Nice one Tony. Cheers. Bloody hell, I had forgotten about this one. I recall seeing this when I was very young. A late at night adventure screened on telly on the run up to Christmas. My parents were out for the night at a party, leaving my older brothers in charge. They took the opportunity to go to the pub, leaving me alone. I was enjoying the film, but almost shat myself when our cat walked across the piano at at a most inopportune moment.
My dad took me to see this when it came out. I was 8 or 9. I had to see anything with Roddy McDowall in it. I was a big fan. This looks like it deserves another watch. Thanks Tony.
I haven't read Matheson's book, but your comments make sense of something that has always bugged me about this film. While it generates a respectable atmosphere, it feels like it tetters on the edge of portraying more, but shies away. Good review chap - enjoying your work! 👍
One of my all time favorite horror movies and my second favorite haunted house/ghost movie behind The Changeling. Roddy McDowall’s understated vulnerability and fear was palpable throughout and really gave the film that spooky edge in the acting department. “If it had ended, we would not be here.” “This house tried to kill me; it almost succeeded.”
Tony, there are three horror movies that freaked me out as a kid back in the day: The legend of Hell House, Don't be Afraid of the Dark (the 1973 TV flick), and (another TV movie) Trilogy of Terror - that one with Karen Black being terrorized by a voodoo doll. Still love them after all these years...
Made for TV movies got a bad rep for being inferior to their big screen counterparts, but there were some standouts - like Duel, The Night Stalker and those two you mention. Many thanks for commenting, Ricardo. T.
This was a great favorite during my school boy days. The tandem of Hunnicutt and Franklin were a large part of that enjoyment, as the sexual tension in the haunted house was a visual metaphor for the new sensations brewing immaturely in the psyche of a young teen. I also love Hough’s hicksploitation car chase epic ‘Dirty Mary Crazy Larry’, another matinee must-see in those cinematic glory days.
Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry was a frequent flyer as a support feature for other films. Must have seen it ten times or more in the seventies. Thank you, chanceotter8121. T.
Brilliant stuff as always Tony. Yes, I was rather besotted with Miss Franklin with this, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and And Soon the Darkness. Oh, and that shower gel story had me in stitches. Muchas Gracias amigo !
10:38. "She's astonishingly cute willowly early 20ish flowerchild school mom vibe." - She was knockout hot and kept 13 year old American boys in the 70's happy their parents subscribed to something then called Home Box Office.
I usually watch this once a year either in October or in December and it works so well as spine chilling haunted house movie on a dark night in Autumn/Winter. John Hougjh was a pretty good director, especially with gothic horror. Twins of Evil had a suitable gothic atmosphere and looks more expensive than it probably cost to make (when you compare it to other Hammer films of the time) , this oozes dread and even his Disney Horror movie Watcher in the Woods is suitably spooky enough to traumatise a whole generation of kids. He was also a dab hand at action too with the classic Dirty Mary and Crazy Larry a stand out in the 70’s car chase craze. As always Tony, another great pick to review!
Really good stuff Tony. This film resounds with me as I was stood up on a date to see it on a wet Sunday evening. Her loss. Messers Franklin and Hunnicutt did provide some compensation on the night when I was obliged to go solo. I have always thought that this was a good film, well made, well acted and scary enough. I have read the book and it was a pity that Richard Matheson chose to tone down certain elements for the film. If he had been more bold, we might have got something just a bit special.
I've seen part of The Haunting (1963) I was about 20 minutes in but unfortunately, due to a lack of rest, I fell asleep and missed it, that was all the way back in 2022 so I should probably finish it and review it, from what I remember, it frightened me and I loved it's increasingly eerie atmosphere.
@@tonybush555 I'm glad I'm not the only one that gets anxious about reviewing something I deeply love, you feel the need to make the review perfect to reflect the film's quality or try to stand out amongst the rest.
