The Legend of Hell House
The Legend of Hell House

Movie spotlight

The Legend of Hell House

1973
Movie
95 min
English

A team consisting of a physicist, his wife, a young female psychic, and the only survivor of the previous visit are sent to the notorious Hell House to prove or disprove survival after death. Previous visitors have either been killed or gone mad, and it is up to the team to survive a full week in isolation, and solve the mystery of the Hell House.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes67%
Director: John HoughGenres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Supernatural

Plot Summary

A team of investigators, led by physicist Dr. Barrett, is hired to determine the truth behind the haunting of the Belasco House, a place notorious for its violent and debauched history. Armed with scientific equipment, they aim to debunk or confirm the supernatural occurrences within its walls. However, the house's malevolent presence seems to have a profound effect on the investigators, revealing their deepest fears and desires, leading to a terrifying confrontation with the evil that resides there.

Critical Reception

The Legend of Hell House received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its atmospheric tension, effective scares, and strong performances, particularly from Roddy McDowall and Clive Revill. While some found the plot somewhat convoluted, it was largely considered a solid entry in the supernatural horror genre of the 1970s, appreciated for its gothic tone and psychological elements.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its chilling atmosphere and effective suspense.

  • Roddy McDowall's performance as the spectral medium is a standout.

  • Some found the narrative a bit disjointed but effective as a supernatural thriller.

Google audience: Audience reviews are generally positive, with viewers appreciating the film's classic horror atmosphere, its ability to generate suspense, and its satisfyingly creepy conclusion. It is often cited as a well-crafted supernatural thriller from its era.

Fun Fact

The film is based on Richard Matheson's 1971 novel 'Hell House', which was considered one of the most frightening novels of its time.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
John Chard

John Chard

May you find the answer that you seek. It is here, I promise you. The Legend of Hell House is directed by John Hough and adapted to screenplay by Richard Matheson from his own novel Hell House. It stars Roddy McDowall, Pamela Franklin, C...

Youtube Reviews

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