The Legend of Hell House: A Forgotten ClassicThe Legend of Hell House: A Forgotten Classic The influence of Stanley Kubrick’s seminal horror masterpiece “The Shining” on the genre is undeniable, but there are other films that have also left their indelible mark. Among them is John Hough’s 1973 supernatural thriller “The Legend of Hell House.” Inspired by Shirley Jackson’s “The Haunting” and Richard Matheson’s “Hell House,” “The Legend of Hell House” follows a group of paranormal investigators who venture into the titular haunted mansion, known as the “Mount Everest of haunted houses.” Ben Fischer (Roddy McDowell), the sole survivor of a previous expedition, joins forces with physicist Lionel Barratt (Clive Revill), his wife Ann (Gayle Hunnicutt), and spiritualist Florence Tanner (Pamela Franklin). As they delve into the mansion’s sinister depths, the team experiences a series of increasingly terrifying encounters. Séances, electronic equipment, and even a book of disturbing erotica are employed as they attempt to unravel the house’s deadly secrets. The film’s familiar premise is elevated by its hauntingly atmospheric setting, which evokes a palpable sense of dread. The characters, each with their own motivations and beliefs, add layers of depth to the proceedings. Director Hough skillfully balances jump scares with psychological suspense, creating a film that is both terrifying and thought-provoking. One of the standout elements of “The Legend of Hell House” is its incorporation of a British sensibility. The film features a cast of mostly British actors, and the dialogue often has a distinctly British flair. This adds a unique flavor to the proceedings, making the film stand out from its American counterparts. Despite its undeniable qualities, “The Legend of Hell House” has been somewhat forgotten in the annals of horror classics, possibly due to its PG certificate. However, this should not deter viewers from seeking out this hidden gem. With its top-notch screenplay, direction, performances, and unsettling electronic soundtrack, “The Legend of Hell House” is a neglected classic that deserves a wider audience. It offers a truly terrifying and unforgettable cinematic experience that will haunt viewers long after the credits roll.
When it comes to haunted house movies, the influences of The Shining cannot be overlooked. Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting is one, Richard Matheson’s novel Hell House, here filmed with a more elaborate title, is another. John Hough’s film is often forgotten in the annals of great horror, perhaps because of its PG certificate, but it’s an intense and original take on the genre that serves up a veritable banquet of jump scares.
The scenario is familiar; a group of intrepid ghost hunters, scientists and psychics arrive at Belasquo House, which has been called “the Mount Everest of haunted houses.” Ben Fischer (Roddy McDowell) is the sole survivor of an earlier attempt to fathom the house’s secrets, and he’s joined by physicist Lionel Barratt (Clive Revill) and his wife Ann (Gayle Hunnicutt), plus spiritualist Florence Tanner (Pamela Franklin). Belasquo is long dead, or at least missing, since he allegedly poisoned a group of visitors dining at his mansion. Séances are planned and executed, a computer big enough to store a rugby team arrives, and a book of auto-erotica is found and perused; this is hardly lowest-common-denominator stalk-and-slash.
A property ‘plagued by multiple personalities’ certainly brings to mind the varied and inexplicable occupants of the Overlook Hotel, although there is a peculiarly British feel to some of the proceedings here; the presence of Peter Bowles and the discussion about whether the house’s ‘full pantry’ is a good indication of the kind of atmosphere the house has. There is also a strong sexual undertone that the family certificate belies; presumably the lack of blood convinced the censor to ignore the nudity.
The exploration of violent psychic activity reaches a rather mischievous climax, even as the dialogue becomes overripe; “The cat?” “Yes, it was possessed by Daniel Belasquo!”
The screenplay, direction, and performances are all top-notch, but the icing on the cake is the ominous electronic soundtrack by film pioneer Delia Derbyshire, which gives the film an unsettling edge. The Legend of Hell House is a bit of a neglected classic, and one of the few great horror films you probably haven’t seen yet.