@@AbrasiousProductions I feel that way most of the time, Streed. I'm currently working on The Wicker Man (original, natch) and it's not that I'm worried about upsetting or offending anyone (as you might be able to tell) more about doing justice to the subject matter. I think I've hit the right balance with it, but nagging doubt remains. Usually I reach a point when I think "that's as good as it's going to be" and just run with it. Cheers, mate. T.
@@tonybush555 you just summed up my own thoughts exactly, we really do think alike despite being generations apart, thanks for the reply, as you say, much appreciated :)
I have always loved this movie. I saw it for the first time when I was a kid. It creeped me out and scared the heck out of me. I honestly think it’s better than The Haunting.
Personally, I wouldn't go that far, Douglas. But the keyword there is "personally" so I get where you're coming from. Thanks for commenting. Appreciated. T.
the paranormal has always scared the absolute shit out of me, I was practically raised to fear it, I constantly watched ghost shows, I was warned to never touch a ouija board like it was acid and to this day I still fear the paranormal, in fact I live right next to an abandoned hospital being turned into a golf course and I haven't stepped foot on it and never will, I've heard some really eerie stories about it too.. my nana has told me that it doesn't just have ghosts, it has creatures... something about the way she said that always haunted me, so I've always made damn sure to avoid it, thankfully me and all of my friends are cowards so no way we'd ever be the main characters in a horror movie👍
Anothet star wars reference in legend of hell house tony. Revill was first actor to play palpatine in the empire strkes back. A while before ian McDiarmid got him bumped off all credits and disney ruined it.
Fun ride that they will hopefully never phuc up with a prequel sequel or remake. 4k this bad ass classic horror movie redistribute and play at drive--in theaters. Pair it with something like Race with the Devil. MONSTER WEEKEND for gen X excellence !!!
A pairing with Race With The Devil sounds a great idea to me. Another 70s satanic potboiler par excellence. th-cam.com/video/_gq6ht_O7yQ/w-d-xo.html Thanks for commenting. T.
Am I the only one who thinks the "The Haunting" remake is more influenced by this film than the original "The Haunting"? It has this horny sexual angle and at least comparatively to original "The Haunting" more obvious scares (although this one is still more atmospheric and subdued than the remake) that resembles more the obviously executed remake. Like this film was kind of "screwed" by coming too early to profit from the new standards of acceptable post-"Exorcist", new "Haunting" was screwed by coming in that late 1990s-early 200s era of trying to make kinda sleazy but kinda PG-13 horror films (pick a lane and stick with it!). But this is still way better than "Haunting" number 2 (number 2 is appropriate wording given its quality), so much so that Tony can forgive Roddy McDowall's Welsh-face as a kid in "How Green Was My Valley" (no wonder: that was a great "BELASCO!"). Will have to rewatch this now, thanks for the recall of barely remembered things, Tony B.. "Star Wars slavers", lol. That's one hell of a turn of phrase, well done, Tony. Yawza!
Yeah, I think The Haunting remake was mostly influenced by the arrogant stupidity and creative incompetence of those who made it. Surprisingly, the budget was $80 million and it took around $180 million worldwide so it did make money. Not a stellar return, but 100% more than it deserved or warranted. I liked Roddy McDowall, but How Green Was My Valley was probably the most unrealistic depiction of Wales ever committed to film. It's almost as if they didn't have a fact-based novel written by a Welsh person to work from. But, hey, that's Hollywood for you. We got off lightly. Especially when you consider what the same director, John Ford, imagined Ireland was like in The Quiet Man. Begorrah! Thanks for commenting, Vitora. Appreciated. T.
Please, do not mention that remake to me. I've had to cover it briefly in my upcoming review of The Haunting (which I'm currently working on) and it's been as traumatic as a recurring nightmare about Sam Smith starring in a remake of Dirty Harry with Harry Styles as Scorpio written/directed by Russell T. Davies. Thanks for commenting, though. T.
