Journal of updates about this site dedicated to The Haunting
2024
† 'Movie' page
Movie > If you enjoyed The Haunting... > ... you might recognise certain objects from other films > 'Murder at the Gallop' (1963)
Two elements of the "purple parlor" were reused in this MGM film: the enormous door, which seems to come alive and breathe, and the fireplace, its 2 alcoves and the statues.
Special thanks to Danny Daddel from the FaceBook group "The Haunting: The 1963 Robert Wise film" for the information.
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Have you noticed these details? > In Hill House > Over-decorated, with one exception
An additional painting, in the corridor opposite Eleanor's room.
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Have you noticed these details? > Something in Eleanor's bedroom
After being firmly closed, the door of Eleanor's bedroom reopens by itself, spontaneously, to the amazement of the 2nd Mrs. Crain.
Special thanks to Gabe Falsetta from the FaceBook group "The Haunting: The 1963 Robert Wise film" for the information.
† 'Movie' page
Movie > The screenplay of The Haunting > Restored 1962-08-15 early version H2, including the 1962-10-01 & 1963-04-04 updates
New section, still a work in progress.
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Have you noticed these details? > In Hill House > The same gesture
A disturbing aesthetic parallel between two scenes with Eleanor's hand.
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Technical details > The technical team
Upscaled image of the technical team, waiting on the side of the road.
† 'Videos' page
Videos > Blu-ray editions > 2024 Italian blu-ray box set
This most unusual box set limited to 1,000 copies includes the 1963 film, the 1999 remake — both on blu-ray, an audio CD featuring Humphrey Searle's OST for the very first time, plus a 24-page booklet.
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Historical and cultural context > Cultural references > Best of everything
One of Dr Markway's sayings over dinner is actually a famous quote.
† All site
October 1997 - October 2024: This web site was created 27 years ago!
1963 - 2024: The movie was released 61 years ago!
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Have you noticed these details? > In Hill House > The cheater meets his master
Luke cheats at cards and hates to lose.
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Have you noticed these details? > On the way to Hill House > The american way
An important part of American culture, a source of cultural misunderstandings in Europe.
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Have you noticed these details? > In Hill House > Years of nursing reflexes
Eleanor has spotted the chair that is probably the sick person's chair, and behaves like a good nurse.
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Historical and cultural context > Cultural references > Kästle skis
The Kästle brand still exists, and its reputation is still excellent.
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Technical details > The hanging mirror [Redone]
Rewrite of the section with a new, brighter screenshot and a fully detailed explanation.
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Have you noticed these details? > In Hill House > help Eleanor Come Home
I patiently outlined the images to extract the calligraphy from the text.
So here's a version in yellow chalk on the original screenshots, and a version of the text in black on a white background.
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Historical and cultural context > Cultural references > Tristan & Isolde
The medieval legend about the love between Tristan & Isolde.
† 'Movie' page
Movie > The screenplay of The Haunting > Restored 196x-xx-xx early version H1, including the "Theo at home with her girlfriend" scene
New section "How does this version compare with the movie as we know it?" with lots of details.
You can now zoom on the final result.
† 'Movie' page
Movie > The dialogues transcription of The Haunting > New version
You can now zoom on the final result.
† 'Movie' page
Movie > If you enjoyed The Haunting... > ... you will be taken aback
Complete rewrite of the section, since the director Mike Flanagan finally admited that Netflix's "The Haunting of Hill House" is really just "Oculus" for 10 Hours.
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Have you noticed these details? > In Hill House > Larger or smaller?
Using specialised software, I quickly created two views of Eleanor's bedroom to illustrate my explanation.
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Facts about The Haunting > Technical information > Alternative titles
Additional screenshots, taken from the Warner DVD's bonus section.
† 'Movie' page
Many of the images intended for the old version of the site (868px) have been reworked and are now available in a larger version (1170px).
In addition, it is now possible to zoom in on all the "panoramic" photos.
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Have you noticed these details? > In Hill House > The floor plan of the house [Redone]
The zoom function now shows a 4K upscaled version of the floor plan of the house John is studying. So much detail is visible!
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Have you noticed these details? > In Hill House > help Eleanor Come Home [Expanded]
† 'RW Mags & Books' page
RW Mags & Books > Books about Robert Wise, The Haunting or Shirley Jackson > 'Ettington Park: Reputed to be the Most Haunted Hotel in England'
I would particularly recommend the chapter: "The ghosts of Ettington Park"
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Eleanor Lance
Additions and rewrites to Eleanor's portrait
† 'Videos' page
Videos > Optical print editions > Trailer - US #1 - 35mm print
Yet another little gem to please me. This time, it's the US trailer for the film, in 35mm version
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Facts about The Haunting > Technical information > Alternative titles
New additional alternative titles; Special thanks to Anthony McKay for the extra information
† Message personnel
Merci à tous les amis qui se sont inquiétés de mon silence prolongé et qui ont pris de mes nouvelles. Cela m'a fait chaud au cœur
Thank you to all the friends who were concerned about my prolonged silence and who checked up on me. It warmed my heart
† 'Videos' page
Videos > Optical print editions > Movie - 16mm print
After years of research, I had the opportunity to treat myself to an extravagant expense: a 16mm print of the movie...
† 'Promo' page
Promo > Interviews > Reel-to-reel magnetic tape from 1963
Recently, I had the opportunity to treat myself by buying an original magnetic tape. I couldn't resist and bid again. I won the auction and I'm delighted
† 'RW Mags & Books' page
RW Mags & Books > Magazines about Robert Wise, The Haunting or Shirley Jackson > 'Little Shoppe of Horrors' (USA), Halloween 2023, #49
"The road to Hill House; The making of Robert Wise's The Haunting", a very detailed article about the making of the movie. Absolutely fascinating to read
† 'RW Mags & Books' page
RW Mags & Books > Magazines about Robert Wise, The Haunting or Shirley Jackson > 'Famous Monsters of Filmland' (USA), July-August, 2015, #280
"Born bad: the legacy of Robert Wise's The Haunting"
† 'Videos' page
Videos > Blu-ray editions > Foreword
Using new, more recent and more powerful tools, I have reworked high-resolution images to show what can be done to try and improve image quality, simply with tools available to the general public. These improved images were already on the website, but this is a new version
† 'Promo' page
Promo > Lobby cards for The Haunting > (West-)Germany
The set is almost complete: I miss the 16th one
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Have you noticed these details? > In Hill House > help Eleanor Come Home [Reworked and improved]
† All site
Some housekeeping for the new year.
