The film, based on a short story by Sir Edward Bulwer-Lytton, is a low-budget period piece with a remarkable atmosphere and a surprise ending. Valentine Dyall's performance is a standout, but the ghostly effects are corny and lack finesse. The film is an intriguing example of its genre, despite its limitations. The film is a social document of its time, with voices, mannerisms, and behavioral patterns that no longer exist. The director's use of simple elements like a dripping tap and a swinging door creates an eerie atmosphere. The film's low budget is evident, but Dyall's performance makes the project work. The film is an intriguing example of its genre for such a low budget production.
The film, based on a short story by Sir Edward Bulwer-Lytton, is a low-budget period piece that has come to be known by an alternative title, THE GHOST OF RASHMON HALL, but that is a mistake. The house in the film is not Rashmon Hall but Ramelsham Hall. The film was made inside a genuine semi-derelict mansion, giving it a more authentic atmosphere. Valentine Dyall's performance as the lead character is extraordinary, and his insight into paranormal phenomena is a highlight. Unfortunately, the appearances of ghosts in this film are very corny and done without finesse, obviously for lack of funds for special effects. The film is a remarkable period piece full of voices, mannerisms, and behavioral patterns which don't exist anymore, and is another one of those amazing 'social documents' for which old movies are so useful. The film has a surprise ending which no one could guess, so don't try. The director has attempted with the lowest of budgets to suggest an atmosphere of horror while showing next to nothing. Taking some lessons from Carl Dreyer's VAMPYR (1932) perhaps, the director Denis Kavanagh (in his second film, and he only made eight in his career) concentrates effectively on such simple things as a relentlessly dripping tap (which its sound magnified) and a swinging door, shadows, and the suggestion of horror rather than in showing us anything much. Dyall's eerie performance makes the whole project work. The film is an intriguing example of its genre for such a low budget production.
Quick quotes
The film has a surprise ending which no one could guess, so don't try.
The director has attempted with the lowest of budgets to suggest an atmosphere of horror while showing next to nothing.
Dyall's eerie performance makes the whole project work.