The Legend of Hell House
As Halloween approaches I want to discuss my favorite Haunted House film. No, it is not 'The Haunting'. While many feel that is the best Haunted House film ever made, I feel 'The Legend of Hell House' is far superior in every way. 'The Legend of Hell House' is a 1973 British horror film directed by John Hough, and starring Roddy McDowall, Clive Reville, Pamela Franklin, and Gayle Hunnicutt. It tells the story of the investigation of a notorious haunted house by 3 experts, each in a different field.
As the film starts we are introduced to the main characters:
Dr. Barret – He is introduced in the world of logic (Blenheim Palace), holding a brief case. Logical, he represents the modern. He represents science.
Benjamin Fischer – He is introduced by the line ‘a mental wreck’. He is the only survivor of the two previous attempts to investigate the house. Stepping into the frame with a turbulent, blurred background of the rushing train, hair blowing, his introduction indicates his inner state. Shown walking up to the car behind a gate, hands in pockets, collar up, Fisher is guarded; he protects himself by putting up a defense.
Florence Tanner – She is introduced in the woods, in front of a church, wearing old style clothes. Her collar makes her look like clergy. She represents spiritualism, and the old world traditions; belief in the supernatural.
Mrs. Barret is introduced in the car with her husband. She is familiar with her husband’s work, but is not an expert herself.
Now we have the introduction of the house. Shrouded in fog, we can’t see its true shape. It eludes us. Some of it remains hidden. The iron work on the gate, swirling figures, suggests turbulence. It looms over the characters. Referred to as ‘the mount Everest of haunted houses’, it is truly enormous, ominous. The music has an almost heartbeat rhythm to it, suggesting the house is alive. The black cat also suggests a presence.
As they walk through the rooms, everywhere there are nooks of darkness – places we cannot see into. Not only providing suspense – anything could be hiding in those dark spots – but also suggesting the house is unknowable, unable to be truly comprehended. Something remains hidden.
The film, from the moment they enter the house, til the closing credits, maintains this dark, creepy, and suspenseful atmosphere. Fischer hints at the dark history of the house, and all the cruel, wicked, and perverted things that took place there. These are only hinted at, so that the viewer's imagination can run wild. The Central figure talked about is Emeric Belasco, a towering, domineering figure who orchestrated the evil that took place there.
Most of the film has the two opposing characters, Florence, representing spirituality and the occult, fencing off with Barrett, who represents science and reason. They each pursue the mystery of the house in these two different ways, and each forms their own theory as to the secret of the house. Fischer is often the mediator between the two, not getting involved directly (he is guarded), but always suggesting that he alone is the one who really knows the score.
The four actors in the film are all wonderful, and give sincere, intelligent, engaging performances. Each is convincing in their role. As the stakes grow higher, the fact that we care about the people makes the film more powerful as they get in harm's way.
The camera work and lighting are fantastic. Everywhere you look there are shadows. dark corners, crevices, and alcoves, and the set design is such that you never fully comprehend the house. There are always parts you can't see into. The use of color and how it is used to reveal character is done very well. The bright red and pink of Florence's room suggesting her passion, the browns of Barrett suggesting his down to earth nature, and the cold blue of Fischer, who is disconnected due to blocking himself off. Costuming is used the same way. For example, Fischer alone of the four wears glasses. He is the guarded character, reluctant to open himself up to the house because of what it did to him years ago. In the one scene where he tries to open up, he takes his glasses off briefly. This was clearly on purpose.
The mystery revolves around just what is haunting the house. Is it multiple personalities, the tortured souls who died there? Is it the spirit of Emeric Belasco, the domineering owner of the house who subjected all around him to his debauchery and perversions? Or is it simple electro-magnetic energy, the residue from human interaction which is tapped by those who enter?
Sound is used to great effect here. The electronic score is subtle and effective. The atmosphere it creates, along with the lighting and camerawork give the film a true menace.
Some people have said that they find the denouement silly, or a let down. Without giving too much away I will defend this ending. But from this point on there may be slight spoilers.
One aspect of a demon or a spirit is that if you know its true name - its true identity - you have power over it and the ability to destroy or banish it. When Fischer finds out Belasco's secret - a secret fundamental to Belasco's own identity - he is able to exorcise the house. Belasco created a facade which he used to dominate others, by which he was able to control and manipulate others even to their deaths. This secret was kept hidden from the world, and even in death his reputation remained as such. So when Fischer tears down that facade, when he finds out Belasco's true identity, he is able to finally overcome the spirit.
The film is in my opinion the best haunted house film ever made. The actors are great, the story is engaging, the craftsmanship of the film is excellent, and there's no dead weight in the film. After 5 minutes you're in the house and you stay there til the end, and the tension never leaves from that moment. It takes itself seriously and pays off with genuine creepiness.