2023
† 'RW Mags & Books' page
RW Mags & Books > Books about Robert Wise, The Haunting or Shirley Jackson > 'Les fiches de Monsieur Cinéma', card 'Robert Wise'
After the card relating to the film, I now have the card relating to Robert Wise
† 'RW Mags & Books' page
RW Mags & Books > Books about Robert Wise, The Haunting or Shirley Jackson > 'L'Encyclopédie du fantastique'
† 'RW Mags & Books' page
RW Mags & Books > Books about Robert Wise, The Haunting or Shirley Jackson > 'Maisons et Lieux hantés'
† 'Paranormal' page
Paranormal > Camille Flammarion > Quotes > From: Après La Mort ("After Death"), 1922
† 'Videos' page
Videos > DVD editions > Europe > Italy, 2019 Golem re-release with new cover
Videos > DVD editions > Europe > UK, 2020 re-release with slipcase and re-print of 2003 DVD
Videos > Blu-ray editions > Europe > UK, 2020 with slipcase [additional pictures]
† All site
October 1997 - October 2023: This web site was created 26 years ago!
1963 - 2023: The movie was released 60 years ago!
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Have you noticed these details? > In Hill House > Rising into the darkness
Movie > Have you noticed these details? > In Hill House > Out of focus
† 'Promo' page
Promo > Film stills (aka promotional pictures) for The Haunting > An assorted collection
Part 2 of 2: the "portrait" format pictures.
† 'Promo' page
Promo > Film stills (aka promotional pictures) for The Haunting > An assorted collection
Part 1 of 2: the "landscape" format pictures.
† 'SJ Books' page
SJ Books > The Haunting of Hill House (1959), a book by Shirley Jackson > Editions in foreign languages > Spain, 2019, Minuscula
† 'SJ Books' page
SJ Books > The Haunting of Hill House (1959), a book by Shirley Jackson > Editions in foreign languages > China, 2016, Xinhua Publishing House
† 'Movie' page
Movie > The complex story of The Haunting > Women in cinema [Rewritten & expanded].
Movie > What makes The Haunting so special? > Characterisation of a good haunted house movie.
† 'SJ Books' page
SJ Books > The Haunting of Hill House (1959), a book by Shirley Jackson > Editions in English > UK, 2022, Folio society, core edition
SJ Books > The Haunting of Hill House (1959), a book by Shirley Jackson > Editions in English > UK, 2022, Folio society, limited edition
† 'RW Mags & Books' page
RW Mags & Books > Books about Robert Wise, The Haunting or Shirley Jackson > 'The Letters of Shirley Jackson'
† 'RW Mags & Books' page
RW Mags & Books > Books about Robert Wise, The Haunting or Shirley Jackson > 'The Book of Horror'
† All site
Some housekeeping for the new year.
2022
† 'RW Mags & Books' page
Magazines about Robert Wise, The Haunting or Shirley Jackson > 'The new yorker' (USA) > Jun. 08-15, 2020
Magazines about Robert Wise, The Haunting or Shirley Jackson > 'The new yorker' (USA) > Jun. 29, 2020
† in Paris (France) during the Christmas and New Year period?
For those lucky enough to spend a few days in Paris (France) during the Christmas and New Year period: Exhibition "Phenomena. The unexplained in the face of science" from 3 November to 28 January at the "Musée d'Histoire de la Médecine", in Paris.
Through a journey through seven thematic sections, the exhibition proposes to revisit almost a century of experiments in the field of the "unknown", as the very famous astronomer Camille Flammarion called it. Composed for the most part of rare, even unpublished documents, this invitation to explore the margins of scientific knowledge is supported by a rich selection of photographs, archives and objects. The exhibition approaches various "phenomena" from several angles - scientific, critical, historical -: telepathy (transmission of thought), telekinesis (alleged action of the mind on matter), hypnosis, levitation, fakirism, aura (designating supposed "radiations" of the human mind), without forgetting the manifestations of "poltergeists".
† 'RW Mags & Books' page
Magazines about Robert Wise, The Haunting or Shirley Jackson > 'The new yorker' (USA) > Oct. 17, 2016
Magazines about Robert Wise, The Haunting or Shirley Jackson > 'The new yorker' (USA) > Nov. 12, 2018
† 'Videos' page
US 2018 DVD compilation "Silver screen icons, Horror" featuring The Haunting.
† 'RW Mags & Books' page
Magazines about Robert Wise, The Haunting or Shirley Jackson > 'Télérama' (France) > Aug. 6, 2022
Nine full pages, in colour, with two thematic dossiers "The invisible" & "At the edge of reality".
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Historical and cultural context > Cultural context > Television was the dominant mass medium in the United States
The development of television has not been simultaneous throughout the world. In the USA, in the 1960s, cinema was losing ground to television.
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Have you noticed these details? > In Hill House > Larger or smaller?
There is an inconsistency with Eleanor's bedroom. Seen from the inside, it is larger than a rectangle. Seen from the outside, it is the opposite.
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Continuity problems > Home automation?
It seems that Eleanor and Theo both have super powers when it comes to turning lights on and off.
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Eleanor Lance (and other companions)
Extensive rewriting in the portraits of Eleanor, Theo, John and Luke. New content. More quotes from the dialogues.
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Have you noticed these details? > In the empty house
Someone or something seems to be fleeing immediately after the suicide of the companion by rushing down the stairs, as if to escape...
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Have you noticed these details? > In Hill House > The house watches
The house watches over the inhabitants. This surveillance is materialised by aerial views or very high views of the protagonists.
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Have you noticed these details? > In Hill House > In free fall
Something falls from the tower, onto Eleanor, on purpose, and nearly knocks her off the balcony from where she was watching the tower.
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Have you noticed these details? > With nowhere to call a Home
Reworking of the entire section, including new screenshots. I also used a new technique that makes it possible to see a picture not necessarily straight in the film "as if" the viewer were exactly opposite.
† 'SJ Books' page
SJ Books > Colours from the book
Extensive reworking of the entire section, including new screenshots that exploit the maximum width.
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Have you noticed these details? > In Hill House > I don't have to spend another night wondering what's over my head
The next time you watch the film again, try to think about this: in many scenes, it is possible to see the ceiling of the room in which the action takes place.
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Have you noticed these details? > In Hill House > Over-decorated, with one exception
The next time you watch the film again, try to think about this: there are (almost) no paintings on the walls. I only found two paintings portraying actual people. One picture in Eleanor's room. A second one in the dining room. Did you find another one? And can you identify these two? Are these familiar sceneries? Are these famous artists?
† All site
October 1997 - October 2022: This web site was created 25 years ago!
