Top billing in the opening cast credits goes to orchestra leader George Melachrino, and his music on the soundtrack is sometimes so loud it makes it hard to make out the dialogue; but the unchallenged star of this slice of spooky period hokum is the very young Laurence Harvey, who has special billing to himself in this, his film debut.
Most of Harvey's early film appearances under his contract with Associated British were petty inconspicuous, so it comes as a shock to discover that his actual debut was here in a very showy lead role with lots and lots of sneering close-ups. Aged just 19, still with a hint of puppy fat about his features and immaculately turned out in bow-tie and Edwardian costume, he looks little different from his days of Hollywood stardom just over ten years later, but is even less endearing than usual as an arrogant, self-centred schemer. Obviously made on a shoestring but strangely compelling viewing, you won't forget the ghostly musical duet at the end in a hurry!
Most of Harvey's early film appearances under his contract with Associated British were petty inconspicuous, so it comes as a shock to discover that his actual debut was here in a very showy lead role with lots and lots of sneering close-ups. Aged just 19, still with a hint of puppy fat about his features and immaculately turned out in bow-tie and Edwardian costume, he looks little different from his days of Hollywood stardom just over ten years later, but is even less endearing than usual as an arrogant, self-centred schemer. Obviously made on a shoestring but strangely compelling viewing, you won't forget the ghostly musical duet at the end in a hurry!