8 Comments

  1. Not surprisingly, a lot of classic film buffs I know tend to shy away from the scary stuff. You make a great case for them to take a second look at The Uninvited. Ray and Ruth are at the top of their games, like a ghost-busting Nick and Nora Charles. Plus it has some truly spine-tingling moments for folks like me who enjoy well-done suspense.

    I read an article in a recent issue of Filmfax about poor Gail Russell’s experience on the set. She was never comfortable in front of the cameras, and on this, her first major film, she had very bad nerves and had difficulties getting through her lines. Fortunately, Milland was very understanding and compassionate and helped her get through.

    • They do have a Thin Man vibe (right down to her Myrna Loy haircut). I’d heard that Russell struggled through it, but didn’t know that Milland was so helpful. Makes me like him even better:) Thank you! Here’s hoping we can get more converts to the film:) Leah

  2. Oh, this is a great sell! I have wanted to watch this for YEARS, but it was hard to find on DVD/blu-ray… until Criterion saved us all! I think I’ll have to make this year the year I finally treat myself to watching it—for all the reasons you’ve highlighted above.

  3. Michael

    This is one of the first classic movies my mom showed me and my sister when we were kids. I had an odd crush on Ruth Hussey, one I still can’t explain except for a continuing predilection for lanky brunettes. I think this film’s even better than The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, another film I saw a lot of as a kid. It also reminds me of Sarah Water’s book The Little Stranger, something worth checking out.

    • I don’t think that’s too hard to figure out, as she looks a lot like one of your favorites, Myrna Loy, don’t you think?:) I’ve never read that book. Thanks for the rec! I like the Ghost and Mrs. Muir, mainly because having George Sanders AND Rex Harrison in one film is wonderful. And, of course, there’s Gene Tierney (though I like her much better in Leave Her to Heaven).

  4. A great example of the old-fashioned “spine tingle” horror film. I think the movies lost a lot when they decided that blood and guts was what made a film scary.

    • Isn’t that the truth? I also think they lost track of pacing (with few exceptions). You almost need to be bored for a bit and thus lulled into comfort to truly be scared by the frightening moments. The nonstop action is strangely boring or (if it’s worth watching) camp.

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