"A richly detailed exploration of a family vendetta' -- Time

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).

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.