The Haunting (1963)
Grade: 70
One of the better haunted house films, "The Haunting" conveys horror without resorting to violence, gore, or even special effects. No ghosts ever appear onscreen, but we know they are out there, howling, laughing and banging, in the hallway behind the door. And the doorknob is turning!
A cerebral British adaption of the Shirley Jackson novel, "The Haunting" takes place (naturally) in a large, foreboding New England mansion with a history of death and terror. Psychic researcher Dr. Markway (Richard Johnson) arrives to prove the existence of the supernatural, bringing with him nervous, impressionable Eleanor (Julie Harris), psychic lesbian Theodora (Claire Bloom), and cynical Russ Tamblyn, who is heir to the mansion.
What I liked best about "The Haunting" wasn't the ghost scenes, which promise more than they deliver. I liked the characters, who behave with consistency and are well developed. Markway is torn by conflicting motives: he wants to study Hill House, but is also protective of his inexperienced team members. Theodora is icy cool and predatory, helping to drive hapless Eleanor over the edge. Julie Harris is one of my favorite actresses, and she plays her bundle of nerves character without making her overly sympathetic. Nonbeliever Tamblyn considers his adventure in Hill House to be one big joke, until... well, you'll have to see it.
The biggest weakness of "The Haunting" is that it teases the audience with the presence of ghosts without ever revealing them. Why not have the door fly open, and have an enormous green ghost sweep around the panic-stricken guests, swirling books and chairs? Subtlety is all well and good, but the film's climax can still be a real horror show.
kollers@mpsi.net http://members.tripod.com/~Brian_Koller/movies.html
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