The Haunted House film has long been a part of the American cinema, although it's been awhile since an American film has been made that featured actual ghosts and not demons, psychos, witches and other occult staples. Here you'll find a lucky 13 ghost/haunted house films all once available on video. They range from the truly terrifying to the endearingly lightweight. Which ever are to your tastes, Halloween week is the best week of the year to enjoy them.

THE INNOCENTS
Deborah Kerr gives a brilliant performance in this truly disturbing film. A palpable sense of stark dread is apparent from the very beginning. Set in the 19th century English countryside, Kerr is the new governess for two young children who may or may not be in mortal danger. Masterfully photographed in black and white and based upon Henry James "Turn of the Screw".

THE HAUNTING
Robert Wise, the director of "The Sound of Music", brings to 'life' this frightening venture into the realm of the undead. Claire Bloom, Julie Harris and company, have come to spend some quality time at Hill House. Another near flawless production with a 'handful' of moments that all who have seen this production always recall with a shudder. A 'lights on for a week' film. Watch for….the door!

THE LEGEND OF HELL HOUSE
Despite it's "B" movie title and gruesome box art (which illustrates the film's only gory moment), this is a superb, claustrophobic, and at times, sexual film, again with a group of people gathered together within the dank walls. Pamela Franklin, who some few years earlier had costarred in "The Innocents", is among those present to rid the house of it's spirits. Roddy McDowell also stars.

THE SHINING
Although much maligned by Stephen King fans, "The Shining" is one of the best haunted house (or hotel) films of recent years. With it's overwhelmingly oppressive sense of horror always present, the film, despite it's much quoted and inappropriate comic lines from Jack Nicholson, is constantly clutching at your throat. A gripping picture regardless of it's flaws.

THE WOMAN IN BLACK
Perhaps the least known of all the films discussed here, this British production concerns a young man who is assigned the task of visiting a remote English home in order to prepare the estate for liquidation by the heirs. It's bad news from the moment the fog enshrouded dwelling appears on the screen. First quality and with several significant jolts, plus a dense sense of dread.

THE HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL
Far less intense than the above five classics, "HHH" features homeowner Vincent Price who has offered his guests major money if they spend the night in his spooky mansion. Lots of cut-rate shocks from producer William Castle, but creepy none the less. HHH is far from a masterpiece, yet it's recalled with a chill by those who have seen it. Elisha Cook, Jr. delivers the closing and qualifying line.

THE UNINVITED
A masterpiece from 1944 and far different in texture than any of the above films. In this glossy and popular production, Ray Milland stars as a writer/composer who, along with his sister, buys an old English home that overlooks the sea. Mixing elements of romance with the quietly compelling aura of otherworldliness, "The Uninvited" is perhaps the only ghost story on film for which one can develop an affection and positively the only ghost story with a magnificent theme song by Victor Young. Gail Russell, Ruth Hussey and Donald Crisp costar.

THE GHOST AND MRS. MUIR
Another 40's favorite with a fully developed romantic story line. Lovely young widow Gene Tierney purchases a large home for herself and her daughter, Natalie Wood, but the house is already occupied by the spirit of sailor Rex Harrison. The relationship between the two grows as the years pass during the course of this unique and at times sad film. As gentle and moving as a ghost story could possibly be.

THE CANTERVILLE GHOST
This is a charming family film, low on scare voltage (as it's meant to be) and with a beguiling story from the pen of Oscar Wilde. Three screen legends, Charles Laughton, Robert Young and little Margaret O'Brien compete for your attention in the tale of a ghost's descendant who must perform a brave deed before his ancestor will be freed from the castle in which his spirit is trapped. Laughton is the ghost and Robert Young, who was always so good with children on film, is the 'needs to do a brave deed' doer. O'Brien, as always, is appealing as can be.

THE GHOSTBREAKERS
This classic Bob Hope comic treasure is set in a spooky island castle crawling with zombies, ghosts, voodoo and hilarious one liners. If you are familiar only with the Bob Hope of later years, "THE GHOSTBREAKERS" will illustrate why the Hope legend has endured for so long. Full of laughs and snappy chills from beginning to end. You'll also enjoy the comedic talent of Willie Best and the buoyant beauty of Paulette Goddard. Anthony Quinn is also on hand. A fun, spookfest for all to enjoy.

THE GHOST GOES WEST
Director Rene Clair ("I Married a Witch") brings his light comedic touch to this British fantasy in which the high spirited ancestor of star Robert Donat haunts the castle recently purchased by American Eugene Pallette. Amusing and non-threatening, well mounted and perfect for those who want a ghost story that won't have them peering around every corner afterward.