A mentally imbalanced young woman is invited to an east coast manor to accompany a pair of scientists and the heir of the estate in an attempt to determine the presence of paranormal activity on the property. Soon, despite the initial reticence of the group members following the unstable woman's initial sightings, it soon appears that sinister otherworldly forces are at play. "The Haunting" is a highly revered haunted house film from acclaimed Hollywood director Robert Wise. From the Shirley Jackson's novel The Haunting of Hill House, Wise's film is extremely well mounted and directed, but is largely marred by the lead performance of Julie Harris, whose manic histrionics greatly wear on the audience. The film also seems to drag during the middle portion, but wraps spectacularly during its climactic parlor scene. "The Haunting" has a reputation as being a standard among haunted house films, and if you focused solely on its staging and direction, it earns this status.
