Haunted (1995)

Professor David Ash is invited to Edbrook to calm the fears of the elderly nanny of the Mariell family. Nanny Tess is seeing things, and Ash's book debunking such phenomenon makes him a ... See full summary »

Director:

Lewis Gilbert

Writers:

James Herbert (novel), Timothy Prager,

Stars:

Aidan Quinn, Kate Beckinsale, Anthony Andrews

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Aidan Quinn	...	Prof. David Ash
Kate Beckinsale	...	Christina Mariell
Anthony Andrews	...	Robert Mariell
John Gielgud	...	Doctor Doyle
Anna Massey	...	Nanny Tess Webb
Alex Lowe	...	Simon Mariell
Geraldine Somerville	...	Kate
Victoria Shalet	...	Juliet Ash
Linda Bassett	...	Madame Brontski
Liz Smith	...	Old Gypsy Woman
Peter England	...	Young David
Alice Douglas	...	Clare
Hilary Mason	...	Elderly Lady
Edmund Moriarty	...	Liam
Emily Hamilton	...	Mary

Storyline

Professor David Ash is invited to Edbrook to calm the fears of the elderly nanny of the Mariell family. Nanny Tess is seeing things, and Ash's book debunking such phenomenon makes him a good choice to set her mind at ease and convince her she is just tired and stressed. But soon after arriving David too begins to doubt his senses, and watching the odd behavior of the three grown Mariell children doesn't make his task any easier. In fact, he begins to think Nanny Tess isn't really just tired and stressed out after all.

---

Plot Keywords:

nanny | twin | ghost | bare breasts | guilt | 

---

Taglines:

A Supernatural Tale of Love and Mystery

---

Genres:

Drama | Fantasy | Mystery | Romance

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for sexuality and nudity

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

18 June 1996 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Irmandade do Mal

Filming Locations:

East Sussex, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

October Films, American Zoetrope, Lumière Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

108 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Cinematographer Tony Pierce-Roberts also worked on Underworld which starred Kate Beckinsale.

---

Goofs

When David sees the apparition in the gazebo, the state of day/night changes repeatedly in the ensuing shots (before he falls into the lake).

---

Quotes

Prof. David Ash: Miss Webb, I have been to hundreds of houses, countless seances, and I have never yet seen something that can't be explained in rational terms. The people I've met all have one thing in common; pain.
Nanny Tess Webb: I thought you came to help me.
Prof. David Ash: Miss Webb, I am trying to help you.
Nanny Tess Webb: You mean to tell me that you see nothing?
Prof. David Ash: I see nothing. But the point is, you do. And if you just give me a few simple details, I intend to prove to you that there's nothing in Edbrook House to be afraid of.
Nanny Tess Webb: There are spirits in ...
[...]

---

Connections

References The Legend of Hell House (1973)

User Reviews

"We're all mad, you know"

About once a year, a film impresses me so much that i have to call or write to all my friends immediately, demanding that they watch it too. Haunted is one of the finest movies i've seen in many years, and it's really a shame that not many people have seen it.

The cast is superb, with each character standing out, even those with just a couple lines (the fortune teller who reads David and Christina's palms is a good example). The stars, Aidan Quinn and Kate Beckinsale, are in excellent form, but Anthony Andrews steals the show in this one. He plays the character of Robert, the jealous and controlling big brother. There is a brilliant shot of his pale, depressed face surrounded by mocking darkness that perfectly defines the tortured-soul of the character. Anthony Andrews has such a strong, masculine English voice that makes him wonderful for all sorts of different roles. Just as entertaining is the younger brother, Simon (played by Alex Lowe), who is an obnoxious prankster with a playful soul. The late, great John Gielgud is also memorable in this movie for his portrayal of a kind, but mysterious doctor.

Lewis Gilbert's direction is absolutely flawless, and i definately look forward to seeing his other films. Haunted is such an attractive movie: everything looks so heavenly and enticing. In the daytime, Edbrook is such a charming place; a wonderful place to spend your childhood, but when night creeps up, it shows a perfect gothic presence.

Haunted is probably the best ghost story i've ever experienced. It's unpredictable, charming, touching, frightening, and constantly entertaining. Perhaps my favorite scene is when David tries to trap a possible ghost outside of the Mariell mansion, and from out of nowhere, a cloud of dust spins in fascination. Soon after, a distorted ghost that sobs uncontrollably is conjured that floats away, beckoning David to follow it to the angry lake. This is one of the many truly magical moments found in this one-of-kind film. The sound effects are just as impressive as the visuals (the sounds of the howling wind and crashing rain are terrific). Also, the score is heartbreakingly lovely.

Even if you don't like horror movies, you need to give this one a shot because it has so much to offer. There is no gore, so squeamish-stomach people should have a pleasant time with this one.

Rent or buy Lewis Gilbert's Haunted now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

* * * * * (out of 5)

"You had your chance to leave, David"