Night Comes Too Soon

The Ghost Of Rashmon Hall is a short quota quickie from Great Britain which probably did not get much if any exhibition in the USA. Though the film is something like what you might have seen on the Twilight Zone or Boris Karloff's Thriller it's not all that bad. It depends greatly on the sinister voice and bearing of Valentine Dyall and Dyall certainly delivers.

Gathered around a parlor Dr. Valentine Dyall an expert in the paranormal tells a tale of a pair of newlyweds who purchase an old mansion with a curse on it. Anne Howard and Alec Faversham are the newlyweds and the place is definitely haunted. The two get up close and personal with three ghosts, the squire on the estate, his wife, and her sailor paramour.

The ending is not something you would expect, but Alfred Hitchcock couldn't have done better. Valentine Dyall makes believers of those at the party about ghosts.

This film is based on a short story by Sir Edward Bulwer-Lytton entitled 'The Haunters and the Haunted'. The film has come to be generally known by an alternative title as THE GHOST OF RASHMON HALL, but that is a mistake, presumably originating from some dyslexic person. The house in the film is not Rashmon Hall but Ramelsham Hall. We hear the correct name pronounced distinctly and see it written down in a book which the camera is shown. Few people have seen this rare film. Much of this film was made inside a genuine semi-derelict mansion, and that gives it a much more authentic atmosphere. The lead character is played by the extraordinary actor Valentine Dyall, very tall, droll, and mysterious. He has an insight into paranormal phenomena which his friends lack. Unfortunately, the appearances of ghosts in this film are very corny and done without finesse, obviously for lack of funds for special effects. Otherwise, the film is a remarkable period piece full of voices, mannerisms, and behavioural patterns which don't exist anymore, and is another one of those amazing 'social documents' for which old movies are so useful. The film has a surprise ending which no one could guess, so don't try. The director has attempted with the lowest of budgets to suggest an atmosphere of horror while showing next to nothing. Taking some lessons from Carl Dreyer's VAMPYR (1932) perhaps, the director Denis Kavanagh (in his second film, and he only made eight in his career) concentrates effectively on such simple things as a relentlessly dripping tap (which its sound magnified) and a swinging door, shadows, and the suggestion of horror rather than in showing us anything much. Dyall's eerie performance makes the whole project work. The film is an intriguing example of its genre for such a low budget production.

Whilst House of Mystery,released in 1961,uses a similar story,it is a far more impressive and chilling film.In this film too much relies on the chilling voice of Valentine Dyall and optical effects.Dyall was making a name for himself on BBC radio as "The Man Of Mystery" at the time and so was transferring his talents to the screen.The problem that I found with the film was that it was not that chilling.There are a number of ghosts materialising and a rather half baked reason for the happenings but it did nothing for me.It might of course have been different for someone sitting in a dark cinema all those years ago.You don't expect a big budget with these films but you do expect some big ideas.

The Ghost of Rashmon Hall (1948)

** 1/2 (out of 4)

Ghost story from Great Britain has a group of people listening to a radio program dealing with hauntings. A new person arrives at the party and the guests start talking about their opinions of ghosts when it's announced that someone there has seen a real ghost. The story then flashes back to a newlywed couple who finally find a house to call their own but they soon realize that they're not the only ones there.

THE GHOST OF RASHMON HALL is a film that not too many know about, which I guess is understandable since the film probably didn't get released anywhere outside the U.K. and even today not too many talk about it. The film was based on a short story and even the title is somewhat of a stretch because in the film the house is constantly called "Ramelsham" so I'm not sure what the deal is with the title. Either way, for the most part there's really nothing too special here and it certainly can't compare to movies like THE UNINVITED but if you view it on its own terms then there are a few good moments.

I think the best thing going for the picture is the ending, which I'm not going to spoil here but it's quite effective in its own way. I thought the film also benefits from some nice performances by Anne Howard, Alec Faversham and Valentin Dyall. There are several ghosts that appear throughout the film and while the special effects to show their appearances aren't all that special, the film still contains a nice bit of atmosphere. I'd also argue that at just 50 minutes the movie moves at a very good pace. With that said, the short running time means that there's really no character development or decent details in the story.

Still, THE GHOST OF RASHMON HALL is a film that probably deserves to be better known than it is. It's certainly not a masterpiece but it's actually better than some of the American films that are better known but not quite as good.

This film is hokey beyond belief. The action is so stilted and there are so many pregnant pauses. The leads seem to be acting like they are in a public information film. Valentine Dyall is always a great presence to watch, but in this film he is so limited by the awful direction. The film, as others have said, look waaaaay older than it actually is...it looks more like a very early 30s film and the soundtrack (which is inappropriate at times) sometimes sounds like it's from a Laurel & Hardy short. That said, there are some superb filmic ideas, and for all they are 'low budget' I thought they were really quite eerie. Someone could take this film now and create something as good as 'The Others'...but considering that won't happen, we are left with an odd but strangely compelling film.