Amid the releases of numerous Hammer films, Jack Clayton directed a different kind of horror film, more of a psychological thriller. "The Innocents" casts Deborah Kerr as Miss Giddens, a woman hired to be a governess for two children in a manor in the English countryside. At first, the children are happy to have Miss Giddens around. But as time passes, Miss Giddens begins to suspect that something is not quite right...or is it all in her mind? The movie, based on a short story by Henry James, has a lot going for it. The black and white cinematography alone creates a significant Gothic feeling. The setting certainly adds to that: an antiquated mansion in which just about anything could be hiding; the house could easily be the star of the movie. But Deborah Kerr's facial expressions are as creepy as anything that happens in or around the house. Her expressions truly serve to make the audience wonder how much of the terror is real or in her mind. And of course the girl's song is also pretty sinister.

Watching the movie, I could see some similarities to "The Shining" and "The Others". It just goes to show that real horror comes not from blood and guts, but from what the viewer doesn't know. There were a few scenes in this movie that made my blood freeze a little bit. Without a doubt it was a solid achievement for Clayton, Kerr, and also Truman Capote (who co-wrote the screenplay). Definitely one that I recommend.

The story is in "The Innocents" told from the governess' (Lynn Redgrave) viewpoint. She is given the job of looking after the niece and nephew of a man who has absolutely no interest in them--and he even tells the governess that! When she goes to this house in the country, she finds that the little girl is very sweet and all seems well. Soon the boy is expelled from school and the governess decides to keep him there and teach him herself. However, it's odd the school never explained WHY he was expelled and the teen never discusses it either. Still, everything seems pretty normal. But, over time, the governess begins seeing apparitions--ghosts of the old governess and master of the house. She learns that the pair are dead--and it CAN'T be them she keeps seeing. But, she also notices that the more the spirits appear, the more vile and bizarre the children's' behavior--particularly the boy. What eventually follows is a struggle between the governess and the ghosts for possession of the children. Who is to win?

"The Innocents" is a based on the story by Henry James and has been filmed many times. I saw the Lynn Redgrave version from the 1970s as well as a 1990s version recently and decided to see the 1961 version today. As far as the story goes, well, they all are very, very close and all are terrific--and I assume that's true of other versions as well (and there are MANY). However, what sets this 1961 version apart is the creepy atmospheric mood created by amazing cinematography (interesting camera angles, composition and camera tricks),music and acting. I would say more but it's just a film you need to see for yourself.

Along with Black Narcissus and From Here to Eternity, The Innocents is one of Deborah Kerr's best roles and films. She is excellent as the haunted Miss Giddens, but that is not to say she is the only asset worth looking out for. This is a superb film, truly terrifying and unforgettable with a brilliant story(based on Turn of the Screw) and the suspense and chills are so much that even after seeing The Innocents two days previous I've never forgotten about it. The script is excellent too, as is the direction, while the conclusion is incredibly chilling to say the least. Then there is the fantastic cinematography, and Pamela Franklin and Martin Stephens who are bone/spine-chilling as the orphans and Peter Wyngarde who is the personification of evil as brutal Quint. In conclusion, a must see for especially fans of Kerr or of Turn of the Screw. 10/10 Bethany Cox