Fictional Fans

Hi, I wanted to ask a question. My chap and I are reading Benighted (1927) by J.B. Priestley together, for which the film, “The Old Dark House” of 1932 was based. According to the introduction by Orrin Grey this was a prominent theme of stories at the time; a group of people stranded in harsh weather coming to a large house for safety and having odd experiences. 
 

I’m wondering if anyone knows why this was a prominent theme at the time.
 

My current idea is that such experiences were becoming more widespread due to the automobile. With less need to prepare for farther travel, and weather often being unpredictable, the experience of a road trip gone awry could have become more common, or even if no bad weather had stranded the travellers, several could view the scenes they pass and wonder at the possibility of being stranded, “And who might those people be in that house? What if we had to stay here and rely on one of these places for shelter? What if the occupants of the home are tripped-out and goofy?” 
 

I wasn’t sure where to ask and then I remembered this community. Hopefully it’s a fun topic to share for the month of October. ^_^

(And feel free to suggest other stories of this kind.) Thanks!