United Kingdom

HorrorMysteryTV MovieHistory

Based on novel or bookHaunted houseGothic horror

Herbert Wise

Adrian Rawlins, Bernard Hepton, David Daker, Pauline Moran, David Ryall, Clare Holman

Nigel Kneale

Capglobe, Central Films Limited, Granada Television

Taglines: A spine-chilling ghost story

When a friendless old widow dies in the seaside town of Crythin, a young solicitor is sent by his firm to settle the estate. The lawyer finds the townspeople reluctant to talk about or go near the woman's dreary home and no one will explain or even acknowledge the menacing woman in black he keeps seeing.

Reviews:

Author: John Chard
Top draw TV movie spooker. The Woman in Black is directed by Herbert Wise and adapted to screenplay by Nigel Kneale from the Susan Hill novel of the same name. It stars Adrian Rawlins, Bernard Hepton, David Daker, Pauline Moran, David Ryall, Clare Holman and John Cater. Music is by Rachel Portman and cinematography by Michael Davis. When a friendless old widow dies in the seaside town of Crythin, a young solicitor is sent by his firm to settle the estate. Once their though he finds the townspeople reluctant to talk about or go near the woman's home. Even worse is that he keeps seeing a woman in black but no one will explain or even acknowledge that she exists. The play was a monster success so it was no surprise that it would be transfered to screen. Sedately paced but hugely effective as a chilling story, it's safe to say it's not one for those searching for boisterous shock and awe tactics. The setting is wonderfully Gothic in textures, and thus with the number of sightings of the titular title character, there's added sinister flavour - even in daylight! Smartly performed by the cast, this pulls the viewer in and keeps you hooked, right up to the unforgettably crushing finale. 8/10