Arnold (1973)

**_Campy, TV-oriented take on the “The Old Dark House” genre_**

Shot in early spring, 1973, this is an understandably obscure dark comedy with a notable cast, including Stella Stevens, Roddy McDowall, John McGiver, Jamie Farr, Bernard Fox and Victor Buono, amongst others. The opening credits reveal what looks like a miniature studio set but, no, it turns out to be the life-size set with glaring Styrofoam props. Either it’s part of the joke or it just reflects the movie’s low-budget cheesiness.

Don’t get me wrong, the flick’s amusing if you can roll with it. It’s just that the production values are hardly a notch above an episode of Bewitched.

Regardless, this is a must for fans of Stella since the camera focuses on her in all her glory. Yet Wanda Bailey is the real highlight on the beauty front as a tavern maiden (she was known for Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, Dean Martin Presents the Golddiggers and The Dingaling Sisters). Also on hand are Shani Wallis and former Bride of Frankenstein Elsa Lanchester.

It runs 1h 34m and was shot at Paramount Studios in Hollywood with the exteriors of the manor being the Mt. Kalmia castle/estate in Los Angeles.

GRADE: C