Funny you should say, but I'm working on The Wicker Man which is taking some time because I'm finding it a tricky one to do, trying not to understate it's genius without going stupidly over the top. It's a complex subject. Hoping to get it done by next month sometime. T.
Something of an irony considering the hot action he gets offered in this film. I always liked McDowall's acting style, a neat combination of archness and subtlety - the serious and the faintly amused. Thanks, Wayne. T.
Thanks!
That is so generous of you. Thanks sincerely for your interest and support! Very much appreciated. T.
Nice one Tony. Cheers. Bloody hell, I had forgotten about this one. I recall seeing this when I was very young. A late at night adventure screened on telly on the run up to Christmas. My parents were out for the night at a party, leaving my older brothers in charge. They took the opportunity to go to the pub, leaving me alone. I was enjoying the film, but almost shat myself when our cat walked across the piano at at a most inopportune moment.
That's one scary pussy, Tom. I know the feeling. Regards. T.
My dad took me to see this when it came out. I was 8 or 9. I had to see anything with Roddy McDowall in it. I was a big fan. This looks like it deserves another watch. Thanks Tony.
Cheers to you, Larry. T.
Entertaining and hilarious as always.
Thanks, spaceodds. T.
Love What You Do!
Thank you very much, Black Cat. Appreciate the sentiment. T.
An excellent horror film and yes, The Haunting is truly scary.
They certainly got the house feel right.
There will be a review of The Haunting followed by Peter Medak's The Changeling on the channel in the near future. Thanks, sunnyclimes. T.
I haven't read Matheson's book, but your comments make sense of something that has always bugged me about this film. While it generates a respectable atmosphere, it feels like it tetters on the edge of portraying more, but shies away. Good review chap - enjoying your work! 👍
Glad to hear it, Damo. Many thanks. T.
Hilarious and brilliant!
Thank you very much for your kind generosity, Chris. Greatly appreciated. T.
One of my all time favorite horror movies and my second favorite haunted house/ghost movie behind The Changeling. Roddy McDowall’s understated vulnerability and fear was palpable throughout and really gave the film that spooky edge in the acting department.
“If it had ended, we would not be here.”
“This house tried to kill me; it almost succeeded.”
Peter Medak's Canadian spine-tingler is a masterclass I need to revisit at some point. Thanks, Chris. T.
My favorite Christmas movie!
Had to be someone's, Sheldon. Thanks for commenting. T.
Tony, there are three horror movies that freaked me out as a kid back in the day: The legend of Hell House, Don't be Afraid of the Dark (the 1973 TV flick), and (another TV movie) Trilogy of Terror - that one with Karen Black being terrorized by a voodoo doll. Still love them after all these years...
Made for TV movies got a bad rep for being inferior to their big screen counterparts, but there were some standouts - like Duel, The Night Stalker and those two you mention. Many thanks for commenting, Ricardo. T.
Spat my tea out laughing at the shower gel story. It is for a acquired taste only.
Mint and tea tree oil shower gel is definitely an acquired taste also. I'm sticking with Lynx and Dove for men. T.
This was a great favorite during my school boy days. The tandem of Hunnicutt and Franklin were a large part of that enjoyment, as the sexual tension in the haunted house was a visual metaphor for the new sensations brewing immaturely in the psyche of a young teen. I also love Hough’s hicksploitation car chase epic ‘Dirty Mary Crazy Larry’, another matinee must-see in those cinematic glory days.
Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry was a frequent flyer as a support feature for other films. Must have seen it ten times or more in the seventies. Thank you, chanceotter8121. T.
Brilliant stuff as always Tony. Yes, I was rather besotted with Miss Franklin with this, The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and And Soon the Darkness. Oh, and that shower gel story had me in stitches. Muchas Gracias amigo !
De nada, moose. T.
I have actually never seen this. Now I will have to. Your review is wonderful. Thank you. 😊
That's high praise indeed, Stanley. Thank you. T.
10:38. "She's astonishingly cute willowly early 20ish flowerchild school mom vibe." - She was knockout hot and kept 13 year old American boys in the 70's happy their parents subscribed to something then called Home Box Office.
