Outside of the most well known film version of Henry Miller's most famous novel (1961's "The Innocents"), I've never seen a version of the story that truly satisfies. Outside of the prequel "The Nightcomers", they were all done for TV and have been a mixed bag. That is until I discovered this one starring Lynn Redgrave, directed by Dan Curtis of "Dark Shadows" fame, someone who knew a lot about how to make gothic horror. It truly has a creepy ghostly feeling, coming from a very living person, a weird young pre-teen obviously possessed by an evil ghost, chillingly played by Jasper Jacobs. The perverted evil spirit has the young Miles speaking in a foul, passive/aggressive manner, seemingly trying to seduce the much older Redgrave simply to corrupt her and ultimately destroy her as she would destroy his spirit.
Also very good, like a character from a Dickens novel, Megs Jenkins will warm your heart as thr kindly housekeeper who fills Redgrave in on the evil spirits of the past, perhaps too afraid to confront them herself. Redgrave gives a very strong performance as she realizes what she's up against, and it's ultimately a tragedy that other versions failed to succeed in. Eva Griffith, as the younger charge, isn't as active in the story as Jacob's is, but every once in a while, there's a hint that these evil spirits who use lust in the most sinister of ways have crossed over into her as well. I wasn't expecting this to be as powerful as it turns out to be, but that ends up making this quite a potent shocker, one highly recommended.
Also very good, like a character from a Dickens novel, Megs Jenkins will warm your heart as thr kindly housekeeper who fills Redgrave in on the evil spirits of the past, perhaps too afraid to confront them herself. Redgrave gives a very strong performance as she realizes what she's up against, and it's ultimately a tragedy that other versions failed to succeed in. Eva Griffith, as the younger charge, isn't as active in the story as Jacob's is, but every once in a while, there's a hint that these evil spirits who use lust in the most sinister of ways have crossed over into her as well. I wasn't expecting this to be as powerful as it turns out to be, but that ends up making this quite a potent shocker, one highly recommended.