Henry James’ Turn Of The Screw inspired this handsomely mounted study in paranoia, with Deborah Kerr outstanding as the mild- mannered governess sent to watch over two orphaned children in a remote country estate. Director Jack Clayton really plays with the creep- factor inherent in well bred English children, and the haunting melody of a music box is used throughout to chilling effect. At times the film comes across like an inferior blend of Night Of The Hunter and The Haunting, at others the atmospheric locations (photographed by Freddie Francis) and mounting hysteria lend the film a spookiness all its own. And on a topical note, Truman Capote co- wrote the screenplay.
by Tom Huddleston | Source: DVD
21 Mar 2006 8:20 AM | Submit Comment
