The Uninvited (1944)

Directed by Lewis Allen. Starring Ray Milland, Ruth Hussey, Gail Russell, Donald Crisp, Alan Napier, Cornelia Otis Skinner, Barbara Everest, Holmes Herbert, Dorothy Stickney.

Mature, sophisticated ghost story of siblings Milland and Hussey purchasing a seaside house at a steal from elderly Crisp, much to the chagrin of his granddaughter (Russell) who proves to be attached to the house (as Milland becomes attached to her). Trouble is, the house seems to be haunted by the spirit of Russell’s deceased mother who had thrown herself off a cliff on the estate…or did she? Vivid supporting characterizations offset Milland and Hussey too often seeming relaxed, even flippant, amid all the ghostly affairs; a handful of eerie moments may inspire goosebumps, but even for those who are unmoved by supernatural tomfoolery, there’s a good mystery at the heart of the story. The ending, although providing closure without contrivance or trickery, still underwhelms with its anti-climactic abruptness. Amazingly, the special effects used to visualize the apparitions were removed by censors for its UK release.

75/100