Nightmare – 1964 | 82 mins | Thriller, Horror | B&W

Plot Synopsis

Highly contrived psychological thriller from Hammer with an elaborate plot unsatisfactorily executed. Directed by renowned cameraman Freddie Francis, Nightmare shares much of the eerie atmosphere and fleeting phantom-like appearances captured by Francis as cinematographer on Jack Clayton’s The Innocents (1961) a few years earlier – Clytie Jessop appears as the spirit woman in both films.

Young Janet’s (Jennie Linden) mother was committed to an asylum when the child was just 14 after stabbing her husband to death. This preys on the child’s mind and she is convinced that she may have inherited a streak of madness. She certainly is the victim of recurring nightmares. She is taken from finishing school to her leafy country home by headmistress Mary Lewis (Brenda Bruce) who seemingly leaves her in the protective and loving company of adoring housekeeper Mrs Gibbs (Irene Richmond), her guardian Henry Baxter (David Knight), live-in nurse Grace Maddox (Moira Redmond) and John the chauffer (George A. Cooper).

Unbeknown to the rest of the household Maddox and the married Baxter are having an illicit affair, and it soon becomes apparent that Janet’s continuing nightmares are the work of the scheming twosome so as to have the youngster confined to a mental institution and take control of her inheritance. The plan appears to come to fruition when Janet’s fragile mental state finally explodes in a moment of brutal violence, but rather than criminal satisfaction this is only the beginning of the two conspirator’s troubles.