The Innocents tells of an impressionable and repressed governess Miss Giddens (Deborah Kerr) who agrees to tutor two orphaned children Miles (Martin Stephens) and Flora (Pamela Franklin). On arrival at Bly House she becomes convinced that the children are possessed by the perverse spirits of former governess Miss Jessel (Clytie Jessop) and her Heathcliffe-like lover Quint (Peter Wyngarde) who both met with mysterious deaths. Based on the novel The Turn Of The Screw by Henry James.
Fans of the later and more well-known The Haunting will find a lot to enjoy in The Innocents. The Others, from 2001 starring Nicole Kidman, seems likely to have been inspired by it, but Jack Clayton's incredible film is far superior and doesn't rely on a twist to shock viewers. Instead the story has a tangible and creepy dark side and can be very disturbing, with echoes of The Shining.
This is at odds with what's on the surface! It comes across as a very British period class drama with enthusiastic melodramatic dialogue, especially from Deborah Kerr. It would seem at home on cosy Sunday evening TV and you'd assume it was dated even in 1961, following as it did such revolutionary horror films as Psycho, Peeping Tom or Mario Bava's Black Sunday. But the flowery language and stilted politeness are a means to an end and create an almost satirical and cruel story that makes this an astonishingly powerful film. If anything, it is a finer piece of writing and more challenging than its more famous predecessors in horror cinema, but all go to prove that the early 1960s were surely one of the most fertile and important periods in the genre.
The story of a Governess and her lonely, possibly haunted, young charges is based on The Turn of The Screw by Henry James, adapted by William Archibold and Truman Capote, who gave the story its twisted heart, subverting what you might have otherwise dismissed. And far from being the predictable old fashioned actress I may have insinuated she was earlier, Deborah Kerr, as the Governess Miss Giddens, is vital to selling this audacious plot. It is a captivating performance that traps the audience beautifully. Wherever your sympathies lie at the end will be because of her and in any case, don't expect an easy night's sleep after watching it!
The children, Flora and Miles, are played by Pamela Franklin and Martin Stephens. Essential to the story, the chemistry between them is wonderful, and so too their relationship to Miss Giddens and the housekeeper, memorably played by Meg Jenkins. Child actors are so often the weak spot, but these two will keep you guessing, especially Stephens. If The Omen had been filmed 15 years earlier, this kid would have been a shoe-in!
For all the metaphors and subtext, The Innocents is first and foremost a visual ghost story. While it doesn't rely on jumps and gimmicks, Jack Clayton's clever direction, drawing together the brilliant performances and sumptuous sets, is complemented by Freddie Francis's gorgeous photography which will have you on the edge of your seat, peering into shadows. And while in the context of the story, the two ghosts may or may not exist, they will still make your blood run cold. A stunning moment on a rain-lashed lake is especially haunting, all the more for being in daylight. Clayton wrings every bit of potential from the frame without ever forcing the viewer's attention.
The result is possibly the finest ghost story ever filmed; a unique, memorable and important contribution from British cinema at its most confident.
It would be easy to think the film would benefit little from Blu-Ray, but this BFI release is fantastic value for money. The print is pristine and proves the real strength in high definition is not always in modern CGI heavy action, but in classic photography, where the depth of a well composed film comes to vibrant life. But as well as the main feature with a commentary and introduction by Professor Christopher Frayling, you also get two shorts from Jack Clayton, including The Bespoke Overcoat (1955), another ghost story of a different tone to The Innocents. It is an absolute gem and well worth seeing. Buy one ghost story, get one free? It makes this release a must-own.
We will publish your review of The Innocents (Blu-ray) [1961] on Blu Ray within a few days as long as it meets our guidelines.
None of your personal details will be passed on to any other third party.
Deborah Kerr stars in this 1961 adaptation of the psychological horror novella 'The Turn of the Screw' by Henry James. After coming to live with orphans Flora (Pamela Franklin) and Miles (Martin Stephens) in the mansion of their uncle (Michael Redgrave), their new young governess Miss Giddens (Kerr) becomes convinced that the children are possessed by evil spirits.
This site uses cookies.
More details in our privacy policy
