DVD Review: Fear In The Night (1972)
Hammer went down numerous alleys to find a winning formula in the 70s, few of them massively successful from a commercial point of view, but many of them well worth watching if you're a fan of British cinema. And that includes Fear In The Night.
With a minimal cast of Peter Cushing, Joan Collins, Judy Geeson and Ralph Bates, Fear In The Night is more psychological thriller than horror, with Geeson starring as the newly-married Peggy Heller, making a fresh start after a breakdown with new husband Robert Heller (Bates).
But Peggy is still haunted - attacked in her old home before departing for her new one, then attacked when she gets to her new one. And no-one believes her. That new home is a deserted school, with Robert employed as a school teacher under headmaster Michael Carmichael (Cushing) and his wife Molly (Collins). Why is the school deserted? Is Peggy really been stalked? And is husband Robert really the man she thinks he is?
Those questions might well be answered before the end of the movie, but that doesn't stop it from being a fine film with enough twists to keep you guessing at the final (and rather bleak) outcome. Geeson does the vulnerable female act well, Bates is as hammy as ever and Cushing is typically menacing - as is Joan Collins for that matter.
My only criticism is the length. It's clocked at 94 minutes, but seems shorter - and you do feel the suspense levels could have been upped by adding an extra 20 minutes. But if a film leaves you wanting more, that's got to be a good sign. No Hammer classic, but a lost gem well worth checking out.
Extras on the DVD:
Theatrical trailer
Director's commentary
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