DVD review: The Innocents (1961)

There's a chance to catch some classic creepy cinema at the National Film Theatre for the next few weeks - the quite marvellous The Innocents, one of the greatest ghost stories ever filmed, is showing twice (and sometimes thrice) daily until June 15th.

The movie, which is remarkably frank and shocking for its vintage, is anchored by a mesmerising turn from Deborah Kerr as a repressed governess who takes up a post at a remote mansion, and comes to believe that the two young children in her care are possessed by the restless spirits of her predecessor and her illicit lover. Slow building chills are the order of the day and, rest assured, your spine will most certainly be tingled.

Creatively speaking, The Innocents boasts an impeccable pedigree. Based on the Henry James story The Turn of the Screw, the screenplay was co-written by Truman Capote, with additional polish added by John "Rumpole" Mortimer, while the stunning black and white cinematography comes courtesy of Brit-horror legend Freddie Francis. The film is being shown in a brand spanking new print, making it a must see for all serious horror fans.

Contact the NFT Box Office for more information. Seriously. Do it now.