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about 2 years ago

A Place of One's Own

a review by CinemaSerf

I might have enjoyed this more had I not got it into my head that the heavily made up "Smedhurst" (James Mason) reminded me of Robert Donat's "Chips" (1939). Aside from that distraction, it's quite an engaging drama that sees him and his wife "Emilie" (Barbara Mullen) buy an old house with an history. It's lain empty since the death of "Miss Harkness" over a generation ago, and locals think it might be haunted. Bah, humbug think they and in they move, along with the much younger "Annette" (Margaret Lockwood). Shortly afterwards, she takes a shine to the young "Dr. Selbie" (Dennis Price) who reciprocates and they get engaged. All is set fair, but the house is still unsettled - something's definitely amiss with the young woman, she is becoming confused and irrational - calling for mysterious people long dead. Has she become possessed? A way must be found to put the demons to rest. It's quite fun, this - the writing is witty at times, the production well put together and both Lockwood and Mullen are on good form with this gently mysterious tale from Osbert Sitwell (a name in itself to remember). Not really the best title for the film, but worth watching.