like a vault. There's no electricity, no phone, no one within miles, so no way to call for help. Like a coffin. So, if any of you decide not to stay for the party, you must let me know before midnight. Of course, if you leave, I shan't be able to pay you anything. I'm interested in your reasons for this party, aside from the pleasant company. I think everyone wonders what they would do if they saw a ghost. And now my wife has given us all the opportunity to find out. Ghosts, etc., being only creations of hysteria, your party should be a success. Well, Pritchard here promises us genuine ghosts. Seven now, maybe more before morning. That's cheerful. Four men have been murdered in this house. And three women. You planned your party very well, Mr. Lauren. Four of us are men, three are women. A ghost for everybody. And Pritchard, why don't you take us on a tour through the house and let's see what happens. See that stain? Blood. A young girl was killed here. And whatever got her wasn't human. Don't stand there. What do you mean? Where? It's too late they've marked you. Ridiculous. The roof probably leaks. Well, that must be what it is. Who would rather haunt me? I would say any self-respecting male ghost. I hope it doesn't come back. Well, Mr. Pritchard, you're the life of the party. He hasn't even started yet. Wasn't there a man who threw his wife into a wine vat or something? That was in the cellar. There's been a murder almost every place in this house. Mr. Norton, who didn't die here, he was electrocuted later. So he fell to vat with acid and threw her in. She was supposed to stay down, but the bones came up. It's a funny thing. But none of the murders here were just ordinary. Just shooting, with stabbing. They've all been sort of wild. Violent and different. God, she didn't fall in. You mean there's still acid in there? Dusty down here. Mr. Lawrence said everybody would get $10,000. But he didn't say anything about being locked in. No. He just made a deal with me on the phone. But nothing about having to stay. Aren't you going to stay? If I don't, I lose $10,000. I'm going to stay too. $10,000. Yeah. You believe in ghosts? I don't know. Well, I agree with what that doc says. You can spook yourself. I've done it in planes. Same things that weren't really there. Or were they? Do with your $10,000. If we get it. What do you mean if we get it? Won't he pay us if we stay? Ah, sure he will. $10,000 is no more to him than a nickel is that. We were in an automobile accident. Now I'm the only one in the family who can make any money. Boy, I've never seen so many doors. Closet. Does it go anywhere? It didn't bump his head. What did it look like? Well, it was wearing a black thing that went all the way to the floor. Weren't you a little frightened at the time? Well, yes. That, Mr. Lawren, is hysteria. Well, then, Doctor, how do you explain what happened to Lance? Was that hysteria, too? You better get that checked in a day, sir. Thanks, Doc. The ghosts are coming closer, Mr. Lawren. You really believe in your pet ghost, don't you, Pritchin? Before the night's over, you will, too. Would you like a drink, Lance? No, thanks. I'd like one. It's got to end. Lawren, are you really going to pay anyone who stays all night? Certainly. $10,000. Will there be much red tape or delay? You're not hurry, dear? Frankly, yes. Or frantically. There you are, my dear. Someone or something was in here when I came in. But where? The door was locked. How did it get out? What you saw might have been a ghost, Nora, but what was in here with me was no ghost. I don't know. I was so scared. Yes. Jimmy, you knock on this wall. Lance, it doesn't run it. Why didn't I see it? You don't believe. Wouldn't you like to freshen up? It's a big atmosphere for my husband's party. Why did you come here? He said he'd give me $10,000. Why did he pick you? I don't know. My supervisor just came and said I'd been invited. How long have you known my husband? I just met him tonight. So? Why you? What were you doing wandering around by yourself? Well, I was in the cellar with Lance. Mr. Schroeder. I just left. That's all. Don't do it again. Don't go anywhere in this house by yourself. Now, fix your face, and I'll come by for you in a few minutes. But you're in danger. We all are. I hope for your sake you never find out. I'm Annabelle Lauren. Were you looking for something? Not exactly. Are you the doctor? No. No, I'm Lance Schroeder. The pilot. You've hurt yourself. Oh, it's just a bump on the head. Which is my room? I believe this is it. Thank you, Mrs. Lauren. Annabelle Lance. Who were with the young girl in the cellar? Why was she so upset? Was she? And you don't look like the type to around bumping your head. What really happened, Lance? Well, Nora thought she saw a ghost, but I didn't see anything. She was just frightened then. And mad at me. I think I killed her about it. I wouldn't joke about anything else that happens here tonight. I don't tell me you're taking all this seriously. Aren't you? Well, I'd like to find out what hit me. Lance, if I need help, may I count on you? Sure, I guess so. Look, what's going on here anyway? I mean, what is with this party, Ruth? This is no party. He's planning something. Your husband? I wish I knew what it was. Must be pretty big if he's gonna lay out 50,000. Money doesn't mean anything. He has a reason for getting this all up here to this dreadful old house. Well, what for? He doesn't even know us. Maybe that's exactly why you're here. Well, what can he get away with? Oh, he thinks that big money like his can get away with anything. You