HOUSE OF DARKNESS is a low budget British chiller and an entry in the 'old dark house' entry of film-making. The script is by John Gilling who would later become one of the British horror greats after directing PLAGUE OF THE ZOMBIES and similar fare. Seen today, this is a brief and slight piece, with a straightforward plot that concentrates mainly on developing mood and atmosphere for the audience.
It's notable for featuring a strong performance from Laurence Harvey in his debut role, playing the disaffected younger brother who feels constantly resentful of his controlling elder sibling. When his older brother becomes gravely ill, Harvey decides to teach him a lesson with sinister consequences for all. HOUSE OF DARKNESS is a slow and creepy effort that feels a bit lukewarm for modern audiences, as many of the set-pieces had already been done better elsewhere (and some, such as the creepy wall painting, had been openly spoofed in American B-movies). Famed composer George Melachrino appears as himself in the wraparound scenes.
It's notable for featuring a strong performance from Laurence Harvey in his debut role, playing the disaffected younger brother who feels constantly resentful of his controlling elder sibling. When his older brother becomes gravely ill, Harvey decides to teach him a lesson with sinister consequences for all. HOUSE OF DARKNESS is a slow and creepy effort that feels a bit lukewarm for modern audiences, as many of the set-pieces had already been done better elsewhere (and some, such as the creepy wall painting, had been openly spoofed in American B-movies). Famed composer George Melachrino appears as himself in the wraparound scenes.