I don't think we had an equivalent of that in the UK, Delbert. Was it a subscription service just for movies? T.
@@tonybush555 Home Box Office was one of the first subscription cable channels in the USA. 1973.
@@tonybush555
th-cam.com/video/QE9lOaDBtTc/w-d-xo.htmlsi=JKYkefi_oOAK40YX
@@delbertgrady413 I did not know that. Thanks, Delbert. T.
This looks blinding, another gem I need to see .Nice one Tony thanks 👌
If you give it the once over, feel free to let me know what you think, Brendan. T.
I usually watch this once a year either in October or in December and it works so well as spine chilling haunted house movie on a dark night in Autumn/Winter. John Hougjh was a pretty good director, especially with gothic horror. Twins of Evil had a suitable gothic atmosphere and looks more expensive than it probably cost to make (when you compare it to other Hammer films of the time) , this oozes dread and even his Disney Horror movie Watcher in the Woods is suitably spooky enough to traumatise a whole generation of kids. He was also a dab hand at action too with the classic Dirty Mary and Crazy Larry a stand out in the 70’s car chase craze. As always Tony, another great pick to review!
Glad you got some mileage out of it, jnrazic, and continue to enjoy the film periodically. Thanks for commenting. T.
Really good stuff Tony. This film resounds with me as I was stood up on a date to see it on a wet Sunday evening. Her loss. Messers Franklin and Hunnicutt did provide some compensation on the night when I was obliged to go solo. I have always thought that this was a good film, well made, well acted and scary enough. I have read the book and it was a pity that Richard Matheson chose to tone down certain elements for the film. If he had been more bold, we might have got something just a bit special.
Many thanks for your continued interest, backrowbrighton. And for commenting. T.
I personally think it's a great haunted house movie. Right up until the very end that is.
I've seen part of The Haunting (1963) I was about 20 minutes in but unfortunately, due to a lack of rest, I fell asleep and missed it, that was all the way back in 2022 so I should probably finish it and review it, from what I remember, it frightened me and I loved it's increasingly eerie atmosphere.
It is well worth revisiting, Streed. I'm still toying with the idea of a review. T
@@tonybush555 I'm glad I'm not the only one that gets anxious about reviewing something I deeply love, you feel the need to make the review perfect to reflect the film's quality or try to stand out amongst the rest.
@@AbrasiousProductions I feel that way most of the time, Streed. I'm currently working on The Wicker Man (original, natch) and it's not that I'm worried about upsetting or offending anyone (as you might be able to tell) more about doing justice to the subject matter. I think I've hit the right balance with it, but nagging doubt remains. Usually I reach a point when I think "that's as good as it's going to be" and just run with it. Cheers, mate. T.
@@tonybush555 you just summed up my own thoughts exactly, we really do think alike despite being generations apart, thanks for the reply, as you say, much appreciated :)
I have always loved this movie. I saw it for the first time when I was a kid. It creeped me out and scared the heck out of me. I honestly think it’s better than The Haunting.
Personally, I wouldn't go that far, Douglas. But the keyword there is "personally" so I get where you're coming from. Thanks for commenting. Appreciated. T.
this was adapted by a Richard Matheson work?! Tony I'M SOLD!!!! *putting on the list immediately*
A wise decision, Streed. Cheers, mate. T.
They don't make these kind of movies anymore I love the house thank you for another great review
As always, you're welcome, Ronald. T.
the paranormal has always scared the absolute shit out of me, I was practically raised to fear it, I constantly watched ghost shows, I was warned to never touch a ouija board like it was acid and to this day I still fear the paranormal, in fact I live right next to an abandoned hospital being turned into a golf course and I haven't stepped foot on it and never will, I've heard some really eerie stories about it too.. my nana has told me that it doesn't just have ghosts, it has creatures... something about the way she said that always haunted me, so I've always made damn sure to avoid it, thankfully me and all of my friends are cowards so no way we'd ever be the main characters in a horror movie👍
The dead don't trouble me much - as for the living...that's a whole different kettle of bananas. T.