know, of course, that I'm his fourth wife. The first simply disappeared. The other two died. Lance, I don't want to join them. You mean he, uh... All his doctors said they died of heart attacks. Two girls in their twatties. Well, what can he do? My husband is sometimes insane with jealousy. Nothing matters to him then. Please be careful. What, he hurt you? He would kill me if he could. Are you missing all the fun? Nora Manning was almost killed by a falling chandelier. The pilot bashed his head in. Is he badly hurt? The Saturday Night Psychiatrist bandaged him up. Don't you want to go and console him? That you do most men in your fashion? You're so clever, Frederick. I lie awake nights wondering why I married you. I was rather a mistake. You didn't marry me, dear. I married you. One pleasant, but no mistake. Frederick, with the last time, I'm not going to your party. For the last time, it's not my party, but yours. And you are going. I am not. Are you ready, dear? No. Are you ready, dear? Yes, I am, you. But you adore me as much if I were poor. All you want to be is a lovely widow. It's almost time to lock up the house. Then your party will really begin. No wonder how it'll end. Your host, my dear. It's almost midnight, Nora. We're all going to get together down in the living room. All right, Mr. Lloyd. I'll be right there. The lids and his wife. They've been caretakers here for years. She's blind, you know. I'm not going to stay here. It looks like we have a real case of hysteria in our hands. I think she's just a little upset. Not hysterical. These are our guests. Ruth Bridges, Dr. Trent. You know Watson Pritchett, of course, Nora Manning. And this is Lance Schroeder. Carey wants to kill me. Who wants to kill you? Mr. Lloyd. May I have your attention, please? I think you all remember the bargain we made about staying all night. $10,000 apiece. If any of you don't survive, $50,000 will be divided amongst the rest of you. If I should die, you will be paid by my estate. When the door is locked from the outside by the caretakers, we'll all be forced to stay in this house until morning. If any of you decide not to stay, you must leave with the caretakers now. You won't have a chance to change your minds later, because there'll be no way to get out. I don't want to stay. Wait. Who told them they could leave? They never leave before midnight. They've gone now. I was going to ask you whether you wanted to stay or not, but the caretakers have made the decision for you. We're all locked in now. But I don't want to stay. I'm sorry, my dear, but it's too late now. Darling, haven't you had enough of this silly game? Get some cars up here for these people and let them go home. But pay them first. This is your party. Remember, despite of my wife's faith in my ability to do the impossible, we will all have to stay in this house until 8 o'clock in the morning. But we have some party favors for you in these little coffins. This is my wife's idea. I must say I think it's rather dangerous. I suppose you all know how to use one of these things, but in case you don't, you just press down on this lever with your thumb and then pull the trigger. You see, they're loaded. These are no good against the dead, only the living. Doctor, here's yours, dear. I don't need it. It was your idea. Who knows you may want to use it on me before this matter, so... Throw these guns away. They won't do you any good. I agree with Pritchett on that point, although not for the same reason. Doctor Trent, don't you approve of our little party favors? Suppose Nora had had a gun when she mistook the blind woman for a ghost. I don't think anyone else is going to walk around in total darkness. Oh, I'm sure we're not going to go running around the house shooting each other, aren't you? Who knows? Fear makes people do amazing things. You said your sister-in-law killed a man and a woman here and cut them up. You said they found hands and feet, but they never found any heads. Would you like to see one of those heads? Would you all like to see one of those heads? I really don't need this. Just go look. Upset. Would you care for a sedative? Taking the sedative. What do you suppose she thought she saw? They're closing in on her. Look, Doc, I think somebody ought to stay with her. There could be a million people around her. But if they wanted her, they'd get her. What if he's right? He's too drunk to know what he's talking about. I wonder. I'll join you in a minute. Talk to her? Do you think there really was a head in her suitcase? Something like that would put me right over the edge. Look, would you sort of stay up here, I mean, in case she needs help? I'll be in my room. Just call it. Are there only seven people in this house? Positive. Except for the ghosts. I don't believe in ghosts. Nor in frightening women. Nor, in this case, it's gone far enough. Perhaps too far. What do you suggest we do about it, Doctor? Don't frighten her anymore. In a little while, she'll be one of them. It's too late. It's too late. You'll never find her again. Pritchard, if you know where she is, you better tell me now. She's gone. She's gone with him. There's nothing you can do about it. He killed me. He grabbed me and choked me and put me in that room. And then he went away and left me. Who? He thought I was dead. Who? Mr. Lord. Are you sure about this? I don't know. It was dark, but it must have been him. Has anybody seen you since he left you? I heard some people in that room, but I went by and nobody saw them. Mrs. Lauren is dead. Lauren said she committed suicide, but I think somebody killed her. Him? Come