The Spiral Staircase
“Conflicts that freeze your emotions! Suspense that takes your breath!”
Synopsis
On a stormy night, the mute servant to an ailing matriarch is stalked by a serial killer.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
The Spiral Staircase ≣ 1946 ≣ Trailer
Type: Trailer • Published 2025-12-19
Top Cast
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Dorothy McGuire
Helen
George Brent
Professor Warren
Ethel Barrymore
Mrs. Warren
Kent Smith
Dr. Parry
Rhonda Fleming
Blanche
Gordon Oliver
Steve Warren
Elsa Lanchester
Mrs. Oates
Sara Allgood
Nurse Barker
Rhys Williams
Mr. Oates
James Bell
Constable
Erville Alderson
Dr. Harvey (uncredited)
Ellen Corby
Neighbour (uncredited)
Myrna Dell
Murder Victim (uncredited)
George Holmes
The Killer's 'Shadow' (uncredited)
Stanley Price
Starry-eyed Man (uncredited)
Robert Siodmak
The Killer's 'Eye' (uncredited)
Richard Tyler
Freddy (uncredited)
Charles Wagenheim
Desk Clerk (uncredited)
Release History & Theatrical Window
February 6, 1946
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$750K
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$2.8M
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
3.73x
+$2M net gain
Theatrical Status
Mega Hit
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Robert Siodmak
- Screenplay & Story
- Mel Dinelli
- Original Score
- Roy Webb
- Original Title
- The Spiral Staircase
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 23m
- Production Budget
- $750K
- Worldwide Gross
- $2.8M
- Production Studios
- RKO Radio Pictures, Dore Schary Productions, Vanguard Films
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Robert Siodmak
Mel Dinelli, Ethel Lina White
Roy Webb
Nicholas Musuraca
Harry Gerstad, Harry Marker
Dore Schary
Department Leadership Roster
Nicholas Musuraca
Director of Photography
Dore Schary
Producer
Mel Dinelli
Screenplay
Harry Gerstad
Editor
Robert Siodmak
Director
Harry Marker
Editor
Roy Webb
Original Music Composer
Edward Stevenson
Costume Design
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Spiral Staircase.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Spiral Staircase.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Spiral Staircase
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Spiral Staircase about?
On a stormy night, the mute servant to an ailing matriarch is stalked by a serial killer.
Who directed The Spiral Staircase?
The Spiral Staircase was directed by Robert Siodmak.
Who stars in The Spiral Staircase?
The principal cast of The Spiral Staircase includes Dorothy McGuire, George Brent, Ethel Barrymore, Kent Smith, Rhonda Fleming.
When was The Spiral Staircase released and how long is it?
The Spiral Staircase was released in 1946 with a total runtime of 1h 23m.
What was the box office and production budget of The Spiral Staircase?
The Spiral Staircase had a reported production budget of $750K and grossed $2.8M at the worldwide box office (3.73 return on budget, classified as a blockbuster success).
Who composed the musical score for The Spiral Staircase?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Spiral Staircase was composed by Roy Webb.
Is The Spiral Staircase based on a book or true story?
The Spiral Staircase is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Ethel Lina White".
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Spiral Staircase?
The Spiral Staircase holds official age classifications: US: NR (Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.).