The Woman in the House

The Woman in the House is a 1942 short feature from MGM about an Englishwoman who becomes a recluse for forty years. It was the first American role for Australian film star Ann Richards and led to her being signed to a long term contract by MGM.

Premise
After the death of her fiancee, a woman develops fear of people and refuses to leave her house until a Nazi air raid happens.

Cast

 * Ann Richards as Catherine Starr
 * Mark Daniels as Doctor
 * Peter Cushing

Production
Richards arrived in the US in early 1942, having left Australia just after the attack on Pearl Harbour. She knew writer Carl Dudley who had written It Isn't Done, Richards' first movie. Through Dudley Richards met producers and agent Leland Hayward which led to her casting in this film. She was given the stage name "Ann Richards" which she kept for the rest of her American career.

The movie was part of a series of shorts made by MGM called John Nesbitt's Passing Parade. During production the film was known as Fear.

Reception
Variety called the film a "Compact dramatic skit... Aside from the unusual character of 'the yam. it sinks home the point that 'service to others is the best cure for fear,'... Ranks high on the list of John Nesbitt dramatic pieces. Ann Richards, in femme lead, does a nice Job."