The Haunting of Hill House

It's almost Halloween. My favorite(movie/book) holiday of the year. 

Black and white oldies of Frankenstein, Dracula, the Wolfman, The Haunting of Hill House (my personal favorite scary move/book of all time) can be found on television, though I have a personal DVD collection and watch them at my pleasure. 

If you haven't seen The Haunting of Hill House, it's a must for the season. I guarantee it will scare the pants off you. Grab your husband/boyfriend and cuddle up close for a great ride. The movie is well done, the actors believable, and there's no computer generated hauntings so obviously overdone. 

Disclaimer: I have not seen the recent version. This review is based the old black and white movie and original book.  

The novel was written by Shirley Jackson, and it is, in my opinion, the BEST book of ghost stories ever published. The movie did the book justice, and the subject matter is more about terror rather than horror. There's no bloody body or hand print, no violence, just pure psychological freak-out. 

A professor of psychic research, Dr. John Montague, brings together a group of people that have had unusual things happen to them in their life. There's Nell,  a pathetic little creature who cared for her mother until her death. Theodora, a psychic who is unsure of her sexuality, and Luke Sanderson who is heir to Hill house. I must not forget to include the two caretakers, Mr. and Mrs. Dudley Smith who never spend the night at Hill House. 

Just so you know...

Then there's Hill House itself. 

Hugh Crain, now dead, was a deranged man. A jealous, spiteful, horrible person who abused his children and his wives, a few of which died unexpectedly. The house is garish, filled with unspeakable statues, stairs that crumble, and secret hide-a-ways where people get lost. 

Seriously, this movie/book has it all and is one of the few books made into movies that casts the same spell over the reader/viewer. You will bite your nails, spill your popcorn, drop your drink, and hide your face. Especially when the knocking begins. 

The Haunting of Hill House is a 5 star movie/book that you cannot miss this season. If you have a chance, download the movie  for a great Friday night scare-fest. Or click on the link above to buy the book. 

Happy Reading! 

*hugs*

Louann 

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