† All site
Some housekeeping: changes in the design of the site. Nothing major for visitors with a smartphone or a tablet. However, for visitors with a large computer screen, the width of the content has been increased from 900px to 1200px, because statistics show that you come to see the site with a Full HD screen in great majority.
The "Book" page had become too long and, more annoyingly, visitors were not necessarily going to see all the magazines and books about the film. So it was split in two:
"RW Mags & Books" contains all the magazines and books about Robert Wise, "The Haunting", and Shirley Jackson as an author.
"SJ Books" contains all the information about the book "The Haunting of Hill House" by Shirley Jackson, as well as an analysis of the book and a comparison of the differences with the film.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary (!!!) of the website, I will focus on adding content to the "Movie" [Home] page. I already have content for 4 updates.
† 'Promo' page
Promo > Lalo Schifrin related work.
To complete my collection, I have just bought the Reel-to-Reel magnetic tape of "The Prize".
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Have you noticed these details? > A religious family.
Totally reworked with new screenshots and additional religious messages found here and there.
† 'Books' page
Books > The Shirley Jackson book > 2020, USA, Centipede various edition(s).
It is difficult to find your way through all the (limited or not) editions from "Centipede Press".
† 'Books' page
Books > The Shirley Jackson book > 2006, USA, The Easton Press.
† 'Promo' page
Promo > Lalo Schifrin related work.
After buying a few more vinyls, I thought it was time to update and complete the section about Lalo Schifrin's abominable useless instrumental song inspired by the movie.
† 'Movie' page
Intriguing questions... > What would the movie have looked like in colour? > Attempt to colourise an excerpt from the video.
I know, I know. I can hear you screaming and kicking. I know your objections. But it's still impressive, isn't it?
† 'Promo' page
Promo > Lobby cards > Fan art.
Some unscrupulous fans are trying to pass off their own contemporary productions as special MGM lobby cards from 1963 in order to sell them on internet.
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Facts about The Haunting > Locations.
A huge thank you to Andy Ellis who shared the information with me. I have no rational explanation for why it took me almost 45 weeks to add the information to the site. And yet, I find all this information about the filming locations really fascinating.
Now: where is the house with the two stone lions guarding the entrance and where is the gate to Hill House...
† 'Books' page
Books > The Shirley Jackson book > 2018, Brazil.
Books > The Shirley Jackson book > 2021, Brazil.
† 'Books' page
Books > The Shirley Jackson book > 1983, Brazil.
† 'Videos' page
Complete revamp of the Warner 2003 DVD edition comparison table.
† 'Videos' page
Videos > DVD editions > Europe > Sweden.
I still don't own the disc but at least I know what it contains.
Videos > DVD editions > South america > Brazil.
I still don't own the disc but I have several covers. Is one of them the official disc?
† 'Movie' page
Movie > The complex story of The Haunting > Women in cinema.
† 'Paranormal' page
Extensive revision of the page. New section devoted to Camille Flammarion.
† 'Books' page
Books > Books about Shirley Jackson, Robert Wise or the film > 'Dictionnaire du cinéma — Les films' (FR).
† 'Movie' page
Movie > If you enjoyed The Haunting... > "The Watcher in the Woods" (1980).
† 'The House' page
Ettington Park > Fan-made tours of Ettington Park > The Ettington Park Hotel In Color.
Ettington Park > Documentaries > [BBC] Ghosts of Ettington Park Hotel... Carol Vorderman.
† 'Books' page
Books > The Shirley Jackson book > 1965, Netherlands. Surely a very early edition in Dutch.
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Intriguing questions... > Unanswered questions.
More unanswered questions...
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Props and costumes > Eleanor's car > The Hillman Husky Series II car.
Trying to imagine what the two-tone car looked like.
† 'Promo' page
Promo > MGM documents for The Haunting > Denmark — MGM Denmark 8-page booklet (DA), added full English translation.
† 'Movie' & 'Books' page
Some housekeeping:
Calendar (pace of the events) reworked on 'Movie' & 'Books' pages with new icons.
Small CSS adaptations for a better display on tablets.
† 'Books' page
Books > Books about Shirley Jackson, Robert Wise or the film > 'Le nouveau guide des films' (FR).
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Have you noticed these details? > The floor plan of the house.
Thanks to Mark Herring for the information!
† 'Movie' page
Additional information about Bernard Palissy from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
† 'Books' page
Books > The Shirley Jackson book > 1997, France. A reprint of the 1994 edition.
† 'Books' page
Books > The Shirley Jackson book > 2009, UK. The 2009 issue with a different cover.
Thanks to Antony Johnston for the information!
† 'Movie' page
Movie > Intriguing questions... > What would the movie have looked like in colour?
I recently read an article about colouring in a British computer magazine. The author was very enthusiastic about the amazing progress of artificial intelligence (AI) to automatically colour films or photos. Well, I tried!
Please. We already had this heated conversation when I published the first photos I colourised. I repeat, I am AGAINST the colourisation of the film, period. However, I am in favour of keeping an open mind and exploring.
Even if the film is in black & white and perfect as it is, I would still like to see colour photos from the shooting, just for the clothes, the decoration of the rooms, etc.
† All site
Some housekeeping for the new year.
Movie > If you enjoyed The Haunting... > "Shirley" (2020).
Books > The Shirley Jackson book > Back cover of the 1959 edition (USA).
Books > The Shirley Jackson book > Gold cover edition of the 1982 Warner edition (USA).
Books > The Shirley Jackson book > More unknown editions of the book.
† 'Books' page
The latest French edition of the book, titled La maison hantée, published by "Rivages/Noir" was reprinted with a slightly different cover.
† 'Books' page
Books > Magazines > 'Retro Fan' (USA) > Nov. 2021, #17.
A 14-page long article by Ernest Farino, "Whose Hand Was I Holding...?", which also allowed me to update a technical detail about the film (see below).
† 'Movie' page
Thanks to the help of an expert in the field, I was able to correct an error concerning an important technical detail. See the section "So distant and yet so close...".
† 'Movie' page
In a previous version I had incorrectly identified the statue in Eleanor's room. Special thanks to Anthony McKay (once again) for the correct information.
Also on the same topic: during a programme "Affaire Conclue" on France 2, the French expert and auctioneer Bertrand Cornette de Saint Cyr presented the statue.
† 'Books' page
The original Japanese text that appears on the Japanese books has been translated into English.
Ditto for the Russian book.
† 'Movie' page
New section "Yet another different pace", devoted to the weekend's events.
† All site
October 1997 - October 2021: This web site was created 24 years ago!
† 'Movie' page
During a programme "Affaire Conclue" on France 2, the French expert and auctioneer Harold Hessel presents Bernard Palissy. It is always interesting to have an expert opinion.
