Thoughts on "The Legend of Hell House"
The Review
As films of the horror genre go, I have to say that The Legend of Hell House was my first experience in horror. It was, and still is, one of the best films of it's style and to this day I can still feel the chill in my spine when I watch it.
The movie stands the test of time, in that it offers an equal amount of thrill, suspense, mystery, etc... all this sans the gratuitous blood and gore that most contemporaries of this genre require to get attention. They demonstrate that you do not need the blood and guts to draw attention.
This movie, unlike newer films, makes incredible use of what you do not see. Shadows, sounds and expectations are every bit as important as any one of the actors that are in this movie. You find yourself just as wrapped up in the panning scenes of the outside of the house and the quieter and more serene scenes within the house as you are with the more active scenes in which the real action occurs.
Lastly, the choice of actors and actresses for this were well thought out and their interaction with one another make the movie that much more enjoyable. Their dialogue, while still very "70's", flows and leaves you feeling like maybe there is more to this than just a script that they are reading.
If you would like a good horror film that will keep you on the edge of your seat, rent this one, get your popcorn, turn the lights low and enjoy. Movie is best viewed with a significant other, especially if they are on the "easily scared" side.