The Uninvited | 
 enlarge | Director: Lewis Allen
Actors: Ray Milland, Ruth Hussey, Donald Crisp, Cornelia Otis Skinner, Dorothy Stickney
Studio: MCA/Universal Home Video
Category: Video
Buy Used: $21.85
New (5) Used (27) Collectible (4) from $21.85
Rating:  118 reviews
Sales Rank: 5048
Format: Black & White, Hifi Sound, Ntsc
Languages: English (Original Language), Spanish (Original Language)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Media: VHS Tape
Number Of Items: 1
Running Time: 99 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 7.3 x 4.2 x 1.1
ISBN: 6302503493
UPC: 096898040037
EAN: 9786302503494
ASIN: 6302503493
Theatrical Release Date: 1944
Release Date: January 1, 1998
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: VHS: From a Private Collection. BOX: Original Box, Looks VERY GOOD. SHIPS 1ST CLASS ~ ORIGINAL FACTORY RELEASE. Satisfaction Guaranteed. Ships within 24 hrs. w/ Delivery Confirmation.
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
One of the spookiest ghost stories ever put to film, The Uninvited is also one of the few classic haunted-house movies to treat the subject with respect and seriousness. Ray Milland and Ruth Hussey play a brother and sister who leave the city to live in a beautiful old house dramatically perched on a cliff overlooking the Cornish coast. As they discover some of the house's peculiarities--the unexplained chill that settles in certain rooms, the aroma of mimosas that wafts through the house, flowers that wilt when brought inside--they are told by local girl Gail Russell that the house is haunted, by the spirit of Russell's mother no less. The rationalist city folk first scoff at the idea but as Milland slowly falls in love with the frightened girl he investigates the legends and discovers some startling hidden truths. Donald Crisp costars as Russell's humorless, hard-bitten grandfather who forbids her visits to the house. Handsomely shot against the beautiful Cornish countryside, director Lewis Allen wisely suggests more than he shows and the uneasy tone and quietly restrained direction looks forward to such films as The Haunting and The Legend of Hell House. Though Allen ultimately reveals a suitably spine-tingling apparition, some of the film's best moments are chilling in their simplicity: nocturnal moans, slamming doors, and the dog's whimpering fear of the upstairs. --Sean Axmaker
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| Customer Reviews: Read 113 more reviews...
 A great movie November 13, 2008
Knight Fan
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
One of the things which makes this film so remarkable is the script, as other reviewers have noted. Perhaps the humour and pacing might be better understood if it were realised that Dodie Smith scripted the movie -- the writer to I Capture the Castle and The 101 Dalmatians. She was living in the States at the time to escape the bombing of England during WW2, and this was one of her projects. An amazing script, performed brilliantly by the likes of Ray Milland, Ruth Hussey and the radiant (and ultimately fatally flawed) Gail Russell. And the music by Victor Young, Stella By Starlight, is incredibly evocative. A truly "must-see" film.
Please!!!!! Put this GREAT movie on DVD October 9, 2008
Anne Craven
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE!!!!!!!!!! One of the best ghost stories ever filmed. Why oh why is it not on DVD? Who needs special effects, loud noisy sound effects, etc. when you have great acting and a ghostly figure that sends chills up and down your spine and most of it comes from using your imagination. With all the crap that is put on DVD's, what is wrong with a studio that would make big bucks if they gave people what they want, good entertainment, good writing and great acting. I too read the book and even though it does not follow the story to a tee, it still enchances.
Agreed -- best scary movie September 11, 2008
T. Boyd (Alabama)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
I first saw this movie when I was little and probably too young to understand some if it. It has been a favorite of mine for years and years. I agree with all - this is the gold standard on a scary movie. And while we all agree it sends shivers down your spine, there is such fantastic dialogue and some really, really funny comments from the cast. Ray Milland was superb, as was all the cast. And of course, "Stella by Starlight" -- the music is just the cherry on top. I have the VHS tape, but would love a DVD as well.
A Classic, Old-fashioned, Spooky Ghost Story August 17, 2008
Karen Joan (Texas)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
THE UNINVITED is a true classic, one of the best haunted house stories that I have ever seen. Filmed in black and white in 1944, the film relies on the play of light and shadow, an eerie underscore, and suggestion and innuendo to scare the audience. There is no blood, no gore, no grizzly monster, and none are needed. With a talented cast and an excellent plot, this movie sends shivers up your spine, makes hairs stand up on the back of your neck, and has you jumping out of your seat at the slightest provocation. This is a true, old-fashioned thriller the way it should be done.
As the film opens, a brother and sister, played by Ray Milland and Ruth Hussey, buy a beautiful, old house high atop a sea cliff. As they settle in, they soon discover some "oddities" about the house: a locked, mysterious room, slamming doors, sobbing in the night, unexplained chills, the sudden scent of mimosas, wilting flowers, animals afraid to ascend the staircase. Later, they discover that two young women died in the house nearly 20 years prior, quite possibly murdered.
THE UNINVITED is exquisitely shot against the Cornish coast; some of the scenes are simply breathtaking. The direction, by Lewis Allen, is quite inspired. Allen cleverly hints at more than he shows, and imagination easily fills in the rest. The tone is uneasy from the beginning, immediately giving the audience the jitters. The simplicity of light and dark, black and white, interesting camera angles, and the thrill of suggestion are used brilliantly throughout the film.
THE UNINVITED is highly recommended. If you want to spend dark, rainy Sunday afternoon with a creepy, chilling film, THE UNINVITED is truly your best possible choice.
Brrrrrrr August 5, 2008
JDW (Montverde, FL United States)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
The kind of ghost story we used to tell as kids out under a lone street lamp. I still get a shiver or two every time I see this one. I have a good copy from cable but would like a clean DVD. Does it feel like there's a cold spot here just now?
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