The Innocents (1961)
This must be one of those early supernatural horror movies before the likes of the 'May 13th' franchise and Salem Lot came to fore. The setting, in black and white, in a Gothic castle and pre-electric bulbs made it especially scary. And the use of little children as evil always fascinates.
A British production with a few accolades to their belt, it boasts of excellent lighting. John Mortimer, whose biography I read recently, had a hand in the screenplay.
The lovely Deborah Kerr, despite her inexperience, gains employment as a governess to two pre-teens in a massive Gothic mansion. She is employed by their uncle with definite instruction not to disturb him from his social activities.
The job starts on a good footing. The picturesque estate, the serenity of the countryside and the lovely children all appear nice at first.
The previous governess died in mysterious circumstances which nobody wants to talk about. Slowly the governess start seeing odd behaviour of the children and the occasional apparitions that appear.
Slowly the secret of the mansion is discovered without the gore and senseless killings as is usually seen in present day horror flicks. In its place, you have a nicely choreographed build-up of suspense and mystery.
This must be one of those early supernatural horror movies before the likes of the 'May 13th' franchise and Salem Lot came to fore. The setting, in black and white, in a Gothic castle and pre-electric bulbs made it especially scary. And the use of little children as evil always fascinates.A British production with a few accolades to their belt, it boasts of excellent lighting. John Mortimer, whose biography I read recently, had a hand in the screenplay.
The lovely Deborah Kerr, despite her inexperience, gains employment as a governess to two pre-teens in a massive Gothic mansion. She is employed by their uncle with definite instruction not to disturb him from his social activities.
The job starts on a good footing. The picturesque estate, the serenity of the countryside and the lovely children all appear nice at first.
The previous governess died in mysterious circumstances which nobody wants to talk about. Slowly the governess start seeing odd behaviour of the children and the occasional apparitions that appear.Slowly the secret of the mansion is discovered without the gore and senseless killings as is usually seen in present day horror flicks. In its place, you have a nicely choreographed build-up of suspense and mystery.
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