[Beowulf]

The Haunting (Directed by Robert Wise, 1963)

This film is one of my all time favourites, it has so much atmosphere, and unlike its vastly inferior 1999 re-make that relied on tonnes of CG effects to carry the film, Director Robert Wise chose to use the power of suggestion, utilising the fantastic cinematography and editing to create the ethereal atmosphere of hill house to a chilling effect.

"The original film version of The Haunting is remarkable in that it follows the plot of Shirley Jackson's novel very closely for most of the film. The basic plot and cast remains the same, though some minor details (Dr. Montague of the novel becomes Dr. Markway) are changed. Eleanor Vance, Theodora ("Just Theo," she says in the film), and Luke Sanderson accompany Dr. John Markway during an investigation into the paranormal. Markway believes that an old mansion with a sinister past called Hill House will provide him with the proof he seeks of the existence of the supernatural. Luke is the next in line to inherit the house, and is volunteered by the current owner to join Markway both as a skeptic and overseer. Eleanor and Theodora are the only responders to an invitation Markway sent out to various people who had come in contact with the supernatural at some point in their lives. After the four meet up in Hill House, strange things begin to happen, most of which seems centered on Eleanor. Eleanor finds that she enjoys the attention the house affords her, and becomes drawn deeper and deeper in by the forces within the house. The film follows the novel so closely that The Haunting of Hill House article contains all the necessary information on the general events of the story aside from the differences noted in the following section." Source

I think this film is an absolute classic, and reccomend that it is to be watched late at night in the dark...

"SCREAM...no one will hear you! RUN...and the silent foosteps will follow, for in Hill House the dead are restless!"