I believe this is a genuine horror movie. A disturbed, aging actress from the silent film days brings home a struggling writer and essentially holds him captive, treating him like a young plaything. There's something unsettling about her attraction to someone so much younger than herself. Her house and the butler feel lifted directly from a Hammer Films production. Despite that... I really enjoyed this movie. The actors are perfectly chosen. William Holden delivers one of his finest performances. Gloria Swanson is fantastic as a madwoman. And Von Stroheim’s casting was inspired; he seems capable of anything for the person who employs him… even violence. The dialogue is sharp, and Billy Wilder's direction stands out among his best work. If you typically avoid black-and-white films, set your reservations aside and give this one a try. It’s truly excellent.

Source on TMDB