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| Film vitals |
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· Year: 1944
· Director: Lewis Allen
· Writers: Fran Partos, Dodie Smith, Dorothy Macardle (novel)
· Cast: Ray Milland, Ruth Hussey
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| Series info |
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· Based on the novel by Dorothy Macardle.
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Amazon.com
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| Synopsis |
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A brother and sister buy a beautiful old mansion overlooking the ocean. Both of them find romantic interests in the neighboring town, but a ghostly presence within their house seems intent on harming the composer brother's lovely new friend, Stella.--Guinnevere
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RATING
Out of 100 |
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90
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| COLD ANALYSIS |
| 4.0 -ATMOSPHERE |
| 0.0 -GORE |
| 2.0 -HUMOR |
| 3.0 -SCARES |
| 4.0 -TENSION |
This really is a great haunted house movie. It's old, but that isn't exactly a criticism from one who loves old movies the way I do. The production values are excellent, and the haunting effects stand up even today, largely because the ghosts in the story tend to manifest themselves through senses other than sight.
The sound of a woman sobbing, the scent of mimosa, a feeling of unease, and the touch of cold air are the only clues at first that some otherworldly entity is trying hard to communicate with the living. Gradually, with determined investigation by the brother/sister team and their friends, the mystery of the house's--and Stella's--past comes clear, but there are a lot of red herrings along the way, and only at the last do we actually see a malevolent spirit trying to materialize.
Some who have been brought up on modern scenes of explicit gore and violence may disdain the simplicity of the special effects, but I never fail to get a chill up my spine when viewing this film.
There are fine performances by everyone, good pacing, moments of gentle humor, and a lovely romantic atmosphere that one doesn't find in many movies today.
This movie also has the distinction of introducing a hit tune, the beautiful "Stella by Starlight."
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