The Fall of the House of Usher

The Fall of the House of Usher is a classic tale of horror and mystery, directed by Jean Epstein and based on the short story by Edgar Allan Poe. The movie is set in a decaying castle, surrounded by a dark and gloomy lake, which adds to the eerie atmosphere of the film. The castle is home to the morbidly nervous Roderick Usher, played by Herbert Stern, and his sickly twin sister, Madeline Usher, portrayed by Hildegarde Watson.

The story is narrated by an unnamed character, who is a boyhood friend of Roderick Usher. He is summoned to the castle by Roderick, who is in desperate need of his company. The narrator soon realizes that something is not quite right with the Usher family, as they both seem to be suffering from some sort of illness. Madeline, in particular, appears to be on the brink of death, and Roderick is consumed with worry about her.

As the story unfolds, Madeline does indeed die, or so it seems. Roderick and the narrator entomb her body in the family vault, but on a stormy night, strange noises and a blood-curdling shriek from below convince Roderick that they have made a grave mistake. He becomes hysterical, convinced that they have buried Madeline alive. Suddenly, the shrouded figure of Madeline appears at the door of Roderick's book-strewn study, emaciated and gasping for breath. She falls upon Roderick, and in her final death throes, drags him to the floor, where they both lie lifeless. The house of Usher then collapses, symbolizing the end of the Usher lineage. The movie is a chilling exploration of the human psyche, and the consequences of fear, paranoia, and guilt.