Haus des Grauens

... was the above-average British Hammer/Universal production PARANOIAC . This first directorial effort by famed cinematographer Freddie Francis is full of intensely creepy atmosphere, beautifully lit and shot in black and white CinemaScope.

Oliver Reed stars as a faded family's dissolute son trying to drive his sensitive sister insane so he'll inherit the entire fortune, but then a long-lost brother who supposedly had committed suicide years before suddenly shows up. It's a well-done blend of elements from PSYCHO with THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER and THE OLD DARK HOUSE, among others, maintaining an almost Hitchcockian sardonic undercurrent to the gothic thrills. PARANOIAC is a film that deserves to be better-known.

The wealthy Ashby family grieves the tragedy of the death of the patriarch and matriarch Ashby in an airplane crash and their son Tony, who committed suicide, eleven years ago. Tony jumped off the cliff and his body was never found, only a suicide letter. Presently the dysfunctional Ashby family in composed by the alcoholic and reckless organist Simon Ashby (Oliver Reed); his unbalanced sister Eleanor (Janette Scott); and their overprotective aunt Harriet (Sheila Burrell) and their finances are managed by the accountant John Kossett (Maurice Denham), who tries to keep SImon under control. A couple of weeks before the due date for Simon receiving his inheritance, Tony Ashby (Alexander Davion) surprisingly appears for the joy of Eleanor, but Simon and Harriet believe he is an impostor despite his knowledge about the family.

"Paranoiac" is an intriguing and suspenseful film by Hammer, with great storyline and deceptive conclusion. The screenplay builds tension and mystery with the viewer questioning whether tony is who he says. But unfortunately the rushed and senseless conclusion disappoints. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Paranóico" ("Paranoiac")

Fascinating film, an exercise in understated British acting. How did I miss this flick? In 1963 I used to go to movies a lot, and surely this film played the drive-in or "B" movie circuit. Howevr, this is a wannabe "A" movie. The story is convoluted, with lots of twists and unexpected turns. Never be sure of anything in Paranoiac. There are even a couple of genuine thrill jumps along the way to the conclusion. Acting is excellent and the music works well. Best of all, Paranoiac is shot in absolutely gorgeous black and white. Since the movie was released in 1963, Oliver Reed was slim and drop-dead handsome.

No one can make suspense thrillers like the Brits. Actually, Paranoiac reminded me of Bunny Lake Is Missing and Midnight Lace. It's now available in a Hammer studios presentation box of 8 films. Since Paranoiac was one of two films in the package I had not seen, ever, I watched it as soon as I opened the package. Heartily recommended.

I understand that Freddie Francis's "Paranoiac" is a loose adaptation of Josephine Tey's "Brat Farrar", of which I had never heard until now. It sounds as though Hammer tried to make a number of movies like "Psycho". This one isn't a bad attempt. It focuses on a man who arrives at an estate on the coast of Dorset, England, claiming to be a brother long thought dead, causing a bunch of family secrets to come out.

Oliver Reed's unctuous, irresponsible brother is the really intense character. He refuses to believe the newcomer and goes to great lengths to keep him out of the family. Reed's evil-looking face made him the perfect man for the role. A lot of the movie has the usual stuff that we see in these movies: screaming, eerie images, etc. I did like the cinematography showing the rocky English coast; the terrain looks as sinister as anything going on in the house. In the end "Paranoiac" isn't a great movie, but worth seeing, if only once.

The presence of a very young Oliver Reed alone should encourage fans of older films to view this one. Reed is very impressive as the spoiled rich kid who never fails to surprise us with what he will do to get his way. He is days away from a large inheritance when his deceased brother shows up at the front door. Nothing is quite what it seems. Is he an imposter or not? Is Reed's sister crazy or not? Does the family have something to hide or not? The ending is not really a surprise but still packs quite a jolt and is a suitable ending to a very fine and underrated film. Available on video.