† 'Paranormal' page
The "Extrasensory Perception" (1934) book by J.B. Rhine.
† 'Movie' page
Since the very first version of the movie I saw was the French dubbed version, I have a special fondness for it. It's not easy to find the names of the dubbing actors, I only have a few that I added on the page. Can you help me?
† 'Books' page
French magazine "Cinema", 1978, Feb. 1978, No. 201, with English translation. "The Haunting" is featured in a thematic dossier: Retro Satanas!
† 'Books' page
The review of the newly released video cassette, from the Fangoria magazine, July 1987, #65.
† 'Books' page
An interview of Robert Wise, from the Fangoria magazine, May 1982, #19.
† 'Books' page
Another deluxe edition by Centipede press in 2020.
† 'Books' page
The 2018 USA deluxe Hardcover edition by Suntup editions.
† 'Books' page
Two editions of Shirley Jackson's book published on the Scribd platform.
† 'Videos' page
The promotional Japanese LaserDisc, still sealed!
† 'The House' page
A great video of a fan-made tour of Ettington Park.
† 'The House' page
A section about the 1947 Auction sale that took place at Ettington Park.
† 'Movie' page
Another labour of love: dozens of hours spent transcribing, correcting and finalising a document that now contains the faithful and exhaustive transcription of all the movie's dialogues, in English and (dubbed) French.
† 'Promo' page
And now the brochure from Austria, in German, complete with English translation. Nice!
† 'Promo' page
I translated for you in English the French MGM promotional brochure. Nice!
† 'Movie' page
New cultural references were added about Poltergeist, The Gladstone bag and Things that go bump in the night.
† 'Movie' page
A problem of continuity with Eleanor's hands, just when the Doctor and Luke join Eleanor and Theo in Theo's bedroom after the first events.
† 'Movie' page
New cultural reference was added about the House of Hades (Greek mythology).
† 'Movie' page
New cultural reference was added about the young "Lochinvar" from the out of the Midwest.
† 'Movie' page
A scream was added in the trailer, when the 2nd Mrs. Crain falls. Strangely, it was kept in the French dubbed version of the movie.
† 'Movie' page
New cultural references were added about "The Lady, or the Tiger?" and Bridey Murphy.
† 'Movie' page
Eleanor is actually seen in two different cars... What? Yes, it was a surprise for me too. Special thanks to Anthony McKay who pointed me to the IMCDb site, and Antoine for the permission to use their findings on my site.
All the details in the "All the cars in the movie" section.
† 'Movie' page
Eleanor stops the vinyl record abruptly, and Bud might be a fan of the Boston Bruins team.
All the details in the "With nowhere to call a home" section.
† 'Videos' page
The original Japanese text that appears on the Japanese DVDs, LaserDisc and the 2 VHSs has been translated into English. Ditto for all French DVDs. More content to explore!
† 'Promo' page
I translated for you in English the French section of the double-sided Belgian MGM promotional brochure. Nice!
On the same page, the English translation of the German MGM promotional brochure was reworked and expanded. More content to explore!
2020
† 'Movie' page
In the section, "Continuity problems", a mysterious hanging overcoat.
† 'Books' page
I've been tricked into buying the 60-euro "The Shirley Jackson collection" boxset from Amazon. When it arrived, it turned out if was just a carton box around a 2010 volume that I already owned (including "The Haunting of Hill House"), plus a 2020 volume. To add insult to injury, these two volumes are also sold separately, and the boxset is not even a bargain. Obviously, the next step was to print the return label. At 60 euros, any book MUST be a quality product. All the details on the "Books" page.
† 'Movie' page
Again for the section, "Have you noticed these details?" There are so many details in this movie, that I keep discovering new ones every now and then. It happens typically when I watch the movie frame by frame looking for the perfect screenshot. This time I found this log or coal stove on the exterior veranda on the ground floor. Now that you know about it, you'll see that it is actually visible in several scenes, but you probably never saw it.
† 'Movie' page
Thanks a lot to Dan, who kindly solved the "licence plate" and "taxi branding" mysteries...
† 'Movie' page
In the section, "Have you noticed these details?", Theo's wearing make up in bed, and Eleanor adds an layer of clothes before hugging Theo.
† 'Movie' page
In the section, "Have you noticed these details?", a word about Theo's door handle: Medusa's touch...
† 'The House' page
A better copy of a postcard I had + a new superb postcard of gardens of Ettington Park, in the old days.
Plus two recent and official postcards from the hotel...
† 'Books' page
I've added the card for the movie from the "Les fiches de Monsieur Cinéma" collection, in French with English translation.
† 'Books' page
All the texts of the French (other) books have been translated into English.
† All site
October 1997 - October 2020: This web site was created 23 years ago!
† 'Books' page
All the texts of the French magazines have been translated into English.
† 'Books' page
Instead of just two clippings, I now own a full copy of the ABC Film Review magazine (UK), Jan 1964, vol 14 num 1. The page was updated with new scans. Thanks to Maurice for the help!
† 'The House' page
Two new superb old postcards of Ettington Park, in the old days.
† 'Videos' page
A great fan-made trailer. The best one, it's that simple. Plus the transcript of all the trailers (mouse over).
† 'Books' page
A 2020 "Revised & Updated edition" of Joe Jordan's book: Robert Wise: The motion pictures.
† 'The House' page
An exceptional document. The "Building News and Engineering Journal – volume 16 – January-June 1869" comments the remarkable changes ordered by E. P. Shirley, Esq. for its cosy home, Ettington Park.
† 'Movie' page
I invite you to have a look at the "technical details" section of the page. You'll find out about the jeep on the side of the road...
† 'Videos' page
The new 2020 UK Blu-ray, with black cardboard slipcase.
† 'Promo' page
Two additional lobby cards from Germany, including a rare seen promo picture.
† 'Promo' page
Another really nice MGM promo booklet. The new one is from Denmark.
† 'Promo' page
And now I believe that the collection of 7inch singles of Lalo SCHIFRIN is complete, with the addition of the UK commercial copy.
† 'Books' page
Surprisingly, I was offered what seems to be a 3rd variation of the 1999 Japanese book. Nice!
2019
† 'The House' page
The 1969 Hotel Brochure, a great item that was inspired by a very, very old book. To be continued...
Also a 3rd new postcard from the old days.
† 'Movie' page
Special thanks again to Anthony McKay who pointed me to the Kine Weekly magazine of Nov 29, 1962 - where I was able to find numerous new names for the staff and crew.
† 'Movie' page
Special thanks to R. Dunn locating a blunder: yes, it's the second Mrs. Crain who falls down the stairs, allowing us to see another view of the entrance door.
