The Uninvited

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The Uninvited-720P

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source: The Uninvited

The Uninvited in this case are brother and sister Ray Milland and Ruth Hussey who take a seaside house to let in England. Someone should have told them that the place was haunted, by two ghosts in fact. But if they had known that, they and the audience looking in would have missed one of the great Gothic horror films of all time. Two women who really had it in for each other in life are continuing their feud into the next world with it spilling into this world. The object of their hatred is Gail Russell. She's the child of one of them who the other hates with a passion. It was at this house where one of them fell to her death off a cliff into the ocean and the other died of pneumonia. Russell lives now with her grandfather Donald Crisp and they own the property where Milland and Hussey are staying. Bit by bit both are drawn into the mystery surrounding where they're living. They truly were not invited by one of the ghosts who does her utmost to get rid of them as well as frighten Russell to death. The haunting cinematography sets the gloomy mood for The Uninvited and small wonder it got an Academy Award nomination for black and white cinematography. What I can't figure out is how Victor Young's score and theme for this film did not get nominated in that category. It was so popular that two years later Ned Washington gave the theme lyrics and it became a hit all over again as Stella By Starlight. Acting honors go particularly to Cornelia Otis Skinner who did most of her work on stage both as performer and author. Her own autobiography Our Hearts Were Young And Gay had been filmed by Paramount and I guess she figured she owed the studio some work. She really made it count as the sinister figure who probably had a same sex crush on one of the ghosts when she was alive and said ghost gets her to do some evil bidding. Skinner will really creep you out with her performance. Over 65 years after it first came out The Uninvited has not lost one ounce of shock value. Don't miss it if you're a fan of Gothic horror it's a must see.

Ladies and gents, I've read all the gripes that you listed about this classic and it strikes me many of you either missed the point or are too young and are used to "Holloween" style splatter movies. This movie doesn't have anything major happening for the first 30 minutes because the director has created a build-up { of emotions } for the viewer. You are to savor each scene as it shows you more and more information to get you going. I first saw this movie when I lived in England and since then [ after reading the damned hard to find book ] I've seen it half a dozen times and after each time I've noticed more information and yes, the hairs on the back of my head raise up in some scenes, such as the Ouija board. Just lay back with a nice bottle of wine and enjoy the movie. I guarantee it !!!!! P.S. The car Ray drove { as someone else asked } was a British 1937 Ford Ten Tourer.

This film had been shown several times in local retrospectives, but unfortunately, we never caught up with it. Finally, TCM showed it recently and we have to thank them for a great movie that will sure entertain as well as disturb the viewer willing to take the ride! Under the experienced direction of Lewis Allen, this 1944 gem of a film, based on the fine novel by Dorothy Macardle, is shown in all its splendor. Roderick and Pamela Fitzgerald, brother and sister, living on a meager existence in London are lucky enough to find a great house on the coast overlooking a fantastic scenery. What's more, the house is a bargain they can't pass! It needs some cleaning, and painting, but it's almost ready to be inhabited by the Fitzgerald. The only problem is the property is haunted. The Fitzgeralds buy the house from a rather odd man, Commander Beech, who appears to be local gentry who has been connected to the property. He has a young and beautiful granddaughter, Stella Meredith, who is forbidden to go visit the newly arrived Londoners, but there's an immediate attraction between her and Roderick, as well as a budding friendship with Pamela, the kind sister. The Fitzgeralds get much more of what they bargained for. The ghost of the past makes an appearance as the new owners feel its presence right away.. Sobbbing can be heard, as well as a strong smell of mimosas permeates everything whenever the specter is felt in the mansion. The Fitzgeralds want an explanation from the Commander, but he's not willing to even consider returning the money. What to do? The great asset of this picture is the enormously talented cast. Under the direction of Lewis Allen, they give life to all the characters one sees on the screen. It helps to have secured the services of a charismatic Ray Milland who gives one of his best performances. The hugely talented Ruth Hussey is equally fine in her portrayal of Pamela Fitzgerald. Donald Crisp, as the mysterious Commander Beech makes the character more intriguing than what he is. One of the great surprises of the film is Gail Russell, the gorgeous actress, seen at her best. She makes a great Stella, equally fragile, as well as questioning the mystery surrounding her past. This also was a rare occasion for watching one of the pillars of the American theater, Cornelia Otis Skinner who makes a great Miss Holloway. This is a picture that is enhanced by the many contributors that made the film so great to watch. The impressive black and white cinematography of Charles Lang is glorious. In the opening sequence the view of the sea breaking against the rocks looks like a painted seascape. The atmospheric music by Victor Young conveys the mystery that surrounds the whole story. Edith Head's costumes reflect the life of the times. The sets by Stephen Seymour are exquisite to look at. We feel as though we are intruding in the lives of all these characters in the England of the 40s. Excellent film. It won't disappoint!