House of Mystery – 1961 | 56 mins | Mystery, Horror, Sci-Fi | B&W

Plot Synopsis

Effectively macabre little b-movie narrated in several multi-layered flashbacks from writer/director Vernon Sewell. Shot at Beaconsfield for Independent Artists, House of Mystery (1961) was Sewell’s fourth adaptation of Pierre Mills play L’Angoise; following earlier attempts Latin Quarter (1946), Ghost Ship (1952) and The Medium (1934).

A couple of newlyweds visit a charming old country cottage up for sale in leafy commuter-belt country and listen to the spooky housekeeper’s retelling of the dwelling’s gory history. The previous owners had been subjected to paranormal activity and when they called in a female medium she discovered the apparition they’d seen was that of a vengeful scientific researcher who had once occupied the cottage. The scientist was obsessed with electricity, and when his unfaithful wife and her lover unsuccessfully tried to murder him, he responded by electrifying the living room floor and fixtures and challenging the pair to attempt escape.