Wednesday, June 26, 2013

THE UNINVITED (1944) movie review



Uninvited, The (1944) d. Allen, Lewis (USA)

While acknowledged as one of the first films to deal with ghosts and hauntings in a “serious” manner (i.e. not turning out to be a trick played upon the living by the living), those expecting to be truly frightened may be slightly disappointed by this tale of a spirit haunting the coastal English residence newly inhabited by siblings Ray Milland and Ruth Hussey. While the picture certainly has some fine moments of suspense and supernatural goings-on, viewers would do well to place it within its historical context to fully appreciate its reputation, especially since Victor Young’s whimsical score and Milland’s light-comic approach often undo any real sense of dread or horror.


That said, the acting is commendable, the characterizations interesting and believable, and the mimosa-scented atmosphere turns appropriately darker as the story deepens. Several haunted house precedents are set here: Ghostly moanings, a terrific séance scene, and a family history that must be unraveled by the living in order to let the dead rest at peace.


Perhaps not a nail-biter for the Poltergeist or Paranormal Activity generations, but still a well-told tale that does the job with good old-fashioned storytelling and character work. Script by Dodie Smith and Frank Partos, based upon Dorothy Macardle's novel Uneasy Freehold.

4 comments:

  1. Hey, Doc, go easy. Back in the day there were "Monster Movies", but the "genre" of Horror as we know it today hadn't even been invented when this picture was made. This isn't "horror" - it's a good old fashioned "ghost story", and (for my money) the finest example of it's kind. Just sayin'.

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    1. Oh, I'm not putting the movie down at all. I just wanted to prepare viewers for the fact that it's not all that scary, especially for modern sensibilities. As you mention, I think it's important to watch it within its historical context. But make no mistake, I LOVE this film, so much so that I included it in the book HORROR 101: The A-List of Horror Films and Monster Movies.

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  2. I don't know if you've heard, but Criterion has announced that it's going to be adding this film to the Collection come October. About time, too.

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