The Monkey's Paw 1948
"From the famous story by W. W. Jacobs"
In *The Monkey's Paw (1948)*, a seemingly ordinary curio dealer unknowingly hands over an ancient artifact with the power to grant its owner three wishes — but at a horrifying cost.
Director: Norman Lee
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *The Monkey's Paw* (1948) about?
This British thriller follows a curio dealer who sells a monkey's paw said to grant three wishes — only to learn that each wish comes with a terrible price. A family soon discovers too late that tampering with fate brings irreversible consequences, turning a simple transaction into a nightmare of loss and regret.
Who directed *The Monkey's Paw*?
Norman Lee directed this 1948 supernatural thriller, grounding its eerie folklore in a sober, character-driven style.
Who stars in *The Monkey's Paw*?
The film features Milton Rosmer as the dealer, Megs Jenkins, Brenda Hogan, Michael Martin Harvey, and Eric Micklewood in pivotal roles.
Is *The Monkey's Paw* (1948) worth watching?
As a compact, atmospheric thriller rooted in classic horror themes, *The Monkey's Paw* offers a satisfying blend of suspense and cautionary storytelling. While not a visual spectacle, its tight runtime and strong performances make it a compelling watch for fans of early supernatural cinema.
How long is *The Monkey's Paw*?
The film runs for 63 minutes, a lean runtime that keeps the tension high from start to finish.
About The Monkey's Paw (1948) — Classic British Thriller Rooted in Supernatural Folklore
In *The Monkey's Paw (1948)*, a seemingly ordinary curio dealer unknowingly hands over an ancient artifact with the power to grant its owner three wishes — but at a horrifying cost. Directed by Norman Lee, this atmospheric thriller spins a web of suspense around the ill-fated paw, tapping into classic horror tropes of cautionary fate and unintended consequences. The story unfolds against a restrained 1940s British backdrop, where quiet domestic scenes mask creeping dread, and every wish becomes a step toward calamity. Milton Rosmer anchors the ensemble as the dealer who warns too late, while Megs Jenkins and Brenda Hogan deliver poignant performances as victims caught in the paw's supernatural grip. What begins as a quirky curiosity spirals into a haunting meditation on desire, regret, and the price of greed.
The film's eerie ambiance lingers long after the credits roll, blending psychological tension with folkloric dread. Lee's direction keeps the pacing tight within its brisk 63-minute runtime, focusing on character-driven moments over cheap scares. The monkey's paw, a cursed relic from W. W. Jacobs' famous tale, becomes more than a prop — it's a symbol of hubris and the inescapable nature of cause and effect. Shot in moody monochrome, *The Monkey's Paw (1948)* thrives on shadows and silence, letting atmosphere do the work of unnerving the audience.