“Stella will never be well until this house is cured — and somehow, we’ve got to cure it!”
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Synopsis:
Roderick (Ray Milland) and his sister Pamela (Ruth Hussey) buy a house haunted by the unhappy mother of a local woman, Stella (Gail Russell). When they realize that Stella’s life is in danger, Roderick, Pamela, and a local doctor (Alan Napier) try to solve the mystery of the haunted house before it’s too late.
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Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:
- Amateur Sleuths
- Donald Crisp Films
- Gail Russell Films
- Ghosts
- Horror
- Ray Milland Films
Response to Peary’s Review:
Peary is clearly a fan of this “classy horror film”, labeling it “the cinema’s first really good ghost story”, and praising it for being “atmospheric, suspenseful, and witty.” Unfortunately, the film’s comedic overtones are distracting rather than enjoyable; because we’re never really scared, it doesn’t work as a true horror film. At the time of its release, lesbian fans flocked to see The Uninvited again and again, due to Cornelia Otis Skinner’s turn as a (presumed) former lover of Stella’s mother; unfortunately, this interesting subplot isn’t given adequate time or attention.
Redeeming Qualities and Moments:
- Likable Ray Milland as Roderick
- Cornelia Otis Skinner as “Miss Holloway”
- Atmospheric cinematography and sound effects
Must See?
Yes, for its historical importance as an erstwhile cult favorite with lesbians.
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One thought on “Uninvited, The (1944)”
A must, for its place in cinema history. Being among the earlier ghost stories, it’s a bit quaint but it’s interesting enough to merit a viewing, and was certainly influential enough for the likes of ‘Poltergeist’ (esp.).
Among the actors, Hussey stands out; she probably didn’t appear in film as much as she could or should have (did more tv and stage, apparently) but she has a refreshing presence (and was shown to better advantage in ‘The Philadelphia Story’).
It’s certainly understandable that lesbians in the ’40s would have perked up to this one. It’s stated, I think, by someone in the doc ‘Word Is Out’ that, in the intensely closeted days, one would seek out visible images wherever possible. Unfortunately – but not surprisingly, much like ‘Rebecca’, the lesbianism in ‘The Uninvited’ is cloaked in malevolence and linked to insanity (!).
The story has a satisfying final twist.