For those of you who enjoy your terror in the tradition of The Woman In Black and Amicus classics such as The House That Dripped Blood, The Legend Of Hell House will be a devilishly rewarding experience. An outstanding example of what can be achieved with absolutely no special effects or thrills, and carrying with it an atmosphere of supernatural dread heavy enough to put The Haunting and similarly themed haunted house shenanigans to shame.
The film revolves around the story of the deceased Emeric Belasco, who's spirit still possesses the "house" in question. A team of psychic investigators and the only member to survive a previous visit to the house(played with incredible intensity to the very last frame by Roddy McDowell)take residence and attempt to dispose of the unwelcome poltergeist. In true haunted house style, none of the cast get along particularly well with each other, thus leaving the spirit to take advantage of them. Kudos to the wonderful Pamela Franklin, who plays Florence Tanner, the poor lass who manages to attract the undead spirit of Belasco in a far more intrusive and damaging way than the others.
The Legend Of Hell House is classic British psychological horror. From the sinister cobwebs, the continuously prowling black cat to the Hammer inspired dry ice and fog surrounding every exterior shot, you probably know what your going to get here. Add to that a superb and strangely tribal main theme, some fantastic quotes, such as "It's the Mount Everest of haunted houses!" and "If thine eye offends thee...pluck it out!" and you have yourself a creepy, subtle and enticing night in. Just don't expect any gore or modern day horror fare. This one's all about the scares.
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