Is The House of Fear Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The House of Fear is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 67 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
The House of Fear Review
Last updated: January 9, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1939, The House of Fear enters the Crime genre with a narrative focused on A detective goes undercover as a producer to investigate an actor's murder, which occurred during the performance of a play. Under the direction of Joe May, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from William Gargan, Irene Hervey, Dorothy Arnold. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, The House of Fear offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, The House of Fear is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 6.5/10, the reception has been generally positive. For fans of Crime, Drama, Mystery, Horror, it serves as a worthy addition to the watchlist.
Cast of The House of Fear
- William Gargan – Arthur McHugh
- Irene Hervey – Alice Tabor
- Dorothy Arnold – Gloria DeVere
- Alan Dinehart – Joseph Morton
- Harvey Stephens – Richard 'Dick' Pierce (as Harvey Stevens)
Top Highlights
William GarganArthur McHugh
Irene HerveyAlice Tabor
Dorothy ArnoldGloria DeVere
Alan DinehartJoseph Morton
Harvey StephensRichard 'Dick' Pierce (as Harvey Stevens)
Walter Woolf KingCarleton
Robert CooteRobert Morton
El BrendelJeff
Tom DuganMike
Jan DugganSarah Henderson
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.5/10, and global collection metrics, The House of Fear stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1939 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The House of Fear movie hit or flop?
The House of Fear has received mixed reviews with a 6.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The House of Fear worth watching?
The House of Fear is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Crime, Drama, Mystery movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is The House of Fear?
The House of Fear is a Crime, Drama, Mystery movie that A detective goes undercover as a producer to investigate an actor's murder, which occurred during the performance of a play......
