Probably the daddy of all haunted house movies - this 1963 black and white classic has all the mystery and suspense any ghost-hunter could need. Forget the modern dynamics and overload of effects, 'The Haunting' relies heavily on the occasional creak on the stair, and a few fleeting shadows to keep the viewer tingled. Quintessentially British, 'The Haunting' is very much a tale of psychological horror that grasps the audience immediately with its introductory narration of a Dr. John Markway. Markway is a solid researcher of the paranormal and visits Hill House, with the permission of owner Mrs Sannerson. Along for the ride come Mrs Sannerson's heir, a psychic investigator, and an Eleanor 'Nell' Lance who has recently suffered the death of her mother. The group makes for an inquisitive team who are soon consumed by the atmospheric qualities of the house - a property that has seen several deaths. 'The Haunting' was filmed at the gorgeous Ettington Hall in Warwickshire, and makes for an ideal backdrop for this rather oaken movie that concentrates on things that go bump in the night, rather than cheap scares. The cast, including Russ Tamblyn, is extremely strong, giving the whole movie a very authentic feel whilst the use of lighting and camera trickery. 'The Haunting' is a ghost story of antiquarian quality and yet will probably be passed by today with the modern generation of film-goers seeking instant scares instead of well thought out groans and moans.
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