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The Spiral Staircase ()

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In 1916, a shadowy serial killer is targeting women with "afflictions"; one night during a thunderstorm, the mute Helen feels menaced.
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Awards:
  • Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 1 nomination.
  • See more »
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Photos and Videos

25 photos | 1 video

Cast verified as complete

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Helen
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Professor Warren
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Mrs. Warren
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Dr. Parry
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Blanche
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Steve Warren
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Mrs. Oates
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Nurse Barker
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Mr. Oates
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Constable
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
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Dr. Harvey (uncredited)
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Neighbour (uncredited)
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Murder Victim (uncredited)
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The Killer's 'Shadow' (uncredited)
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Starry-eyed Man (uncredited)
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The Killer's 'Eye' (uncredited)
Richard Tyler ...
Freddy (uncredited)
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Desk Clerk (uncredited)
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Minister (uncredited)

Directed by

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Robert Siodmak

Written by

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Mel Dinelli ... (screenplay)
 
Ethel Lina White ... (based on the novel "Some Must Watch" by)

Produced by

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Dore Schary ... producer (uncredited)

Music by

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Roy Webb

Cinematography by

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Nicholas Musuraca ... director of photography

Editing by

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Harry Gerstad
Harry Marker

Art Direction by

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Albert S. D'Agostino
Jack Okey

Set Decoration by

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Darrell Silvera ... (set decorations)

Costume Design by

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Edward Stevenson ... (gowns)

Production Management

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Fred Fleck ... production manager (uncredited)

Second Unit Director or Assistant Director

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Harry Scott ... assistant director

Sound Department

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John L. Cass ... sound
Terry Kellum ... sound

Special Effects by

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Vernon L. Walker ... special effects

Visual Effects by

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Chris Crowell ... digital compositor (uncredited)

Stunts

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Gordon Carveth ... stunt performer: woman falling down the spiral staircase (uncredited)

Music Department

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C. Bakaleinikoff ... musical director
Samuel Hoffman ... musician: theremin (uncredited)

Additional Crew

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Edgar Peterson ... production assistant
Crew verified as complete

Production Companies

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Distributors

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Special Effects

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Other Companies

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Storyline

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Plot Summary

In 1916, beautiful young mute Helen is a domestic worker for elderly, ailing Mrs. Warren, whose two adult sons, professor Albert and impudent womanizer Steven, also live in the Warner mansion. Mrs. Warren becomes concerned for Helen's safety when a rash of murders involving 'women with afflictions' hits the neighborhood. She implores her physician, Dr. Parry, to take Helen away for her own safety. When another murder occurs inside the Warren mansion, it becomes obvious that Helen is in danger. Written by Gary Jackson

Plot Keywords
Taglines Conflicts that freeze your emotions! Suspense that takes your breath! See more »
Genres
Parents Guide View content advisory »
Certification

Additional Details

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Also Known As
  • Some Must Watch (United States)
  • Silence of Helen McCord (United States)
  • Deux mains, la nuit (France)
  • Die Wendeltreppe (Germany)
  • La escalera de caracol (Spain)
  • See more »
Runtime
  • 83 min
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Language
Color
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Filming Locations

Did You Know?

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Trivia The close-ups of the killer's eyes and hands are those of director Robert Siodmak. See more »
Goofs When Helen first walks up the main staircase, she pauses to look at herself in the mirror. In the next shot as the camera slowly rolls backwards, she is still looking in the mirror, but there is no reflection of herself (just a painting designed to look like mirror). See more »
Movie Connections Featured in Stairs (1986). See more »
Soundtracks Waltz Op. 34 No. 2 in A minor See more »
Quotes Constable: She's dead!
Dr. Parry: Well, in that event, Constable, I certainly can't do her any harm.
See more »
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