‘The Haunted House of Horror’ Blu-ray Review
Stars: Frankie Avalon, Richard O’Sullivan, George Sewell, Jill Haworth, Dennis Price, Mark Wynter, Gina Warwick, Carol Dilworth, Robin Stewart | Written by Michael Armstrong, Gerry Levey | Directed by Michael Armstrong
Tigon’s The Haunted House of Horror (aka Horror House) is a peculiar blend of 1960s camp, teenage angst, and Gothic horror that struggles to find its footing but still manages to intrigue. Directed by Michael Armstrong and starring Frankie Avalon, Richard O’Sullivan, and George Sewell, the film ambitiously sets out to combine youthful rebellion with the chills of a classic haunted house tale.
The story begins with a group of swinging London friends who, in search of thrills, decide to spend a night in an abandoned mansion rumoured to be haunted. What starts as playful banter quickly turns deadly when one of their number is brutally murdered. The group’s paranoia grows as they attempt to solve the mystery, and the night spirals into a mix of suspicion, terror, and betrayal.
Frankie Avalon, better known for his wholesome beach movie image, feels somewhat miscast as the brooding and detached Chris, but he brings a surprising intensity to the role. Richard O’Sullivan plays the affable yet spineless Gary, serving as a counterbalance to Avalon’s darker portrayal. Meanwhile, George Sewell is a highlight as the gruff inspector tasked with unravelling the increasingly tangled web of deceit and fear.
Visually, The Haunted House of Horror leans into its Gothic atmosphere with dimly lit corridors, decaying interiors, and a palpable sense of isolation within the titular haunted house. Cinematographer Jack Atcheler does a commendable job of capturing the eerie ambience, even if the budgetary constraints occasionally become evident.
One of the film’s strongest elements is its handling of the psychological tension between characters. The group’s camaraderie quickly erodes as they begin to suspect one another, injecting a whodunit element into the narrative. Unfortunately, this promising setup is let down by uneven pacing and some melodramatic performances that undercut the suspense.
Armstrong’s direction oscillates between effective and overindulgent, with moments of genuine creepiness—such as the discovery of the first body—juxtaposed against clunky dialogue and overblown character reactions. The film’s attempt to channel the youth culture of the 1960s also feels dated and somewhat forced, making it difficult to fully engage with the characters.
Despite its flaws, The Haunted House of Horror retains a certain charm. Fans of Tigon’s other offerings or those with a taste for campy period horror will likely find enjoyment in its blend of Gothic and Swinging Sixties aesthetics. For others, it may serve as an interesting, albeit flawed, glimpse into the evolution of British horror cinema during this era.
Special Features:
- Audio commentary by Film Critics Kim Newman and Sean Hogan
- Audio commentary by Film Journalists Troy Howarth and Nathaniel Thompson
- The Making Of The Haunted House of Horror
- House of Horrors – Micheal Armstrong on The Haunted House of Horror
- Helping to Cut The Haunted House of Horror
- A Party to The Haunted House of Horror
- Haunted House of Horror Trailer
- Horror House Trailer
- Stills Gallery
- Limited Edition Picture Booklet
- Reversible sleeve featuring new artwork by Sean Longmore & original poster
*** 3/5
The Haunted House of Horror is out now on Blu-ray from 88 Films.