The Innocents (1961)

The Turn of the Screw is one of the best ghost stories of all time because it's not quite a ghost story. It's a story that might be about ghosts, or might be about a woman going mad and taking children down with her. The Innocents captures that strange, paranoid energy perfectly, presenting things in such a way that the viewer can make up their own mind.

This movie represents the best things about horror in the 60s. It's moody and spooky, using black and white to great effect. There are a few special effects, but they're used sparingly, with more focus given to the characters and atmosphere. The performances are great, even the kids, and it does justice to its source material. As much as I love gore, sometimes I think I prefer old horror flicks, and movies like this are why.

4 oh willow walys out of 5.