The Haunting (1963)

Directed by Robert Wise. Starring Julie Harris, Richard Johnson, Claire Bloom, Russ Tamblyn, Lois Maxwell, Rosalie Crutchley, Fay Compton, Valentine Dyall.

Engrossing spine-tingler based on Shirley Jackson’s novel “The Haunting of Hill House” where Johnson’s doctor wants to study paranormal activity at an old, Victorian-Gothic mansion in New England; he’s joined by anemic and guilt-ridden Harris, lesbian psychic Bloom, and immature heir Tamblyn. Far more subtle and elegant than the average haunted house picture, using supernatural influences to manifest themselves as Harris’ psychological breakdown, especially in relation to the recent death of her invalid mother. Directed and photographed with precision and style, utilizing brightly-lit Rococo interiors that are as expressive as any of the actors’ faces, and demonstrating a masterful use of sound effects (no otherworldly optical effects are needed—the spirit(s) are never seen with the naked eye). Widely considered near or at the peak of the haunted-house sub-genre for good reason, with the only noteworthy misstep being the overuse of Harris’ inner voice; employing suggestion/implication would have been more effective than spelling it right out all the time. Named by Martin Scorsese as the scariest horror film ever made. Dedicated to the memory of director Wise’s mentor, Val Lewton. Remade (to disastrous results) in 1999.

86/100