Review of The Legend of Hell House (1973) by James G — 16 Aug 2007

This film is unavoidably indebted to 1963's The Haunting (the Mount Everest of haunted house films) but does well in attempting to establish its own identity, although it lacks The Haunting's self-awareness so some of the more melodramatic scenes feel a trifle OTT.

Roddy McDowell has a quietly sinister presence which is well used, and Pamela Franklin's virginal medium is also very good. With the continually updated date/time peppering the story to give a sense of continuity, it's a bit like watching a cross between Big Brother and BBC hoax Ghostwatch! Excellent minimal incidental score by radiohpnics boffins Delia Derbyshire and Brian Hodgson.