Expert: Juli D. - 2/6/2009

Question
I am looking for a movie that I seen as a kid.
It was in black and white and was set in a mansion. For some reason, I think the reading of a will, a group of people had to spend a weekend there. Of course while they were there things started happening. I think some people were killed. The part I remember most vividly was when a lady was sleeping in her bed and above her a panel in the wall started to open up and someones hand slowly comes out. She wakes up before the hand grabs her and screams. It was an interesting movie because it was scary but also funny. One of the actors who played in it was known for his comedy in movies and I think him and another guy usually played in the same movies together kinda as a team. I think the comedians name was Jerry.
I also remember so scenes in a spooky garden.
Thanks for your help.

Answer
Good Day Melanie!
       I believe that the film you are thinking of is "The Cat And The Canary" (1939) starring Bob Hope.
        If this film is not what you are looking for, (though I seriously doubt this :0) ), here are two other films with somewhat similar story lines that you might check out;

"Oh the Horror of it All" - Starring Pat Boone
and
"Scared Stiff" - Starring Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin.
             
             If none of these films are what you're looking for, I would be more than happy to do further research.

Hope that this was helpful!

                   Cheers!
                                 ~J.

PS. There are three versions of "The Cat And the Canary" one from 1927 which is a silent film and one from 1978 which is in color. It is the 1939 version that I believe you are looking for. I mention this so that when you look for this film, if you find one of the other two versions, you won't think I've lost my mind. :0)