† 'Books' page
More magazines
Books > Magazines > 'Life' (USA) > Jan. 11, 1954
Books > Magazines > 'Life' (USA) > Mar. 17, 1958
Special thanks to Anthony McKay for the information
† 'Movie' and 'People' pages
Movie > Intriguing questions... > What would the movie have looked like in colour? > New Julie Harris hair colour, based on other colour movies from the same period.
People > A team > How old were they? > Find out how old the actors were during the filming.
† All site
October 1997 - October 2019: This web site was created 22 years ago!
† 'Books' page
More magazines
Books > Magazines > 'Life' (USA) > Sep. 22, 1947
Books > Magazines > 'Life' (USA) > Oct. 28, 1957
Special thanks to Anthony McKay for the information
† 'Books' page
Summer Fridays Updates #4 [that wook place on Saturday because of the heatwave]
Books > Other Books > 'Shirley Jackson' by Lenemaja Friedman > New book review
Books > Other Books > 'Robert Wise', a French book! > Short excerpt
Books > Other Books > 'La France hantée : Voyage d'un chasseur de fantômes' > Short excerpt
Books > Other Books > 'The BFI Companion to Horror' > New book review
Books > Other Books > 'Bloom's Major short stories writers - Shirley Jackson' > New book review
Books > Other Books > 'La France hantée : Voyage d'un chasseur de fantômes' > New book review
Books > Other Books > 'British Horror Film Locations' > New book review
† 'Movie' page
Summer Fridays Updates #3
Movie > Have you noticed these details? > In Hill House > A face on the pillow. Thanks again Gerri R. Gray!
Movie > Have you noticed these details? > In Hill House > Stylish in all circumstances.
† 'Books' page
Summer Fridays Updates #2
Books > All the details about my copy of "La casa degli invasati" (Arnoldo Mondadori Editore/Urania, 1998).
Books > All the details about my copy of "A maldição de hill house" (black cover).
Books > More details about the US paperback from 1962-1965
† 'Movie' page
Summer Fridays Updates #1
Movie > Have you noticed these details? > Too fast or too dark > Here you are driver, that will be all! > The North Hills taxi
Movie > Have you noticed these details? > Which stairs? > New stairs found on the outside veranda
Movie > Props and costumes > Genuine period furniture > A famous piece of Art: The veiled Lady
Movie > How to enhance your watching experience? > Other sites to visit > Wikipedia Poland, Portugual and Japan
† 'The House' page
I've added an article from the "KineWeekly" magazine (Dec. 13, 1962), providing a comprehensive description of the British MGM studio.
† 'Books' page
Lots of newly discovered books for this update: the 1959 UK edition with a pink OBI, the 2018 US "glow in the dark" edition, the 2018 Dutch pocket edition, the 2019 German "Netflix" edition, two 2018 Portuguese editions and a 2017 Swedish edition.
† 'Movie' page
It all started with a coincidence. I came across an article explaining that Robert Wise once bumped into people who had started to colourize "The Haunting", and had to go to court with his initial contract to stop the process. Then I found a tutorial, a series of videos explaining how to colourize old black and white pictures. The result can be found at the bottom of the home page. I'm definitely not an expert and a professional work would surely require 10 hours instead of 1, but, still, it gives a rough idea of what it could have looked like.
† 'Movie' page
More updates on the home page.
Have you noticed these details? > In Hill House > King size or twin? — new section.
Have you noticed these details? > In Hill House > The extending table — new section.
Have you noticed these details? > In Hill House > Light in the fireplace — new section.
Have you noticed these details? > A religious family — was totally rewritten and expanded.
Continuity problems > Luke bedroom's — new section.
Continuity problems > Not quite there — new section.
Continuity problems > Changing the sofa — new section.
† 'Movie' page
Although I've received several new books and magazines, I paused these update to focus on the home page. A new batch of new sections will follow this month.
Have you noticed these details? > In Hill House > help Eleanor Come Home — new section.
Have you noticed these details? > In Hill House > Eleanor's neighbour — new screenshot and close-up.
Have you noticed these details? > The Banshee — was totally rewritten and expanded.
Continuity problems > The fire — new section.
† 'Videos' page
I've added a new DVD released in Spain in 2016 in the collection "Pasión por los clásicos". I've also added a new section titled "Documentaries", featuring Eli Roth's "History of Horror", Season 1, Episode 7 "Ghost stories". This episode contains a segment about "The Haunting" with very favourable reviews and comments.
† 'Movie' page
I've added new elements in Eleanor's psychological portrait on the Movie page.
† 'Books' page
I cannot even start to explain why I didn't include "Le cinéma fantastique" earlier on the books page: I got the book when it was released. Probably one of the most beautiful arty French books on the topic. This carelessness is repaired.
† 'Books' page
I've been spoiled for Xmas, with several collectible items, including the 2016 Italian book (2018 reprint with red obi) and the Turkish book (white background).
2018
† 'Movie' page
I've added more cultural (movie revenues, books, music) and historical (typical prices, yearly summary of 1963) background about 1963.
† 'Movie' page
I've added more historical background about 1963 (heads of state).
† 'Movie' page
I've added more cultural background information about the 1963 movies (genre and duration).
† 'The House' page
I've added the superb "Horrorgami" of Ettington Park, by Marc Hagan-Guirey.
† 'Books' page
I've added the 2018 UK Netflix-inspired reprint of the book, a cheaper edition with no bonuses.
† 'The House' page
I've added the local "Stratford-upon-Avon" variation of the Monopoly game, released by Hasbro in 2016 and featuring Ettington Park.
† 'Movie' page
I've added new elements in Eleanor's psychological portrait on the Movie page.
† 'Books' page
I've just added information about two Turkish editions plus one Indonesian edition of Shirley Jackson's book.
† All site
October 1997 - October 2018: This web site was created 21 years ago!
† 'Movie' page
I've added a new "Context" section on the movie page. I will add more cultural and historical background information in a near future.
† 'Promo' page
I am still processing new books to add but I wanted to share with you some very good fan art posters. I've started a section and more posters will follow.
† 'Books' page
I've just added information about a Czech edition of Shirley Jackson's book.
† 'Books' page
After this horrible heat wave, I am back at the controls. I've just added information about two Polish editions of Shirley Jackson's book.
† 'Videos' page
I am very happy to share with you the 3 different trailers of "The Haunting". The first one is very common and present on all the Warner discs. The second is a rare edit version of the first one. But the third one is quite rare and totally different. Enjoy!
† 'Movie' page
I took some time to significantly rework Eleanor's psychological portrait on the Movie page.
