The Cat and the Canary

The eccentric millionaire Cyrus West (Wilfrid Hyde White) had his last will and testament recorded on film and sealed by a notary. Exactly 20 years after his death, he has his relatives gather at the remote Glencliff Manor villa to announce his will to them via film screening. To the great disappointment of the money-hungry heirs, West has named his granddaughter Annabelle West (Carol Lynley) as his sole heir. However, the inheritance is subject to a curious condition. Annabelle must spend a night with her disinherited relatives at Glencliff Manor and must not be declared insane by them the next morning. Otherwise, a second film will be shown, naming another heir. When psychologist Hendricks (Edward Fox) bursts into the gathering to warn those present about a psychopath who has escaped from a nearby mental hospital, Annabelle knows that she is in for a restless night. Her dear relatives visit Annabelle one by one in her room and vie for the favor of the rich heiress. When Annabelle finally falls asleep, a masked stranger enters her room through a secret passage and takes the heiress captive.