Burnt Offerings(1976).
Ben and Marian Rolf, together with their son and Ben's elderly aunt, rent an old rundown mansion out in the country for the summer from an eccentric brother and sister. They get the house for an unusually low amount and soon discover that there is a catch when strange things start to happen.
One of several films made in the 1970's about spooky houses. This one is a pretty good effort, with a slow burning creepy atmosphere and great performances from the cast, including Oliver Reed, Karen Black, and Bette Davis. Karen Black is especially convincing as the wife becoming obsessed with the house and the mysterious old lady who lives up in the attic.
The scenes featuring a ghost hearse and a creepy smiling undertaker are particularly effective. And the fact that the house can repair itself was also an interesting idea. 7.5/10.
|