† 'Books' page
And now the other half of my presents: the Italian 1989 paperback, the splendid US 1960 Reader's digest edition (with the superb illustrations by Ben Stahl), and the 2003 "Stephen King Horror Library" edition.
† 'Books' page
I was really spoiled for my birthday! This is not even half of what I received: the UK 1996 paperback, and the US 1991 paperback.
† 'Books' page
And now the 2017 Greek editions of the book!
There is a plethora of new books these days. Stay tuned. More to come in the next weeks.
† 'Books' page
I've just added 1 new Canadian (kindle) editions of the book.
† 'Books' page
I've just added 2 new early — 1961, thus pre-dating the movie — French editions of the book. They are abridged versions published in France by "Selection du Reader Digest". What makes these editions really interesting is the addition of superb illustrations by Ben Stahl. I've scanned them, and digitally restored them. They really look great!
† 'Paranormal' page
While reading the book of a mentalist and conjurer artist, I realised that I had never actually shown what the Zener cards looked like. This forgetfulness is repaired.
† 'Books' page
I've just added 1 new Russian editions of the book.
† 'Books' page
I've just received another 1963 "Popular Library" pocket edition of the book, but I cannot figure out if it's a US or Canadian edition.
† 'Books' page
I've just received the 1977 US "Popular Library" pocket edition of the book. So, I was able to write down the text on the cover and back page. At the same time, I realised that there were at least 3 different variations of this edition (see the Popular Library logo and reference at the top).
† 'Videos' page
With new high-resolution scans, a new OCR program, a bit of GIMP/Photoshop magic and a lot of patience, I was able to OCR the Japanese texts found on the DVD, LaserDisc and VHS. At last, after all these years, the Japanese items can now be fully described.
† 'Books' page
I've just added 2 new mexican editions of the book (and deleted one spanish edition, which was in fact mexican).
† 'Books' page
I've just added 3 new spanish editions of the book: the 1999, 2010 and 2018 eBook versions.
† 'Movie' page
I've spotted another continuity problem: When Eleanor is asked to leave Hill House, Luke accompanies her. As they are about to leave, Luke notices they don't have the key to the gate and leaves the car to get them, with his door wide open. A few seconds later, Eleanor starts the car and leaves alone. But now the passenger's door is properly shut. I've updated the "Movie" page accordingly.
While I was at it, I re-arranged the continuity problems in the same order as the movie.
† 'Movie' page
With a lot of decency and restraint, Eleanor softly cries in her car, as she leaves Hill House for the last time. One really needs a Blu-ray and a copy of the movie script to spot it. I've updated the "Movie" page accordingly.
† 'Movie' page
Thanks to a Google Search result, I was able to have a glimpse at the otherwise paid service IMDB PRO. I added some budget-related information in the "facts about The Haunting" section.
† 'Movie' page
I'm still reading the movie script. I've realised that Mrs. Sannerson inherited Abigail's cane and the companion's silver platter (that she used to hold the rope to hang herself). Both items can be seen while John is negotiating his lease.
† 'Movie' page
I've added a new section titled, the screenplay of The Haunting, to explain all the restoration work I've done to get a brand new clean copy of the script/screenplay.
† 'Books' page
I was offered the french translation of Gillian Flynn's "The Grownup", locally titled "Nous allons mourir ce soir". Although it's a very short novella — barely 64 pages — I had a great time reading it. Once started, I couldn't stop. It was a real pleasure to see that "The Haunting of Hill House" was quoted twice, among other highly praised books.
† 'Books' page
I've finished re-reading the book. I've listed more differences in the comparison table book vs. movie. I've also included a new section, titled "A difference pace", listing all the events are they are introduced in the book, in the course of almost 10 days.
† 'Books' page
I've created a new coloured picture to illustrate the fact that, in the book, the corridor of the first floor is lit by a blue, green and orange stained-glass.
2017
† 'Books' page
I've added more items in the table listing all the differences between the movie and the book.
† 'Videos' page
I've received my mail-ordered 2017 Australian DVDs. Strangely, content-wise, they look like a copy of the US edition...
† 'Movie' page
I'm currently reading the movie script. This immediately brought an answer to a question I've been asking for years: Why is the name "Abigail" written on the ceiling of Eleanor's bedroom? To be continued...
† 'Videos' page
I finished processing the brand-new HMV-exclusive Blu-ray and DVD boxset.
† 'Movie' page
I rewrote and moved up the 'what makes the haunting so special' section.
† 'Movie' page
While processing the brand-new HMV-exclusive Blu-ray and DVD boxset, I decided to use the information regarding the alternative titles from the DVD bonuses. In the outfit section (Mary Quant), I also added a new picture from Claire Bloom (same source).
† 'Movie' page
Waxwork II (1992), directed by Anthony Hickox, pays a not-very-subtle but funny homage to The Haunting, with numerous sequences in black & white, and characters who strangely look like the cast of the original movie. See for yourself on the 'Movie' page.
† 'Promo' page
I fully processed the MGM USA Exhibitor's Campaign book. A labour of love. You've seen some low-resolution scanned versions before on other sites, but this time you'll be able to read it, cover to cover...
† 'Books' page
I've found the 1999 UK paperback edition of the book in great condition. BTW I'm still processing the MGM USA Exhibitor's Campaign book.
† 'Promo' page
I processed the MGM USA Exhibitor's Campaign book first page of content (page 2). If you wonder why it took me so long, I invite you to check the 'Promo' page to see the outcome of this work.
† 'Books' page
I've added an alternate version of the 2009 UK Penguin pocket edition, but with a slightly altered cover: the background picture is the same but the font is much smaller and placed differently. I cannot confirm anything since I don't own it (yet).
† 'Movie' page
While processing the MGM USA Exhibitor's Campaign book, I realised that the code printed under every picture is inaccurate: it reads "still 5308-xxx" whilst all the film stills are numbered "5303-xxx". I added that information on this page. While I was at it, I also mentioned the "63/238" number that appears on numerous promotional items. I assume this is the reference of the film in the US domestic market (independently from the MGM numbering scheme).
† 'Promo' page
A very dear friend spontaneously and generously translated for me (from German to English) the "How to capture 'NOTHING' on film" essay on the Illustrierte Film-Bühne german leaflet.
† 'Promo' page
I've started to add the MGM USA Exhibitor's Campaign book. In the next days or weeks, I'll add more pages and more text. Stay tuned!
† 'Promo' page
Correction: the german promotional leaflet was produced by Illustrierte Film-Bühne and not by MGM Germany.
† 'Promo' page
Today I've added the music score/music sheet of Lalo SCHIFRIN. It's a great item because it uses the movie branding. I'm not commenting on the music.
