Review of The Haunting (1963) by Sam T — 07 Feb 2008

From the people who brought you West Side Story comes one of the most stylish and beautifully filmed ghost stories that has ever hit the screen. Style, imaginative camera work and great performances create a sense of tension and atmosphere so efficiently that you hardly notice that there really isn't much of a story.

Doesn't matter anyways because you don't want to turn away in case you miss something. Ghost hunter Dr. John Markway (Richard Johnson) assembles a group of three strangers: Theo, a lesbian psychic (Clair Bloom); Luke, a skeptical frat boy (Russ Tamblyn) and Nell; a troubled and socially inept woman who attracts spirits (Julie Harris) to the evil Hill House; a large gothic mansion with a history of death and insanity, to prove the existence of the supernatural.

Naturally, haunting and happenings occur, mainly directed towards Harris' character, driving her insane as her cohorts helplessly try to save her, but can only stand back in vain to watch. Director Robert Wise pull out all the stops in creating a moody and creepy film, especially through the simple use of an incredible set design, and the use of marble statues randomly placed in every scene.

Furthermore, all four of the characters are brilliant performed, and become strong characters within their own, often displaying a sense of fun towards each other with genuine laughter and witty dialogue, but most importantly, you genuinely like the characters, and the curiosity of their final fate motivates you far more then discovering the secrets of Hell House.

Unfortunately, this masterpiece in suspense was badly remade in 1999, so don't accidentally rent that version or it might be you trying to hang yourself in the library.