Anothet star wars reference in legend of hell house tony.
Revill was first actor to play palpatine in the empire strkes back. A while before ian McDiarmid got him bumped off all credits and disney ruined it.
hey Graeme! long time no see :)
Fun ride that they will hopefully never phuc up with a prequel sequel or remake. 4k this bad ass classic horror movie redistribute and play at drive--in theaters. Pair it with something like Race with the Devil. MONSTER WEEKEND for gen X excellence !!!
A pairing with Race With The Devil sounds a great idea to me. Another 70s satanic potboiler par excellence. th-cam.com/video/_gq6ht_O7yQ/w-d-xo.html Thanks for commenting. T.
Does Peter Sellers help ?
Am I the only one who thinks the "The Haunting" remake is more influenced by this film than the original "The Haunting"? It has this horny sexual angle and at least comparatively to original "The Haunting" more obvious scares (although this one is still more atmospheric and subdued than the remake) that resembles more the obviously executed remake. Like this film was kind of "screwed" by coming too early to profit from the new standards of acceptable post-"Exorcist", new "Haunting" was screwed by coming in that late 1990s-early 200s era of trying to make kinda sleazy but kinda PG-13 horror films (pick a lane and stick with it!). But this is still way better than "Haunting" number 2 (number 2 is appropriate wording given its quality), so much so that Tony can forgive Roddy McDowall's Welsh-face as a kid in "How Green Was My Valley" (no wonder: that was a great "BELASCO!"). Will have to rewatch this now, thanks for the recall of barely remembered things, Tony B..
"Star Wars slavers", lol. That's one hell of a turn of phrase, well done, Tony. Yawza!
Yeah, I think The Haunting remake was mostly influenced by the arrogant stupidity and creative incompetence of those who made it. Surprisingly, the budget was $80 million and it took around $180 million worldwide so it did make money. Not a stellar return, but 100% more than it deserved or warranted. I liked Roddy McDowall, but How Green Was My Valley was probably the most unrealistic depiction of Wales ever committed to film. It's almost as if they didn't have a fact-based novel written by a Welsh person to work from. But, hey, that's Hollywood for you. We got off lightly. Especially when you consider what the same director, John Ford, imagined Ireland was like in The Quiet Man. Begorrah! Thanks for commenting, Vitora. Appreciated. T.
Scarded the shit out of me as a kid on late night telly. Glad i`m a atheist
as someone who believes in the paranormal, it does infuriate me how a bunch of charlatans have poisoned the well.
Always loved this one, but the Haunting is probably the most creepy film.
Not the daft remake, of course.
Please, do not mention that remake to me. I've had to cover it briefly in my upcoming review of The Haunting (which I'm currently working on) and it's been as traumatic as a recurring nightmare about Sam Smith starring in a remake of Dirty Harry with Harry Styles as Scorpio written/directed by Russell T. Davies. Thanks for commenting, though. T.
How about the original Wicker Man or The Innocents mate?
Funny you should say, but I'm working on The Wicker Man which is taking some time because I'm finding it a tricky one to do, trying not to understate it's genius without going stupidly over the top. It's a complex subject. Hoping to get it done by next month sometime. T.
@@tonybush555 Cool. It`s maybe my favourite horror film of all time. The remake is a disgrace
@@waynemcauliffe-fv5yf Don't even mention it. The mere thought of it alone is enough to bring on an existential crisis.
@@tonybush555 😆Never again mate. Nicholas couldn`t save it
Too bad old Roddy was gay😁
Something of an irony considering the hot action he gets offered in this film. I always liked McDowall's acting style, a neat combination of archness and subtlety - the serious and the faintly amused. Thanks, Wayne. T.
@@tonybush555 I love him mainly from the Planet of the Apes movie mate