† 'Promo' page
Now I've processed the text on the 2-sided MGM Germany promotional folder. Google translations are too rough to be used but I would be very happy to have a German- or Dutch-native translate the text on these promo folders in proper English for me.
† 'Promo' page
I've just added the MGM Germany 2-fold, 2-sided promotional folder. A beautiful blue and sepia-tinted document. Now I need to type the long german text...
† 'Promo' page
Today I'm sharing with you the very unusual MGM Belgium 3-fold, 2-sided promotional folder. It's unusual because it's bilingual: one side for French, the other for Dutch (the two main official languages of Belgium, with German being the 3rd one, but often forgotten or neglected). To stand out, these MGM Belgian folders are all printed in black and white, with the addition of one bright colour. Yellow was the one selected for "The Haunting".
† 'Promo' page
Another treat for you: the French 3-fold, 2-sided, "Guide publicitaire" issued by MGM France to promote the movie. Complete with transcript of all text!
† 'Promo' page
This time I've added some promotional material: a double-sided 1981 promo card from MGM Television.
† 'The House' page
With the help of PhotoShop and GIMP, I wanted to create usual pictures of the house; un-natural pictures of the house, to be accurate. I hope you like the result.
† 'Movie' page
For clarity, I've added screenshots of the two unidentified locations: #1 on the road to Hill House, the house with the two stone lions guarding the gates. #2 Once arrived, the gates of Hill House.
† 'Movie' page
From the Blu-ray, I've created new screenshots of the portrait of the exquisite "Mother". The new ones are crisper and larger.
† 'Movie' & 'The House' pages
With the help of Andy Ellis, a fan, I was able to update the "Locations" information. See for yourself the streets of London during the filming, and now. Amazing!
Now, dear fans, with your help, it's high time to locate the road Eleanor uses to go to Hill House. Where is the house with the two stone lions guarding the gates?
† All site
October 1997 - October 2017: This web site was created 20 years ago! As the number of visitors keeps increasing, I keep on updating it...
† 'Books' page
Ruth Franklin's "Shirley Jackson, a rather haunted life" will be available in a few days as Audiobook and next month in a paperback edition.
† All site
I added more "social features" on the site. Now you'll find button for Blogger, Pinterest and Tumblr. Now I believe that the main sites are handled.
† All site
I reworked all the "social features" of the site. Practically speaking, I've prepared a new version of the Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus and Email icons. They are more visible, and more "mobile friendly".
† 'Books' page
I'm very lucky to have a never ending flow of birthday presents this year! This time I've received two spanish books in absolute mint condition : "La casa encantada" and "La guarida".
† All site
After more than one year online with the new look, I thought it was time for fresh paint job. The wallpaper is new, and the titles were reworked, purely with colour (no more picture background to download). I've also streamlined the CSS for small screens. I hope you like it too.
† 'Promo' page
I've just added all the 7inch singles I own from "Haunting", the theme song inspired by the movie, and recorded by Lalo SCHIFRIN — although it's totally unrelated to the movie.
† All site
Another effort to increase performance: the largest .PNG images have been compressed with a specific tool. The largest .JPG images were recompressed too. The site loads faster, and the quality of the images is not compromised by visible compression artefacts.
† All site
I've reworked the CSS for printing. The output is now cleaner (when printed, obviously).
† All site
In order to increase performance, especially on the homepage, I reduced the size of the site by converting some high-quality .PNG pictures into moderately compressed .JPG pictures ('The innocents', 'The uninvited', the purple parlour). The homepage now loads 33% faster. This is an on-going process, I'm still working on it.
† 'Movie' page
I had suspected that the strange changes of colour on the wallpaper was due to some colour lightning. Now, after a discussion with an American fan, I guess I know why the colour of blouses also changes : that is probably due to the use of some colour lenses.
† 'Books' page
Again! More birthday presents! Writing that I'm spoiled is a real understatement. This time, I've received a copy of the recently published 'Robert Wise: The motion pictures'. Of course, it features a section dedicated to 'The Haunting'. I haven't read it yet, but I wanted to update the site immediately.
† 'Books' page
Well, I'm really spoiled for my birthday this year. After some intense researches, a friend found a copy of the German book "Spuk in Hill House", 1993 first edition, in great condition! On that edition too, you can see that the publishers are really creative when it comes to writing a text for the back cover.
† 'The House' page
It's been a while since I last updated the page dedicated to the house. For my birthday this year, a very dear friend gave me a couple of superb old postcards of Ettington Park, in mint condition. So, I'm very happy to share them with you.
† 'Videos' page
Well, well. For a very long time I suspected that the DVD was released in Sweden/Norway/Finland. Now I have the proof: I found a picture of a DVD sold on a Swedish auction site. Unfortunately, it's not eBay, I don't read Swedish and don't understand how to bid. Unfortunately again, eBay does not seem to exist in Sweden. If you have any spare copy of this disc, don't hesitate to contact me (see contact in the footer of the page).
† All site
The copyright on the content of the whole web site was renewed. It is recorded by SABAM (Belgium, Europe) and is valid worldwide.
† 'Books' page
I've recently found some notes about the book "unInvited: Classical Hollywood Cinema and Lesbian Representability", that I had taken probably more than 15 years ago. They are still very relevant and I decided to use them.
† 'Movie' page
I've spend some holidays at Ettington Park ; I've seen the movie countless times. Did you pay attention to the scene when Eleanor, staring at the square tower, nearly falls off the balcony, only to be rescued by the Doctor? Well this balcony doesn't exist at Ettington Park : it's a fake balcony structurally attached to the stone entrance. I checked the movie frame by frame, and found some "too short to be noticed" technical details. Check "The strange balcony" section on the "Movie" page.
† 'Books' page
Do you know that in Jackson's early drafts, Eleanor was named Erica? Do you know where the inspiration for the name Eleanor came from? Do you know that the movie rights to The Haunting of Hill House were sold for the sum of $67,500?
With so many fascinating facts, I updated the section dedicated to the book 'Shirley Jackson, a rather haunted life' by Ruth Franklin.
† 'Movie' page
Some of you might be aware of my theory that the movie set was sometimes lit in colour (not in pure white), which explains why walls suddenly experience a drastic colour change. Recently, I also realised that Eleanor's bright white blouse was not that pale in the corridor...
† 'Books' page
I recently bought a copy of the fantastic book 'Shirley Jackson, a rather haunted life' by Ruth Franklin. I updated the 'Books' page with the standard presentation of the book. In a near future, I'll add the discoveries I've made from the book plus some excerpts. It's really a great book that I recommend to the fans of the movie.
