It’s a classic ghost story, very atmospheric and moody, about a lonely house overlooking the sea in Cornwall, England. Ray Milland and his sister (Ruth Hussey) are visiting from London and fall in love with the house and decide to buy it. Cue spooky happenings, like a dog who refuses to go upstairs, cold spots and the lingering fragrance of mimosa.

Made me think of my other favorite “ghost story” movies. I’m not a big fan of all the over-the-top CGI of today’s horror movies, but here are some of my favorite ghost movies:

1. The Uninvited (1944)
2. The Haunting. The original, of course. Watched it not too long ago with a roomful of people and several jumped.
3. The Woman in Black: British TV movie, currently being remade with Daniel Radcliffe in the lead). Fantastically spooky Victorian ghost story.
4. The Shining. This just gets better every time I watch it. The building sense of dread is incredible.
5. The Ring. I’ve only seen the American remake and it really got to me. I actually covered the US premiere and was incredibly happy to talk to a live, healthy and very handsome Martin Henderson at the after party.
6. The Sixth Sense. Definitely gave me chills. Still one of the only modern twist movies that actually works.
7. The Others. I liked it, but not quite as much as everyone else, I think. Too many false scares.
8. The Watcher in the Woods. I remember this one as being far scarier than you’d expect for something marketed to kids.

And a few ghost stories that didn’t work for me:
Ghost Story: (1981) It’s been a while, but I remember a very silly ending
Ghost Ship. (2002) Completely dreadful. Another premiere I covered that gave me the occasion to talk to Gabriel Byrne but such a waste of him and the rest of the cast.
Haunted. (1995) Very silly, unsatisfying end. One of those movies you’re sorry you stayed up to watch.
The Lady in White. (1988) I just couldn’t make it very far into this film. It was shot more like a Hallmark commercial than a ghost story and it just didn’t hook me.

Got any suggestions for me? I’d love to hear them!