an eternal contender for scariest film ever, The Haunting (1963) is also an excellent adaptation of the classic Shirley Jackson novel, no minor feat in itself. from the first moments of its prologue (a brooding architectural overview of The House captured in infrared black and white film) director Robert Wise succeeds in casting a perfectly nerve-splitting spell, part paranoia, part slowly-mounting hysteria, and all parts legendary in their "don't show" approach, a style that has continued to bolster the film's chilling reputation for the near half-century since its release. first-time visitors to the Crane mansion: enjoy. returning guests are invited to soak up the Director's Commentary: juicy background details from Wise, actress Julie Harris and several other original cast members. truly scary fun.

THE HAUNTING :: SHORT CLIP