The Spiral Staircase
Performance & Direction: The Spiral Staircase Review
Last updated: January 29, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Spiral Staircase (1946) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Mystery.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Mystery is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Spiral Staircase features a noteworthy lineup led by Dorothy McGuire . Supported by the likes of George Brent and Ethel Barrymore , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: The Spiral Staircase
Quick Plot Summary: The Spiral Staircase is a Mystery, Thriller, Horror film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: The Spiral Staircase
Ending Breakdown: The Spiral Staircase resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to mystery resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the mystery themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Spiral Staircase reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Spiral Staircase?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Mystery films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Spiral Staircase
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $750.0K |
| Worldwide Gross | $2.8M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Spiral Staircase Budget
The estimated production budget for The Spiral Staircase is $750.0K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: The Spiral Staircase
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The Spiral Staircase Online?
Streaming HubThe Spiral Staircase Parents Guide & Age Rating
1946 AdvisoryWondering about The Spiral Staircase age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Spiral Staircase is 83 minutes (1h 23m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.1/10, and global performance metrics, The Spiral Staircase is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1946 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Spiral Staircase worth watching?
The Spiral Staircase is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Mystery movies. It has a verified rating of 7.1/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Spiral Staircase parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Spiral Staircase identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Spiral Staircase?
The total duration of The Spiral Staircase is 83 minutes, which is approximately 1h 23m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