to the same conclusion I have. Yeah, I think so. Let's all have a meeting, discuss what to do. The living room? It's tough in here and don't let anybody know you're here. If he thinks you're dead, he won't come here. And I'll get back as soon as I can. What do you mean coming in here? I'm going to take her away. You're drunk. They will if you don't watch her. You're drunk. All right. Out with it, Pritchard. Why did you come into this room? I'm the only one who understands. Understands what? Look, your wife isn't there anymore. She's already joined them. Pritchard, I've had enough of your spook talk. Get out, you sot, and don't come back into this room again. I didn't disturb her since I don't think this concerns her. No, you're right. Mr. Lauren, isn't there some way we can get out of this house now? No, none at all. We could try breaking out. The only door to the outside is made of steel. The bars of the windows are set in solid stone. We've got to stay. We're not afraid of your ghosts, Pritchard, but I am afraid. When we came here a few hours ago, the only thing we had in common was the $10,000 we'd get. Now, however, we share something else. The death of Mrs. Lauren. So far tonight, one of us was almost killed by a falling chandelier. One of us was mysteriously slugged. One of us has been driven to the brink of absolute hysteria. And one of us is dead. There's accidents, suicide, and we must stay here for six more hours. Six hours? Six of us. Time and a half. He'll be next. How will it happen? Let me ask you a question, doctor. You were the first one to see my wife there. Did you also see anything that she could have climbed up on and then jumped? No. Did any of them? There was nothing. How then did she get up there so high? Exactly, Mr. Lauren. How? She couldn't have pulled herself up there. She couldn't have dropped from the ceiling. Do you think your wife killed herself? No. She was murdered by one of you. Or you, Mr. Lauren. To deliberately kill someone, you must have a reason. We were all strangers to your wife. Only you had a motive for murder. Husband hasn't at some time wanted to kill his wife. But husband hasn't had a thousand opportunities to do it in such a way so that he'd never be suspected. I'm not such a fool as to hang my wife from a ceiling by a rope. The fact remains that you, or one of us, murdered Mrs. Lauren. And that's a matter for the police. So how do we get the police? That's my point. We count until morning. What began as a silly party given by an eccentric has now involved us all in murder. For once, Pritchard may be right. If another murder's in the works, let's stop it now. Another murder? Why not? Maybe one of us saw too much. Why should even a millionaire want to give each of us $10,000 to spend one night in a gloomy old house? To see some ghosts, to have a party? No. Have you finished trying me, doctor? And is the verdict guilty of murder? In getting us anywhere, somebody killed Mrs. Lauren. We know that. One of us is guilty, and the rest of us are innocent. OK. Now, what we have to do for the next six hours is protect ourselves from each other. You rarely think... I don't think anything. I just know that I'm going to my room. And if anybody comes in, I'll shoot him. Or her. And if we all stay in our rooms, we'll be safe. Because the innocent will have no reason to leave his room. And the guilty will admit his guilt if he or she does. And we all have guns. And we all agree. Oh, I wish this night were over. I tell you, it doesn't make any difference. They aren't through with us yet. What's the use of saying good night? You'd be so sure. The doc thinks he's going to try and kill one of us. Now, there must be a way out of this place, and I'm going to find it and get the police before he does. I'm going with you. But if he finds out you're alive, you're safer here than any place else. Now, just lock yourself in and keep quiet. There's no weapons left of someone's life. Why waste time? Has she killed him? Not yet, but she will. Hanging harness. What's taken that girl so long? What time is it? At first, I couldn't get Nora to want to protect herself with a gun. After you appeared at the window, everything began to work just as we had planned. You were wonderful. Just the touch that finally drove her into complete hysteria. It'll be worth all of our planning, darling. Where's Nora now? What's happening? So scared she'll shoot the first thing that moves. And Frederick? On his way to the cellar, too. David, are you sure none of them will suspect us? Of what? An hysterical girl accidentally shoots somebody? Who would suspect that we planned it that way that we drove her to it? What about my suicide? Just a ghost party gag. We'll claim it was a dummy since I'm the only one who touched you. And the caretakers? Well, they had no idea what they were really doing. What about Nora? She's not stupid, you know. Darling, believe me, everything we planned is working perfectly. Nora is sure Frederick murdered you. She thinks Frederick attacked her in the cellar, not me. And now Nora's almost out of her mind with fear. The heads, the music, you're hanging. I'll tell you when Frederick walks in there, she'll shoot him. It's taking too long. David, you ought to be there. When you hear the shot, come down to the cellar. Pity you didn't know when you started your game of murder that I was playing, too. There must be some way to get in here. I've shot Mr. Lorne. He's down in the wine cellar. And my wife were planning to kill me. My wife stumbled and fell. I'm ready for justice to decide if I'm innocent or guilty.