The Ghost of Rashmon Hall

Little known short (just 52 minutes) UK supporting feature, starring Valentine Dyall. A pair of newlyweds buy a rundown old mansion, only to find that the spirits of all three members of a love triangle that ended in murder many years before still linger there. Desperate to rid themselves of the haunting they contact a friend who has made a study of such things (Dyall). This is actually an adaptation of Edward Bulwer-Lytton's 1859 novel The Haunters and the Haunted. Shot entirely at a supposedly haunted derelict manor house near North London, the budget appears to have comprised solely of the petrol money/train fares to the location. Nevertheless, they do a good job of setting an uneasy atmosphere right from the couple's first night in the house, with strange noises and half-heard whisperings. The appearances of the ghosts are done by superimposition, or sometimes by simply turning a light up and down on an actor standing in shadow, and perhaps reflected in glass. Unfortunately, with the exception of Dyall, the rest of the performances are distractingly 'stage-like'. Also, the backstory to the haunting is glossed over too quickly, and needs more detail in its explanation, and the twist at the end makes no sense. It's a shame this adaptation didn't have (a) more money, (b) more time, and (c) a better supporting cast. There's obvious potential in the story. 5.5/10.

My wife and I recently saw this under it's original title of "Ghost of Rashmon Hall."

It's a very low budget, very British quickie from the late 40's, with some shaky acting from a cast of unknowns (aside from the sinister Dyall). Less than an hour long, this could've turned out as just another forgettable filler, and indeed has been completely overlooked by most critics. Yet this little film abounds in genuinely creepy moments, startling and unexpected visuals and an overwhelming air of menace.

I honestly can't think of another film where incompetence and inspiration mix to such a degree. But the narrative is so gripping and the high points so good that you end up accepting the film on it's own terms. Several times we had to rewind just to appreciate some of the visual effects, all achieved by simple lighting and in-camera effects but each one achieving a truly supernatural ambience.

If I say any more I'll start giving away plot elements and I don't want to spoil it for you. All I'll say is try to get hold of this one, or tape it if it should ever turn up on TV.

Whilst House of Mystery,released in 1961,uses a similar story,it is a far more impressive and chilling film.In this film too much relies on the chilling voice of Valentine Dyall and optical effects.Dyall was making a name for himself on BBC radio as "The Man Of Mystery" at the time and so was transferring his talents to the screen.The problem that I found with the film was that it was not that chilling.There are a number of ghosts materialising and a rather half baked reason for the happenings but it did nothing for me.It might of course have been different for someone sitting in a dark cinema all those years ago.You don't expect a big budget with these films but you do expect some big ideas.

This film is based on a short story by Sir Edward Bulwer-Lytton entitled 'The Haunters and the Haunted'. The film has come to be generally known by an alternative title as THE GHOST OF RASHMON HALL, but that is a mistake, presumably originating from some dyslexic person. The house in the film is not Rashmon Hall but Ramelsham Hall. We hear the correct name pronounced distinctly and see it written down in a book which the camera is shown. Few people have seen this rare film. Much of this film was made inside a genuine semi-derelict mansion, and that gives it a much more authentic atmosphere. The lead character is played by the extraordinary actor Valentine Dyall, very tall, droll, and mysterious. He has an insight into paranormal phenomena which his friends lack. Unfortunately, the appearances of ghosts in this film are very corny and done without finesse, obviously for lack of funds for special effects. Otherwise, the film is a remarkable period piece full of voices, mannerisms, and behavioural patterns which don't exist anymore, and is another one of those amazing 'social documents' for which old movies are so useful. The film has a surprise ending which no one could guess, so don't try. The director has attempted with the lowest of budgets to suggest an atmosphere of horror while showing next to nothing. Taking some lessons from Carl Dreyer's VAMPYR (1932) perhaps, the director Denis Kavanagh (in his second film, and he only made eight in his career) concentrates effectively on such simple things as a relentlessly dripping tap (which its sound magnified) and a swinging door, shadows, and the suggestion of horror rather than in showing us anything much. Dyall's eerie performance makes the whole project work. The film is an intriguing example of its genre for such a low budget production.

The Ghost Of Rashmon Hall is a short quota quickie from Great Britain which probably did not get much if any exhibition in the USA. Though the film is something like what you might have seen on the Twilight Zone or Boris Karloff's Thriller it's not all that bad. It depends greatly on the sinister voice and bearing of Valentine Dyall and Dyall certainly delivers.

Gathered around a parlor Dr. Valentine Dyall an expert in the paranormal tells a tale of a pair of newlyweds who purchase an old mansion with a curse on it. Anne Howard and Alec Faversham are the newlyweds and the place is definitely haunted. The two get up close and personal with three ghosts, the squire on the estate, his wife, and her sailor paramour.

The ending is not something you would expect, but Alfred Hitchcock couldn't have done better. Valentine Dyall makes believers of those at the party about ghosts.