The Spider (1931): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1931, The Spider is an action, crime, mystery and romance film directed by William Cameron Menzies, running about 59 minutes. “HOW MUCH THRILL CAN YOU STAND?” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Lowe plays Chatrand the Great, a magician with great hypnotic and magical powers. During his evening performance at an upscale theater, a murder occurs. A hand wearing a sinister spider ring raises a revolver, the lights go out, and a shot rings out! When the lights come on, the body of a patron is lying on the floor, dying. Who is the mysterious killer? What is the strange secret of Lowe’s clairvoyant, amnesia-plagued assistant? After the police restrain the audience from leaving, Lowe uses his magical powers to help expose the killer. Watch for the terrific séance scene where weird ghost-like creatures float above the stage.

Who’s in it. The Spider stars Edmund Lowe as Chatrand, Lois Moran as Beverly Lane, El Brendel as Ole and John Arledge as Tommy, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.0/10, The Spider has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Spider page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Spider tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Inception and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.