Robert and Ann Armour were married in a whirlwind courtship. Robert is a doctor and is the master of the family estate, Crow Hollow. Robert plans on bringing his new wife to live at the ancestral home. Before the couple leaves Robert asks Ann to visit Mrs. Wilson (Janet Barrow), an old family friend who is dying and specifically asked to see Ann. Mrs. Wilson learns that Ann and Robert plan on living at Crow Hollow. She warns Ann that there is danger in the old mansion and tells her not to live there. Ann is confused by the woman’s warning but doesn’t mention it to her husband.
Crow Hollow is also the home of Robert’s three aunts, Judith (Esma Cannon), Opal (Nora Nicholson) and Hester (Susan Richmond). Robert promised his grandfather that he would take care of them and allow them to live there for the rest of their lives. Also living with them is a young woman named Willow (Patricia Owens). Willow is a maid and companion for the aunts but is treated more like a member of the family.
As soon as Ann arrives at Crow Hollow, she becomes suspicious of the old aunts. While getting ready for a dance Ann finds a tarantula in her corsage. Aunt Judith owned the tarantula. Another time she is given some bitter soup that makes her sick. Robert believes the tarantula almost biting her was an accident and that she was already ill when she had the soup made by Hester. He dismisses her concerns.
Ann decides to leave Crow Hollow but runs into her friend Diana (Melissa Stribling) who convinces her to return home. When she does, she finds Willow dead. The woman had been stabbed in the back while wearing one of Ann’s dresses that she had given her. Ann is now totally convinced that someone wants her dead, but she doesn’t know who or why. Trying to convince not only Robert but the local police that she was the intended victim is proving to be difficult. Finding out who the killer is, is another problem.
“Crow Hollow” was released in 1952 and was directed by Michael McCarthy. It is a British mystery thriller with gothic elements. The film is based on the 1950 novel of the same name by Dorothy Eden.
One of the usual tropes popular with women in peril mysteries from the 50’s is that of the dismissive husband. Here he is in full glory. In addition, the three elderly aunts are reminiscent of the dotty old ladies in “Arsenic and Old Lace” 1944. The film is another reason to be wary of old spinsters who offer food or drink.
The gothic atmosphere works well with the storyline and the acting is good. At about an hour and six minutes the movie is short and sweet. It was a nice way to pass the time.