Rijndri
Load of rubbish!!
Smartorhypo
Highly Overrated But Still Good
Freeman
This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity.
Leofwine_draca
HOUSE OF DARKNESS is a low budget British chiller and an entry in the 'old dark house' entry of film-making. The script is by John Gilling who would later become one of the British horror greats after directing PLAGUE OF THE ZOMBIES and similar fare. Seen today, this is a brief and slight piece, with a straightforward plot that concentrates mainly on developing mood and atmosphere for the audience.It's notable for featuring a strong performance from Laurence Harvey in his debut role, playing the disaffected younger brother who feels constantly resentful of his controlling elder sibling. When his older brother becomes gravely ill, Harvey decides to teach him a lesson with sinister consequences for all. HOUSE OF DARKNESS is a slow and creepy effort that feels a bit lukewarm for modern audiences, as many of the set-pieces had already been done better elsewhere (and some, such as the creepy wall painting, had been openly spoofed in American B-movies). Famed composer George Melachrino appears as himself in the wraparound scenes.
bkoganbing
They called them quota quickies over across the pond, what we term as B films. House Of Darkness would be a forgotten film today other than the fact it introduced Laurence Harvey in his very first film. Harvey in his time played some truly dislikeable people on the screen and he certainly gets that aspect of his personality across in this film. He plays the wastrel son who with his wife is sharing a rather large and gloomy mansion house with his much brother older brother and his wife. Brother Alexander Archdale controls the family purse strings and he keeps Harvey on a tight leash.No need to go into the plot details. House Of Darkness was shot on a few brass farthings for a budget. But the atmosphere created was pretty frightening. There was also no doubt that Laurence Harvey had some charismatic screen presence even playing a real cad. For fans of Laurence Harvey.
malcolmgsw
This film begins and ends in a bizarre fashion.George Melachrino,who had a string orchestra that rivalled Mantovannis,starts with a full orchestral number and then lurches into the tale of his stay in a haunted house.Laurence Harvey in his first film starts as he intends to go on.He is arrogant,ego maniac ambitious and almost a murderer.The screenwriter seems to have utilised parts of other films here and there.A bit of The Little Foxes,a dash of Gaslight,and a dollop of Master of Bankdam there.Whilst the supporting cast is reasonable they are literally overwhelmed by the acting of Harvey.Having acquired the house,and driven everyone else away he goes mad playing the piano.We then fade back into Henry Oscar asking George Melachrino to play another number,which he does.An interesting debut.
the lioness
The film opens with a man who decides to visit a house that has reputation of being haunted. He's frighten away & later learns of the manor's history.It seems many years ago two men fought over money & the ownership of the house. One thing leads to another and one of them is murdered by way a heart attack. The ghost of the dead man comes back to haunt his murderer.While this genre has been done before, I still recommend this film for its atmosphere & haunting music score. Its the kind of film you can watch with the lights off, still be entertained & not have nightmares about it. This is one of actor Laurence Harvey's earlier works & he shines in this film although some may think his acting is over-the-top. It works here because his character is slowly being driven insane.When searching for this film, try rental stores that specialize in non-mainstream films. I found this gem by accident in a rental store that actually has a section for British films.
