The Tell-Tale Heart 1939
Step into the shadowy world of Edgar Allan Poe's psychological torment with *The Tell-Tale Heart (1939)*, Frank Wisbar's haunting adaptation of the classic short story.
Director: Frank Wisbar
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Tell-Tale Heart (1939) about?
This psychological horror short film follows an unnamed narrator consumed by an obsession with an old man's unsettling eye. As his guilt festers, he spirals into a nightmare where his own heartbeat becomes the sound of his doom.
Who directed The Tell-Tale Heart?
Frank Wisbar directed this 1939 adaptation, infusing Poe's tale with a gothic, claustrophobic atmosphere that heightens the story's psychological terror.
Who stars in The Tell-Tale Heart?
The film features Basil Cunard as the tormented protagonist, Stuart Latham as the old man, and Ernest Milton as the voice of reason, alongside Esme Percy and A. Harding Steerman.
Is The Tell-Tale Heart (1939) worth watching?
While it's a short film with a simple premise, its intense atmosphere and faithful adaptation of Poe's material make it a compelling watch for fans of classic horror. The minimalist approach ensures every moment feels deliberate and chilling.
How long is The Tell-Tale Heart?
Runtime details are not listed.
The Tell-Tale Heart (1939): Edgar Allan Poe's Gothic Horror Classic — Full Movie Info
Step into the shadowy world of Edgar Allan Poe's psychological torment with *The Tell-Tale Heart (1939)*, Frank Wisbar's haunting adaptation of the classic short story. This early horror TV movie immerses viewers in a claustrophobic atmosphere where guilt and paranoia twist the mind into a labyrinth of dread. The unnamed protagonist, driven by an obsession with an old man's vulture-like eye, spirals into madness as the relentless ticking of his own conscience grows louder than any heartbeat. Wisbar's direction leans into the story's gothic horror roots, using stark visuals and oppressive sound design to amplify the oppressive dread. The film's themes of obsession, guilt, and auditory hallucination resonate as strongly today as they did in 1939, making it a must-watch for fans of vintage psychological horror.
Starring Basil Cunard as the tormented narrator, Stuart Latham as the doomed old man, and Ernest Milton as the unseen voice of reason, *The Tell-Tale Heart* delivers a chilling performance-driven experience. The minimalist production and dialogue-driven tension place the focus squarely on the unraveling psyche of its protagonist, creating an eerie, unforgettable atmosphere. Whether you're a longtime fan of Poe's macabre tales or a newcomer to classic horror, this 1939 gem offers a compact yet deeply unsettling journey into the depths of human fear.
Stream or download *The Tell-Tale Heart* to experience how Wisbar and his cast turned a literary masterpiece into a nightmarish vignette that lingers long after the credits roll.