MovieChat Forums > Haunted Gold (1932) Discussion > Haunted Fun

Haunted Fun

posted 16 years ago by cgculpeper
10 replies | jump to latest

This is one of many Saturday matinee whiz-bangs John Wayne made for Warner Brothers-First National in the early 30's. Produced cheaply by Leon Schlesinger(of Looney Toons fame), these movies used recycled stunt footage from silent Ken Maynard westerns, with added sound effects. Combining two genres - the haunted house whodunnit and the western melodrama - "Haunted Gold" serves up two hours of action in a crisp 58 minutes. The real pleasure of this movie though is the atmospheric ghost town camerawork by future RKO cinematographer Nick Musuraca("Out Of The Past," "Curse of the Cat People.")

[–] Ethereal-Cloud 10 years ago

I'm surprised you mentioned the camera work. I thought it was awful, perhaps it's the age, as there was obvious degradation of the original print. Shot during the day, and using a 'night filter' to give the impression of it being dark outside virtually eliminated most of the B&W contrast. I suspect they might have used the same filter whether it was sunny or cloudy.

One other thing. While I'm the last one in the room to gripe about (even perceived) racism, the character Blue Washington played really made me uncomfortable, it was actually painfully embarrassing to watch.

[–] Underdog_73 8 years ago

One other thing. While I'm the last one in the room to gripe about (even perceived) racism, the character Blue Washington played really made me uncomfortable, it was actually painfully embarrassing to watch.

Except in this case, where you're the first and only one in the room bringing race into the discussion. Seems that the individuals who always start conversations by saying how they're not racist, are the ones who always talk about race.

Your embarrassment, or uncomfortable feeling, says more about you than anything else. Clearly race is something you're constantly thinuking about....

There's nothing racist here. As a matter of fact, his goofy antics are the only enjoyable parts of the movie.

[–] tseybert 8 years ago

Let's not mention "race" as it seems to offend Underdog 73. We all need to be more politically correct so as not to upset his or her hypersensitivity to any and all references to embarrassing cultural depictions of the past.

Janet! Donkeys!

[–] Underdog_73 8 years ago

I have to hand it to you, tseybert. I didn't know it was possible to so incorrectly interpret what was said, while at the same time ironically displaying your own obvious sensitivities. You're a rare breed. I guess we can refer to your traits as clueless hypocrisy.

Clearly race must be important to you. It's clear I hit a nerve. Grow up. Learn how to comprehend.

Go get mommy to kiss it for you.

[–] tseybert 8 years ago

I'm so sorry I offended you. I'll be very careful not to disagree with you ever again on any issue as I can see you don't handle differing opinions very well.

Janet! Donkeys!

[–] Underdog_73 8 years ago

Wow, I don't think I've ever communicated with someone who seems to be having their own discussion. I don't even know how to reply to someone who can't comprehend the meaning, or tone, of written text. Are you also this dumb when speaking face to face?

Wait, I'll try to reply like you....and make as much sense as you....

Duh....uh.....me am tseybert....derp......errrr......dingleberry......I like pie.....cheesy sofa.....film flam.....yay......

Your time would be better spent wiping the spit, and face prints, off your windows.

[–] tseybert 8 years ago

Report me to the moderators for being mean to you. That will make you feel better.

Janet! Donkeys!

[–] Underdog_73 8 years ago

Derp...duh...err....

Broccoli...jacket...cheese puffs....

Me am tseybert...slurp...yay...

[–] Gblakelii 10 years ago

I agree with you, cg, about enjoying the atmospheric ghost town effect throughout, and glad that you unearthed a name from the credits (Nick). Too bad Erville Alderson who played Benedict wasn't used in more horror movies other than The Thirteenth Guest, and The Black Cat. He could have been a stand in for Peter Cushing! This movie is basically a sort of Western remake of The Cat and the Canary. There seemed to be a nod to Nosferatu as well with a characters shadow effect very similar. There really wasn't that much of the silent footage used & it makes one question, did it really save that much money?

[–] 10 years ago

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