Handicapped farmer Pete (Edward G. Robinson) and sister Ellen (Judith Anderson) have raised ward Meg (Allene Roberts) as their own on a reclusive farm. Now a teenager, Meg, convinces her friend Nath (Lon McCallister) to come help with chores on the farm. When Nath insists on using a shortcut home through the woods, Pete warns the young man of screams in the night and the terrors associated with the abandoned red house. Curious, Meg and Nath ignore his warnings and begin exploring and troubling secrets are revealed.