Vincent Price was an actor who was known for his villain roles. He shows that he could play a good guy, in The House of the Seven Gables. In it he plays Clifford Pyncheon, a member of a cursed family. The family stole land, from Mathew Maule, generations ago. He was framed for witchcraft, and hanged, uttering a curse, to Colonel Jaffrey Pynchon. Clifford experiences the family curse, when his greedy brother, Jaffrey, (George Sanders), frames him for the murder of his father. Clifford is convicted and sentenced to life in prison. He leaves behind his wife, Hepzidah, (Margaret Lindsay). Jaffrey, doesn’t get the house, and is forced to share it with Hepzidah.
Hepzidah’s happiness is gone, and she shutters the house, in a scene that shows her emotional state. Clifford, while in prison meets a jailed abolitionist, (Dick Foran). He begins talking to him, and finds out his name is Mathew Maule: a direct descendant of the man who cursed the family. Clifford develops a friendship with him. Mathew later moves into the Pynchon residence, under an assumed name. He develops a romance with Phoebe Pynchon, (Nan Grey), a cousin who has moved in the house. Phoebe, is helping Hepzidah, run a small business, to help with expenses. Phoebe’s presence helps to brighten up the house.
Clifford Pynchon is released from prison after twenty years. He goes to his closet, to put on a suit. His happiness at his freedom is diminished, when the suit is moth eaten. His happiness is sustained knowing that he is reunited with his loving wife, Hepzidah. This news doesn’t make Jaffrey Pynchon happy, and he is forced to live in a bad situation for a time, until justice has its own reward for him.
The House of the Seven Gables is based on the Nathaniel Hawthorne novel. It is a solid movie helped by the quality acting of Vincent Price and Margaret Lindsay. They are very believable as suffering spouses. The mood of the film is lightened by Nan Grey, who is excellent portraying Phoebe Pynchon. Joe May has done well in bringing a classic novel to the screen. He’s especially effective in setting the tone and the mood of the movie. This is a film that shows true love can conquer any adversity.