This is one of — if not the best “creepy” children movie I’ve ever seen. Many elements of this '60s production reminded me of THE SHINING. From the strange children to the perfect use of setting to ghostly influences to the excellent use of shot choices, it is hard for me to imagine that this film wasn't an influence on Stanley Kubrick.
Miss Giddens (Deborah Kerr, BLACK NARCISSUS) is hired to take care of two children whose uncle has no desire to have anything to do with them. At first, Miss Giddens only has Flora (Pamela Franklin, THE PRIME OF MISS JEAN BRODIE) to take care of and all seems fairly well. Then she gets word that Miles (Martin Stephens, VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED) has been expelled from his boarding school. He is an unusual boy, who seems to be the perfect child, but will do randomly strange and creepy things. Aiding Giddens is the house’s longtime maid Mrs. Grose (Megs Jenkins, OLIVER!). But things really take a turn for the worse when Miss Giddens begins to see the ghosts of the former grounds keeper Quint (Peter Wyngarde, 1980’s FLASH GORDON) and the former governess Miss Jessel (Clytie Jessop).
Based on the Henry James novel THE TURN OF THE SCREW, the film’s period piece setting provides the perfect atmosphere for a ghost story. Candle lit hallways throw long shadows and the viewer doesn’t quite know what could be lurking in the dark. Reflections off glass have a truly unnerving effect. Cinematographer Freddie Francis deserves great praise for his work in painting the perfect atmosphere for this black & white horror tale.
Kerr’s performance is perfect, adding to the tension of the film. Besides being a great thriller, the film also deals with how adults' behavior and actions toward children affect their development and mood. Both Franklin and Stephens give first-rate juvenile performances. With this film and DAMNED, Stephens has to be one of the premiere creepy kids in film history.
Director Jack Clayton (1974’s THE GREAT GATSBY) made his one true masterpiece with this film. He knows exactly what makes a scene scary, especially in his use of long shots. For a scary movie, the most amazing thing about it is that the most shocking events in the film are kisses. The film also ends perfectly — it confirms our fears and spins the story into an even more disturbing realm. The film is subtle, creepy and truly haunting. It’s one of the best ghost stories you will ever see.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
