Step into the eerie corridors of Pinehurst Manor with Night of Terror (1933), a pulse-pounding blend of mansion mystery, early slasher thrills, and supernatural suspense—now meticulously colorized for a new generation. Directed by Benjamin Stoloff and featuring horror icon Bela Lugosi, this pre-code gem delivers a labyrinth of secrets, seances, and sinister motives. If you crave atmospheric chills, clever twists, and a cast of unforgettable characters, this HD download is your ticket to a night of classic terror.
A knife-wielding maniac stalks the night, leaving a trail of victims and taunting newspaper clippings across the countryside. The police are baffled, and the body count rises. The scene shifts to the opulent but isolated Pinehurst Manor, where the wealthy Richard Rinehart gathers his heirs for a reading of his will. Among them is his daughter Mary, her fiancé Dr. Arthur Hornsby—a scientist obsessed with cheating death—and the enigmatic butler Degar, played with hypnotic menace by Bela Lugosi.
As the family convenes, Dr. Hornsby announces his plan to be buried alive, demonstrating a serum that allows him to survive without oxygen. But as he descends into the earth, the murders escalate. Each death narrows the pool of heirs, raising the stakes and the paranoia. Is the Maniac responsible, or does the answer lie closer to home?
Adding to the tension are a sardonic reporter, Tom Hartley, and the mystic Sika, whose seance conjures more dread than comfort. As the night deepens, alliances fracture, secrets emerge, and the line between science and superstition blurs. The final revelation exposes a shocking conspiracy, capped by a chilling, fourth-wall-breaking warning from the Maniac himself.
Night of Terror is also known by the evocative titles He Lived to Kill and Terror in the Night, both hinting at the film’s relentless suspense and macabre twists.
Bela Lugosi as Degar, the mystic butler
Wallace Ford as Tom Hartley, the wisecracking reporter
Sally Blane as Mary Rinehart, the heiress in peril
George Meeker as Prof. Arthur Hornsby, the ambitious scientist
Tully Marshall as Richard Rinehart, the family patriarch
Gertrude Michael as Sarah Rinehart
Bryant Washburn as John Rinehart
Mary Frey as Sika, the mystic
Edwin Maxwell as The Maniac
Night of Terror is a chilling blend of mansion mystery, proto-slasher horror, and supernatural thriller. Its “old dark house” setting, complete with secret passages, seances, and a masked killer, set the template for countless horror films to follow.
Released in 1933, Night of Terror is a product of the pre-code era, a brief window when Hollywood films could explore darker, more mature themes. The film’s mix of science, murder, and the occult reflects the anxieties of the early 1930s, when rapid technological change and economic uncertainty fueled a fascination with both progress and the supernatural. The presence of Bela Lugosi, fresh off his success in Dracula, adds a layer of gothic menace that still resonates with horror fans today.
This colorized edition of Night of Terror has been carefully restored using advanced digital techniques. The process brings new vibrancy to the shadowy halls of Pinehurst Manor, highlighting the film’s atmospheric lighting, period costumes, and dramatic set pieces. The result is a visually stunning experience that preserves the film’s original mood while making it accessible to contemporary audiences.
Director: Benjamin Stoloff
Screenplay: Beatrice Van, William Jacobs
Story: Willard Mack
Cinematography: Joseph A. Valentine
Editing: Arthur Hilton
Production Company: Columbia Pictures
Runtime: 61 minutes
Format: MP4
Resolution: HD (1080p)
Compatibility: Works with all major devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.
Night of Terror is celebrated for its brisk pacing, inventive plot, and memorable performances—especially Bela Lugosi’s hypnotic turn as Degar. The film’s mix of suspense, humor, and supernatural elements has earned it a cult following among classic horror aficionados. Its “old dark house” formula, with secret rooms, seances, and a masked killer, remains influential in the horror genre.
Q: What is Night of Terror about?
A: Night of Terror follows a family trapped in a mansion as a knife-wielding maniac picks off heirs one by one, all while a scientist stages a buried-alive experiment and a mysterious butler lurks in the shadows.
Q: Is this version colorized?
A: Yes, this edition has been professionally colorized to enhance the film’s visual impact while preserving its original atmosphere.
Q: Who are the main stars?
A: Bela Lugosi, Wallace Ford, and Sally Blane lead the ensemble cast.
Q: What makes Night of Terror unique?
A: Its blend of horror, mystery, and proto-slasher elements, along with Bela Lugosi’s performance and a twist ending that breaks the fourth wall.
Q: What are the alternate titles?
A: The film is also known as He Lived to Kill and Terror in the Night.
Q: What is the download format?
A: The download is in HD (1080p) MP4, compatible with most modern devices.
Experience the suspense and chills of Night of Terror (1933) in stunning color—download your HD copy today and unlock a night of classic horror!