The Haunting (1963)

The Haunting (1963)

"You may not believe in ghosts but you cannot deny terror."

Based on the classic 1959 novel "The Haunting Of Hill House" by renowned author Shirley Jackson, and starring Julie Harris, Claire Bloom, Richard Johnson, Russ Tamblyn, masterfully directed by Robert Wise, the original 1963 version of "The Haunting" (don't bother with the hideous 1999 remake) is a true masterpiece of psychological horror.

Dr. John Markway (Johnson) is a psychic researcher who invites a group of people with paranormal experience to help him investigate Hill House - an imposing 90 year-old estate which "had stood for 90 years and might stand for 90 more",  feared by the locals because of its lurid and violent history that began with its original owner, Hugh Crain.

Only two of the invitees show up: the emotionally fragile and introverted Eleanor Vance (Harris); and Theo (Bloom, sporting a wardrobe by edgy '60s designer Mary Quant), stylish, outspoken, beautiful, and sexually ambiguous - in direct contrast to the meek Eleanor. Russ Sanderson (Tamblyn) is the skeptical young relative who stands to inherit Hill House, and he tags along to "protect (his) investment."

Early on in the film there is some humor from the group's interactions with the crabby caretaker and his wife, Mrs. Dudley ("No one lives any nearer than town. No one will come any nearer than that. In the night.  In the dark."), a creepy, skull-faced woman. After that brief injection of humor (which does of course warn the audience of events to come), the film gets down to business: ghostly voices, a superbly mood-setting soundtrack, stark lighting, off-kilter camera angles and subtle insinuations all meld seamlessly with the skillful casting and direction to create some of the most chilling moments in psychological horror.

A must-see classic of  the genre (and the favorite horror film of director Martin Scorsese) "The Haunting" is screening on Tuesday, October 25 at the Koka Booth Ampitheatre in Cary, North Carolina.  Gates open at 6pm, and the movie starts at dusk. Admission - $3, kids 12 and under are free. Blankets, chairs and picnics are allowed. Amphitheatre concessions will be open with movie night snacks and beverages available for purchase. Tickets can be purchased at the Amphitheatre Box Office.

A portion of the proceeds from the movie will benefit the Alzheimer's North Carolina Inc. Supporting North Carolina families dealing with Alzheimers Disease. To learn more visit www.alznc.org