A Morta Apaixonada

I had always been interested in watching this well-regarded British ghost story – but was still pretty much blown away by it, being generally deemed too low-key for complete success. The film (the U.K. equivalent to THE UNINVITED [1944]) is notable for James Mason's playing of a character role much older than his 36 years; he's fine as always, but is matched by Barbara Mullen as his wife – and the whole proves a nice showcase, too, for the young Dennis Price as a doctor. The latter falls for and eventually treats Margaret Lockwood, Mullen's ingénue companion – who, on the old couple's inexpensive acquisition of a fashionable but notorious country-house, becomes possessed by the spirit of the latest female occupant (she had been ill-treated by both masters and servants and would die separated from her lover, another medic). Directed by a former cinematographer (his debut and unquestionably best effort), the period atmosphere is exceedingly well deployed throughout – thanks to Stephen Dade's probing camera-work and the elegant production design, particularly the mansion's interior. There are few genuine scares, yet the film generates some definite frissons along the way: Lockwood, a mediocre pianist at best, suddenly playing a piece faultlessly in front of guests; the girl's spontaneous quotation from a poem she readily admits to being unfamiliar with; and, especially, her close encounter with an unseen entity (woken up by the piano mysteriously playing at night, we hear its lid being violently shut when she enters the room, followed by the camera's swift panning – suggesting something had gone past her – and then hushed voices plotting murder in the hallway). Also worth mentioning in this regard, however, are the enigmatic 'orders' given to the old couple as well as the gardener (a surprising straight turn from comedian Will Hay's frequent sparring partner Moore Marriott) respectively requesting a certain doctor's presence and the unearthing of a locket (subsequently cleaned just as inexplicably). Eventually, the former lovers do get together one more time – the girl obviously in Lockwood's form and the medic now reduced to an old man (played by none other than Ernest Thesiger, whose entrance here towards the end of the film is almost as impressive as the one in BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN [1935]) – but, tellingly, the camera cuts away at this precise moment, as if we what they had to say was meant for their ears only!; following this, there is a twist involving Thesiger's character – which I actually predicted, but it certainly adds to the poignancy of the reunion. All in all, a little gem of a film displaying plenty of brooding style but also surprising warmth (not a feeling one usually associates with ghost stories).

James Mason and Barbara Mullen have "A Place of One's Own" in this 1945 film also starring Margaret Lockwood and Dennis Price. The only problem is, someone else owns it, too - the ghost of the former owner, which Mr. and Mrs. Smedhurst (Mason and Mullen) discover when they move in. When they hire a companion for Mrs. Smedhurst, the beautiful Annette, things become very strange indeed. The more they learn about the former owner, the stranger it gets.

Mason for some reason, at the age of about 36, plays an elderly man; Barbara Mullen was a little older, but not by much. I immediately thought the story would be told in flashback, with Mason playing a younger man, but no. He does an excellent job. He has the walk and the voice of an old man. Lockwood creates a wonderful character, very sweet and genuine. She had a very wide range as an actress, as she proved in one of her best roles,in Wicked Lady, and years later, in Cast a Dark Shadow.

"A Place of One's Own" is slow and, for this writer anyway, totally predictable. If I had seen it in 1945, I might have felt differently. Despite good performances, it didn't really hold my attention. If you're not familiar with this genre, you will undoubtedly enjoy it more than I did. I came away feeling it was just okay.

I just loved this movie. It kept my interest in a most peculiar way, and it took me nearly to the end of the picture before I figured it out. None of the key scenes were ever emphasized with dramatic music swelling up, down, or out....anywhere. In fact, it did not have any music except for the piano playing in one scene. Most unusual. This movie came across almost as "play-like", without the typical "movie" accents. Very different, very good. The only drawback, if you can really call it that, was the distraction of James Mason made up to be a man much older than his original years when he made this. The make up artist utilized a lot of "spirit-gum" that was used around his face, and unfortunately, it is noticeable in many scenes. But don't let that deter you from seeing this wonderful film!

Although it could have done with a larger dose of atmosphere, and much less comic relief and romance, this is still a highly engaging classic film, with a number of thrilling moments and interesting ideas to keep it moving along. James Mason is excellent, even if sometimes a bit over-the-top, convincingly playing a character twice his age in real life. The photography is quite magnificent, with glides and pans effectively distributed throughout. The characters are generally good too, and in fact, there is little to complain about with this production. Lockwood's performance does lack conviction though, but almost everything else is great in this film about life, death, superstitions and more.

A PLACE OF ONE'S OWN is about Mr. And Mrs. Smedhurst (James Mason and Barbara Mullen) who move into an old mansion, only to find that it could be haunted by its former occupant.

Mrs. Smedhurst's companion, Annette (Margaret Lockwood) soon begins to exhibit odd behaviors, as well as talents that she never had before.

This all has to do with something that occurred in the past that won't stay buried.

If you enjoy tales of the supernatural, seasoned with mystery and suspense, then you should love this movie. The tension builds to a nice, shivery event near the end.

A very well-made ghost story...