Black Raven (DVD)

George Zucco, whose aloof manner lent a sinister credibility to a slew of notorious characterizations in numerous horror and detective films of the 1940s, stars as Amos Bradford, a hotel owner who covertly runs a smuggling ring. A disparate group of strangers are brought together at the Black Raven Inn, where they must contend with two grisly homicides and $50,000 in stolen money. The broad performances by Glenn Strange and Byron Foulger add a macabre dash of comic relief to this stylish gothic rarity. Also on hand is Charles (here billed as "Charlie") Middleton, renowned for his portrayal of Ming the Merciless in the Flash Gordon serials, joined by a full contingency of PRC regulars.

• mystery