Review of The Haunting (1963) by William D — 04 Dec 2011

This classic masterpiece has long been recognized as an artistic triumph of it's genre a remarkably chilling and elegantly crafted ghost story about a 90 year-old foreboding New England Gothic mansion called Hill House, that was bad from the beginning a house that was born evil.

A paranormal researcher Dr. John Markway, superbly played by Richard Johnson who is appropriately authoritative in the role leads a small group to investigate and study this legendary haunted house with its dark history of scandal, murder, insanity and suicide, the rest of the group includes a narcissistic spinster played brilliantly by Julie Harris who feels that the house is talking to her alone, a young lesbian with a extraordinary sense of ESP played radiantly by Clarie Bloom and a young wisecracking skeptic and heir to the house played by Russ Tamblyn in a engagingly sly performance.

It will soon become very apparent to the group that Hill House is indeed haunted by some unseen malevolent force. Expertly directed by Robert Wise who demonstrates a amazing sense of atmosphere he creates a formidable sense of tension and suspense, using eerie sound effects and incredible camera angles, Davis Boulton's ravishing black & white cinematography shows great dexterity in fashioning visual excitement, and keeps the picture alive with the image of impending doom.

"The House" itself is the film's central character and star, it is a dark entity with it's own monstrous personality, big inside and out with long hallways, statues and figures on the wall that give it all a creepy vibe, thanks to the extraordinary production design by Elliot Scott, and the stunning set decoration by John Jarvis.

There is a score by Humphrey Searle that is exquisitely sinister. Nerve-wrecking and lots fun to behold and guaranteed to raise some serious goosebumps, this film definitely should not been seen in a darkened room! Highly Recommended.