The Turn of the Screw (1992)

56% of users liked it
(280 ratings)

This film offers yet another film version of Henry James classic supernatural thriller. It all begins when an aristocratic uncle hires a nanny to watch over his innocent niece and nephew who are living in a large country manse. Soon she discovers that the poor children have been possessed. She also… More This film offers yet another film version of Henry James classic supernatural thriller. It all begins when an aristocratic uncle hires a nanny to watch over his innocent niece and nephew who are living in a large country manse. Soon she discovers that the poor children have been possessed. She also finds herself victimized by her own obsession. Tragedy follows when she tries to free the children from evil. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 35 min.
Directed By: Claus Viller, Rusty Lemorande
Genres: Horror, Musical & Performing Arts, Mystery & Suspense

In Theaters: Dec 31, 1990 Wide
On DVD: Mar 29, 2005
Studio: Live Home Video

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Featured Audience Ratings

Lafe F

My favorite adaptation of Turn of the Screw. The story is told in flashback, by an old woman (Marianne Faithful) in a support group; it's not until the end when we discover her role within the tale. Unlike the original tale, it's set in the 1960's - but once we find our… More
My favorite adaptation of Turn of the Screw. The story is told in flashback, by an old woman (Marianne Faithful) in a support group; it's not until the end when we discover her role within the tale. Unlike the original tale, it's set in the 1960's - but once we find our way to the isolated country estate, it might as well be the 1890's. The child actors are perfectly creepy and believable; it's quite unsettling when they get corrupted by the evil ghosts of the mansion. I loved Patsy Kensit in the role of the governess; she brought innocence, fear, tenderness and paranoia to the role. It was too cool seeing Julian Sands as the trippy absent uncle, I wished he was in the story some more. This movie is brimming with atmosphere, due to the immense shadowy detailed mansion setting, the freaky editing, and the haunting and disturbing musical score. They've integrated a musical box theme throughout which fits the innocence corrupted theme nicely. The ghostly appearances are geuninely spooky and unsettling. There are some scary dream sequences. The scenes build up momentum to the powerful conclusion. Very rewatchable! A DVD release is past-due.

Cast

            Patsy Kensit as Jenny

            Stéphane Audran as Mrs. Gross

            Julian Sands as Mr. Cooper

            Marianne Faithfull as Narrator

            Doreen Mantle as Doreen

            Colin Davis
            
            Laura Cox as Laura

            Peter Whitman as Peter

            Sara Mansfield as Sarah

            Helen Field
            
            Machiko Obata
            
            Menai Davies
            
            Phyllis Cannan
            
            Richard Greager
            
            Sam Linay
            
            Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra
            
            Anthony Langdon
            
            Benedict Taylor
            
            Eva Griffiths
            
            James Laurenson
            
            Jasper Jacob
            
            John Barron
            
            Kathryn Leigh Scott
            
            Lynn Redgrave
            
            Megs Jenkins
            
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