The Fall of the House of Usher (1928) is a French silent avant‑garde horror film directed by Jean Epstein, with contributions to the screenplay by Luis Buñuel. It is one of the most celebrated early cinematic adaptations of Edgar Allan Poe’s 1839 Gothic short story, noted for its dreamlike visuals, experimental editing, and poetic atmosphere.
The film follows Roderick Usher, who summons a friend to his decaying mansion, where he obsessively paints a portrait of his ailing wife, Madeline. After her apparent death, she is entombed in the family crypt — but the audience soon discovers she was buried alive. Her return from catalepsy leads to a haunting climax steeped in surreal imagery and psychological dread. Critics have praised the film as one of the most important works of French Impressionist cinema, with Roger Ebert later including it among his “Great Movies.”
Film Details Title: The Fall of the House of Usher Original Title: La Chute de la maison Usher Year: 1928 Genre: Silent Horror / Avant‑Garde / French Impressionism Director: Jean Epstein Screenplay: Jean Epstein, Luis Buñuel Based on: The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe Produced by: Jean Epstein Starring:
Jean Debucourt as Roderick Usher
Marguerite Gance as Madeline Usher
Charles Lamy as the Visitor Cinematography: Georges Lucas, Jean Lucas Studio: Les Films Jean Epstein Release Date: 4 October 1928 Runtime: 65 minutes Country: France Format: Silent film with French intertitles
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