20th Century Fox/MGM DVD Clearance Sale (series)

House Of Strangers

Starring: Edward G. Robinson; Susan Hayward & Richard Conte Director: Joseph L. Mankiewicz

DVD Features:

Audio:

• Stereo - English
• Mono - English
• Subtitles - Spanish - Optional

Additional Release Material:

• Audio Commentary - Foster Hirsch - Film Historian
• Trailers - 1. Theatrical Trailer
                2. Fox Flix Trailers

Text/Photo Galleries:

• Galleries - Poster Art
• Stills/Photos - 1. Unit Photography
                       2. Production Stills

Major Awards:

Cannes - Best Actor (1949)

Description by OLDIES.com:

In this powerful drama of betrayal and revenge, Gino Monetti (Edward G. Robinson), the patriarch of a Lower East Side Italian family, is so infatuated with his success as a banker, he doesn't notice the simmering hatred in his own house. Three of his four sons work with him at the bank, but his tyrannical treatment turns them against him. His favorite son, Max (Richard Conte), a lawyer, is double-crossed by the others, and lands in prison for seven years. On his release, Max seeks vengeance against them, all the while ignoring his fiancee (Debra Paget) and the society woman (Susan Hayward) who also loves him. With its fine performances and absorbing story, House of Strangers is a fascinating portrait of family tensions.

Product Description:

Family, power, money, and murder swirl in a dark, explosive cocktail of revenge in the riveting HOUSE OF STRANGERS. After a ruthless banker’s favorite son goes to jail in connection with the father’s ends-justifies-the-means creation of a successful empire, the other three sons overthrow their father, driving him to his death. Still in jail, the favorite swears vengeance on his brothers, and complex motivations of duty, justice, and jealousy propel the four men toward a final confrontation. Though primarily known for directing dramas, Joseph L. Mankiewicz brought his skill with actors and understanding of emotional purpose to several suspense films, such as FIVE FINGERS and SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER, adding rich depth to the genre. The powerful plot of HOUSE OF STRANGERS has been used in various disguises in other films, including the Western BROKEN LANCE.

Plot Synopsis:

A ruthless banker uses his four sons in any way necessary to build his empire in HOUSE OF STRANGERS. However, when the favorite goes to prison for his father's sins, the other three stage a coup and drive the older man to his death, prompting the incarcerated brother to swear an oath of vengeance to be exacted upon his release. Possessing an often imitated, but never duplicated, plot line, this intense movie was directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz (ALL ABOUT EVE, GUYS AND DOLLS).

Plot Keywords:

Betrayal | Brothers | Drama | Family Interaction | Film Noir | Revenge | Theatrical Release | Vengeance

Cast and Crew: