Monday, November 3, 2014

THE HAUNTING 1963 (WARNER)

Simply put, one of, if not the greatest haunted house thriller ever made.

Richard Johnson is Dr. Markway, a scientist who is studying a house which is said to be haunted. He has three assistants with him, two women and one other man who is actually set to inherit the house soon.

Claire Bloom is Theo, a young woman who prefers women, although this is only very lightly talked about, which is a good thing. Julie Harris is Elenore Lance, a troubled woman who feels the house is wanting her to stay and Russ Tamblyn is Luke, the young man who might be inheriting "Hill House" as it is called.

There are some genuine scares in this classic Robert Wise thriller including mysterious sounds, walls bending in and the holding of a ghost hand. A subtle horror films that really works on all levels.

I know this was needlessly remade in 1999 by Hollywood hacks, and that film is to be avoided at all costs. This is the original and it was made by professionals who know how to deliver scares. I watch this every Halloween and it is perfect for a cold fall or winter night.

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