Plot, Direction Slow ‘Staircase’

In 1946, “The Spiral Staircase” was a stellar thriller that raised oodles of goose bumps. Five decades later, there are fewer bumps in the night for an inferior remake airing on Fox Family Channel.

Lacking the eeriness of the original, which was directed by Robert Siodmak, this weak retread stars a miscast Nicollette Sheridan as the mute nurse trapped in an old, isolated mansion with a killer.

As the ailing matriarch, Holland Taylor brings a touch of class to the production, whose creaky plot shows as much age as the film’s ostensibly spooky setting, a sprawling castle-like structure containing its “share of secrets.”

Even those unfamiliar with the film version should be able to finger the murderer, who spies on his potential targets from hidden passageways in the house.

Meanwhile, Sheridan crosses paths with Taylor’s sons, the brooding Phillip (Judd Nelson) and his black-sheep brother Steven (Alex McArthur). Other residents include an eavesdropping housekeeper (Christina Jastrzembska), a tippling cook (Dolores Drake) and the helpful handyman (David Storch). “Home Improvement’s” Debbe Dunning appears as Steven’s svelte girlfriend.

Beyond the transparent plotting, the film is hobbled by director James Head, who uses oddball angles in a futile attempt to generate suspense.

Given the chance to emote sans dialogue, Sheridan comes up short in projecting any credible emotion, settling for a one-dimensional sweetness. And, as usual, expressiveness is hardly the strong suit for the dour Nelson. Actually, McArthur’s self-absorbed charmer turns out to have the most moxie in the bunch.

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* “The Spiral Staircase” can be seen Sunday at 8 p.m. on Fox Family Channel. The network has rated it rated TV-PG (may be unsuitable for young children).