A little known fact about me is that I did some work for a film production company in the 2000s, mostly trying and failing to get horror films made. I did get the chance to meet big directors like John Carpenter and Stuart Gordon. At one point, the company was in conversation with famed Director Mick Garris about possibly investing in his film version of the Stephen King story “Riding the Bullet.“ (We did not, though the film was made.)
During a phone conversation with Garris, he mentioned that there was a classic horror film he’d always wanted to remake. Somehow, in the back of my mind, a voice said, “I wonder if he’s talking about ‘The Uninvited’?“ Seconds later in that conversation, Garris revealed that indeed he was.
It’s one of those few moments in my life that made me wonder if there is a greater power controlling everything. Because if there were such a God, what could be a better use of his cosmic abilities than encouraging that obscure suspense films were remade? (The remake never happened, though there is another film of more recent vintage with the same title.)
Anyway, I first saw 1944’s “The Uninvited“ as a kid. I was struck by a particular twist it had, and for years, I wanted to rewatch it, but it was not available online. But I recently discovered it on Amazon Prime and commenced viewing.
It really is a classic of the haunted house genre. A brother and sister discover an extravagant mansion on the shores of England for sale at a bargain price. One of the rooms is mysteriously locked. And, of course, it turns out a tragedy took place in the location years earlier. Previous tenants fled in distress.
That’s about all I want to give you because further details could ruin the twist for those who watch it.
I concede that the film is pretty dated by today’s standards—no moment is gonna feel like an icy claw gripping your heart. There’s plenty of light comedy. But it is intricately plotted, and that twist holds up well.
The main character was played by Ray Milland who had a long career and whom I perhaps best remember from the sci-fi horror film “The Man With X-ray Eyes.“
One thing did become clear to me upon viewing this through the sage eyes of an adult: a certain character is clearly implied to be a lesbian, though I’m sure that went completely over my head before. Viewers might be reminded of Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rebecca“ in this regard. (And I note that “The Uninvited”‘s poster even compares itself to that film.)
Accept my invitation to check out “The Uninvited.”
