this is a classic, not to be missed or dismissed
5
By niblick62
to all of you so called critics that do not appreciate this classic horror movie, watch it again, alone and at night, if you dare. I saw this when it first was released in a theatre, no one said a word except for the gasps and a few oh my gods, no blood but good sound to drive home a point, I admit I had a thing for Pamela Franklin but she was excellent in this along with Mr. mcdowall. stop being haters and move on.
Hell House
5
By Joseph Putnam
I remember this movie when I was a kid back in the 70s...classic horror movie that still has staying power as a good scary flick..awesome to watch on Halloween...
Great movie!!!
5
By SRXguy
This is one of my ALL TIME favorite movies. Roddy McDowall is amazing!!!
Quite Possibly The Perfect Haunted House Story!
5
By Luminosity8
As a self-proclaimed horror expert, this movie is at the top of my very short list of favorites. It comes second only to The Changeling (which if you haven't seen, you are missing a true diamond horror film). Hell House has it all, most notably one of the greatest horror legends of all time, Roddy McDowall. I believe this is his best work ever. The atmosphere of this film is perfectly chilling, and the story is wonderful. Add it to your collection and show it proudly to your friends!
Good, but kinda disappointed
3
By DarkAshHurts
From the trailer & reviews...I thought this movie was going to be A LOT spookier then it really was. I was disappointed. Truefully, I was actually bored through most of the movie...until the ending. The ending was probably the best part (brilliant actually), & the only thing that really grabbed my attention the whole time....I just wish the rest of the movie was like that.
I'm a HUGE horror buff, & i normally love old horror movies. Though this one was disappointing...I still think IT WAS OKAY. The acting was real good, i actually liked some of the effects (good for the time period), I did jump a few times, & I thought the ending kinda made up for the rest of the movie. **Tip: wear headphones, cuz sound isnt real great**
Not awful but not worth getting out of the dusty 1973 archives .
2
By MSreviews
Although this movie does contain an overall tone of authentic eerieness, the plot and its performances are ultimately more odd than scary--probably because of the cultural divide.
Bottom line: I didn't hate this movie, but i dont think it has enough cinematic power to justify its still being available. If you for some strange reason you are a fan of horror from this period rent Rosemary's Baby or The Exorcist.
Scarred Me for Life
4
By Lee61
Saw this when I was 12 years old after a day at Salem....Friggin scared the Hell out of me. Why people think old movies are crap is beyond me!!!
One Of The Scariest Haunted House Movies Ever!
5
By DecayingAngel
I truly feel sorry for people who rate this film so low because of the outdated "graphics". A good movie transcends its special effects to stand on its own, and that is definitely the case here. Rating an older film based on the special effects of the time is simply not fair.
The Legend of Hell House is one of the spookiest, and well acted, movies in the genre. The chills are almost constant, the plot, using the device of portraying the action day by day, still sends shivers down the spine. Pamela Franklin especially is excellent as the kind-hearted but naive medium, Florence Tanner. Her performance is exemplary.
The plot is downright creepy and ranks as one of the best haunted house tales ever. Far from being campy, it is "old school" horror at its best. The atmosphere, cinematography and acting, coupled with ornate sets combine to keep the chills coming. I highly recommend this movie to any one who is looking for a great scare and a surprise ending that is totally unexpected.
It's a shame that the present generation, raised as they are on stylish computer graphics, miss the majesty of cinema that may be decades old but relied on plot, acting and shock value instead of some fancy software. They are denying themselves the enjoyment of experiencing a mature, haunting and very creepy movie that far exceeds so much of the gory drivel that passes for present day "horror".
Probably my favorite horror movie of all time
5
By source266
Not quite as campy as a Hammer film, and probably a much larger budget, this film contains everything I like in a horror flick. No, you won't find any bloody slicing of bodies or helpless teenage girls. Instead, you get a great cast, amazing sets (I can't imagine a better set for a haunted house), and a well written story. For those that care, you'll notice that the soundtrack was done by Delia Derbyshire and Brian Hodgdon of the BBC's Radiophonic workshop (Doctor Who theme). There are also some sound snippets that are used in some popular techno music (Orbital made use of the line "I don't know you people"). This mix of elements really cooks up a great horror film. Every time I watch it, I wish there were more just like it but that is what makes it so special! Glad to see it is available on itunes for everyone to see.
Good plot, but old.
4
By AWNIE?!
It has a good plot, and overall a good story. However, you have to understand that its an older movie so the graphics aren't that impressive.