The Haunting (1963) – review
Oct 8th, 2008 | By Fiona Broome | Category: Movies and TV shows, Reviewers favorites
This is the one of the scariest movies of all time. It’s inspired hundreds of other “haunted house” movies that never achieve the greatness of this film.
Whenever this movie is mentioned among professional ghost hunters, we rave about it. This 1963 classic is still a favorite. It’s sophisticated, authentic and well-paced.
It also shows you what really goes on in profoundly haunted houses.
Yes, this movie is dated. Yes, it’s in black & white.
It is still the most authentic representation of what a true haunting can be like.
Oh, you’re not likely to experience that many kinds of manifestations in one location, unless you’re at The Myrtles Plantation (US) or the Falstaffs Experience (UK).
Nevertheless, any and every element of the hauntings in this film can be experienced at a genuinely haunted site.
Do not confuse this with the remake starring Liam Neeson. That one has a dazzling set with a nice acknowledgement of the original (same spiral staircase), but otherwise does not live up to the realism of this 1963 version.
The 1963 movie, The Haunting, is the classic. It inspired many elements in the Disney theme park attraction, The Haunted Mansion. You’ll also spot story elements in many copycat movies to the present day.
Watch this movie with the lights out, on a night when the floorboards are already creaking. It’s a guaranteed good scare!
SUMMARY
- Accurate, frightening and realistic
- Somewhat dated, and the film is in b&w
- Enthusiastically praised by professional ghost hunters
The Haunting, starring Julie Harris, Claire Bloom, Richard Johnson, and Russ Tamblyn.
Rating: 
Read other rave reviews of The Haunting (1963)
Or, buy a copy at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk
— review by Fiona Broome
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