The Innocents

I guess I have a theme going because once again the movie I am plugging is based on a book or rather a novella. The Innocents; based on Henry James Turn of the Screw, is an excellent example of the less is more school of horror/suspense. It is more suspense then horror but it is one of the best "ghost story" films ever made. But then again is there really something supernatural going on or something more disturbing in the head of our governess? That is the beauty of the novella and it carries over well in this film adaptation.

A governess (Deborah Kerr) is hired by a well to do socialite (Michael Redgrave) to care for his niece and nephew. He has no desire to raise the children himself and gives her full control over them and the mansion they occupy. The governess is a bit apprehensive at first but takes on the job as a favor to him; it appears she has an attraction to the uncle. When she arrives at the mansion only the niece; Flora (Pamela Jenkins) , is there as Miles (Martin Stephens) is still away at school.
At first everything seems perfect as Flora and the governess get along without any problems. The joy is short lived after the governess is sent a letter telling her that Miles has been expelled from school for corrupting the other boys. Take that how you will. She feels she should talk to the uncle about the situation but upon meeting Miles she feels he is too charming to be as bad as the letter implied. Again things seem wonderful as brother and sister are united. It isn't until the governess learns that the previous governess had died; as well as the valet she was having an affair with Quint, that things start to change. She starts to see and hear things but she is the only one as the housekeeper and children are blind to any of it.
She also starts to take note of the bond between the siblings. They are close; maybe a bit too close. She learns that the children had seen some of the "acts" their previous caretaker and the valet were engaged in. Are they simply following what they saw or could it be the spirits of the dead have taken up residence in the children? Or is it all in her head? That is left for you to decide after you watch this film or read the story.
Kerr plays the role beautifully because you can't tell whether she's really seeing things or just mad. And Martin Stephens gives one of the few great performances by a child actor as Miles. You can't help but fall for his charm; much like the housekeeper and the governess herself do. You want to believe he is an innocent but he also gives off that tiny hint of something disturbed. In the end this is a great film. This is more suspense then anything so if you're expecting blood and guts then it's not for you as the film was released in 1961. It's all about turning the screws; if you will, on the tension. If you want an excellent psychological horror film The Innocents is the one. Normally I suggest the book over the film first but as most readers these days have become lazy and James's prose can be dense the film is a good start. Then if you would like to check the novella out go for it.