Halloween is upon us: cue hastily cobbled-together costumes and drunkenly ironic apple-bobbing at friends’ parties, the frenzied whoops of sugar-saturated children and an online avalanche of “best horror films ever” lists. It’s a beautiful time of year. We’ve already contributed our share to said avalanche, so allow me simply to highlight my viewing for the evening (courtesy of the BFI’s handsome recent reissue): Jack Clayton’s “The Innocents.”
One of my entries on our Halloween-themed list two years ago — and one of my favourite films, period — this Henry James adaptation remains the consummate screen ghost story, elegantly composed yet still, nearly a half-century on, no-quote-marks frightening. (It cracked Martin Scorsese’s list too.) You wouldn’t guess that, of course, from this priceless US trailer, a handy reminder that Hollywood marketing teams could be as gauchely off-target in 1961 as today. Anyway, happy Halloween. What are you watching tonight?
Comments
7 responses to ““Do THEY ever return to possess the living?””
What she sees on the lake is still creepy even after 10 or more viewings. Riveting classic (and IMO, Kerr’s greatest performance, unfortunately not even nominated…). Plus a screenplay by Truman Capote!
Tonight, in spite of the date, it will be game 4 of the World Series (Go San Francisco).
This movie is a masterpiece! I kind of wish they had kept the original title from the short story it was based on but beyond that this movie is utter perfection. Those long shots across the lake give me nightmares that a million pop out scares from today’s horror films could never even begin to match.
I am looking forward to the new AMC show “The Walking Dead” and will also be watching the original Halloween, which I have watched every year on this night with various friends for the past 12 years.
Saw for this for the first time a couple of months ago, for me the scariest moments are the entire hide and seek sequence and that unforgettable climax. Also one of the best uses of pre opening credits?
hmmm.
I’ve just watched the pilot for the amc zombie-flick with the walking dead.
it’s a full 28 days later rip-off, an interesting leading actor but i can predict awful supporting cast in the next episodes. entertaining flick.
This has always been one of my favorite movies of all time and a clear inspiration for The Others (also, a great movie!)
Like someone else here mentioned, what she sees on the lake is creepy beyond words. The kids are also creepy as hell, and the hide and seek scene with Kerr standing by the window is so terrifying, especially since there is no use om music in that scene.
The ending is horrifying, and the kiss is so disturbing,
LOVE this film!
I just saw this film for the first time about 10 days ago and I loved it instantly. I can’t believe I’d never seen it before. A great film and an instant entry in my all-time favorite horror movies list. A must-see for both avid cinephiles and casual moviegoers looking for a good time.
Days old now, but I actually watched this on Halloween. I had never seen it. Also watched The Haunting (original), which I hadn’t seen in years.