The Haunting, the 1962 Movie Classic is Perfect for Halloween

When I was 14 years old, I read "The Haunting of Hill House" by Shirley Jackson. That night I didn't want to go to bed because the book literally scared the sleep out of me. It was at that moment I realized how truly effective a good writer can be.

Jackson wrote her novel in 1959, and in 1962 the movie version of her book began production in England. It was released as "The Haunting" directed by American director Robert Wise. Years later, when I saw the movie version on television, I missed another night's sleep.

I consider "The Haunting" the scariest movie I've ever seen. Unlike the later remake starring Liam Neeson, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Owen Wilson, the 1962 version offers little special effects to portray horror and suspense, but the effect is much more powerful. Both movies are available on DVD.

The story revolves around a group of people gathered together by Dr. Markway, played by Richard Johnson, and who are asked to spend the night in Hill House. Hill House with its dark history of unearthly forces is so feared that even the caretakers, the Dudleys, won't stay after dark. Dr. Markway gives them the history, and when each agrees to stay, he waits to observe any psychic phenomena that occurs. It's his feeling that because these have had psychic events in their earlier lives, their presence might enhance any paranormal activity.

Those spending the night are Eleanor Lance, played by Julie Harris, who is a lonely, shy woman who lived with and cared for her sick mother until her death; Theodora, played by Claire Bloom, an attractive and vivacious woman who supposedly has some psychic ability; and Luke Sanderson, played by Russ Tamblyn, who also has had psychic incidents in his earlier life.

As the group explore the house, a number of unexplained events occur. Eleanor becomes very absorbed in the house, and it becomes evident that her psychic connection is much stronger than the others, leading the rest of the group to wonder if some things are really happening, or whether Eleanor is responsible. The viewer has to make the decision.

Although "The Haunting" is my favorite all-time horror movie, it has also been praised by many. Film director Martin Scorsese listed "The Haunting" first on his list of 11 scariest horror movies of all time. Additionally, the Bravo Network listed it as 18th on their 100 Scariest Movie Moments. It is definitely a classic worth watching this Halloween or any time. Just be prepared to stay up all night after watching, and whatever you do, don't hold your hand out in the dark.

Sources:
Personal Knowledge
www.wikipedia.com