† 'Books' page
As explained in a previous update, I recently realised that the "purple parlour" was mentioned several times by the characters in the movie — quite strange for a movie shot in black & white. So I wondered: what about the book? To my surprise, it lead me to realise that the "purple parlour" was an invention for the movie. In the book, Shirley Jackson mentions a "little parlour", without any colour indication. This piqued my interest, and I started to count the colours in the book...
On the 'Book' page, I'd added a table with figures and a graphical representation of the use of the colours in the book.
† All site
After a couple of visitors suggested it, I've decided to add the now inevitable buttons to share the content with social networks. This is done with the minimal effort: purely with colour and text (no graphics, for instance for the twitter logo). Still, it's properly done, out of the way of the main content, semi-transparent, compatible with the site in responsive design. If I see that it makes a real difference, I might rework them in the future, with more links and true graphics. For the time being, I prefer to focus on real content. I've got plenty of novelties, waiting to be published... to be continued.
† 'Movie' page
When I realised that the "purple parlour" was an invention for the movie, I decided to create a colourized version of the scene. See the result on the 'Movie' page.
Since I was at it, I used a new technique for colourization, leading to richer, deeper colours. So I've created a brand new version of all the colourized screenshots on the 'Book' page.
† 'Books' page
I just bought a copy of Wes D. Gehring's 'Robert Wise Shadowlands'. I selected an excerpt about 'The Haunting' that I decided to quote on the 'Books' page.
† 'Movie' page
Another US-based fan provided me valuable information about Eleanor's licence plate and sticker mystery... The sticker on the windshield was used in combination to the license plate, in order to prove that the car was dully authorized on the road in 1962. This is because the new plates were issued every other year and not every year.
Bob C.: I get a permanent error when I reply to your message. Do you have an alternate email from which you could send me another email?
† 'Books' page
I received the 2016 French edition of the book 'The Haunting of Hill House', so I updated the 'Books' page accordingly with the missing details.
To my surprise, I accidentally found out about the existence of a Dutch version of the book, with a Dutch translation, all dating back to 1999. I'm thrilled to add this new one, because it's another version in another language. A dear friend got me that Dutch book I didn't even know about!
† All site
Well, 2017, here we are. 2016 was important for me, because it marked the relaunch of the site, with a new look and plenty of new content. 2017 shall be important too: In October (2017), I will celebrate the 20th anniversary of this web site. Imagine! I still have so much unpublished material. I surely have enough for the years to come.
2016
† 'Books' page
I just heard about the new French edition of the book, titled La maison hantée, published by "Rivages/Noir". I ordered two copies, I'm waiting for them.
† 'Movie' page
On the suggestion of a fan, I added propositions of alternate movies, if you want to explore the following genres: Haunted house, Ghost and Horror. Check the very bottom of the homepage.
† 'Movie' page
In early November 2016, a friend visiting the Victoria and Albert Museum in London took additional pictures of superb blue Palissy plates! With his permission, I added them on the "Movie" page.
† 'Books' page
I received the 2016 UK Penguin deluxe edition I had ordered. It looks like there was a manufacturing problem. I ordered two additional copies from other vendors. When I received them: same problem. Well, it is not a misprinted copy or two, then, it must be a whole batch. Still, I added all the details on the "Books" page, and hope that next reprints will be correct.
† All site
It's so comforting to see that, every year, The Haunting is still frequently programmed in movie theaters and on TV for Halloween specials. This year was no exception. Last but not least, I reached an all-time peak of visitors during that week-end. I'm happy and proud!
† 'Movie' page
After a discussion with an MGM specialist, I figured that among all the numbers I have on various promotional material, "MGM 47" was the official production number assigned to the movie. I added that information on the page.
† 'Movie' page
On a DVD (French DVD, "The Innocents", in the bonuses) that I was about to discard, I found a very interesting analysis of the haunted-house/fantastic movie genre by Alexandre Tsekenis that also totally applies for "The Haunting". I translated it and summarized it.
See 'The classic pattern' section.
† All site
I performed a little editing on all pages: I stopped using "did + <verb>" so often, to replace it by "<verb, past simple form>". I also stopped mixing "did not" with "didn't", "does not" with "doesn't". Of course, I didn't touch the quotes or book extracts.
† 'People' page
During recent holidays by the sea (Sep 2016), I spend some time in Deauville, Normandy, France. You may have heard about the Deauville "American Film Festival", and the promenade des planches, where beach closets are dedicated to famous actors and moviemakers that have come to Deauville.
I wanted to show you the beach closet dedicated to Robert Wise. So, obviously, I took some pictures.
† 'Promo' page
I received 1 new German lobby card. I now own 7 of them. Again, I don't believe that they produced an odd number of cards, so I still must miss a few of them. To be continued...
† 'Books' page
I've complemented the "Other books" section on the "Book" page, with numerous books discussing Robert Wise and/or the movie: 'Robert Wise', 'unInvited', 'Robert Wise on his Films', 'The films of Robert Wise', 'Self and Society in the Films of Robert Wise' and 'Robert Wise Shadowlands'.
† 'Promo' page
I received 3 new French lobby cards. I now own 13 of them. Still, I don't believe that they produced an odd number of cards, so I still must miss a few of them. To be continued...
† 'Books' page
The first US pocket edition was not released in 1959 but in 1962. I've just received a copy in great condition of this edition. It clearly states "Soon to be a major MGM motion picture". I've updated the Books page accordingly.
† 'Movie' page
Instinctively, it is quite obvious that Eleanor is the main character of the movie, with the longest screen presence. However, as scientist, I like facts and figures, so I decided to check. I exported the complete movie into single images, frame by frame, and started to count. To avoid endless boring tables with figures, I created some charts, to illustrate my point.
This new section is titled 'Figures about The Haunting'.
† 'Movie' page
A fine connoisseur and fan of the movie informed me that the car Eleanor is driving is a "Hillman Husky Series II". So I made a quick research and added some information in the props and costumes section.
† 'Books' page
I've added this book that I discovered recently: "I Was a Monster Movie Maker". It features a long interview of Nelson Gidding, who shares very interesting thoughts, comments and anecdotes about his work writing the script.
† 'Promo' page
After another long and laborious work, the page dedicated to the promotional items has been updated with all the lobby cards in my possession.
I chose not to use the previous scans I had done over the past years. My new scanner is much better than anything else I owned in the past. So, I rescanned absolutely everything, in 600dpi, and saved them all in uncompressed PNG format. Then I digitally enhanced and cleaned them all. After that, creating a smaller version for the web site was a piece of cake. I hope you'll enjoy them.
† 'Books' page
I have a nice little collection of books and magazines mentioning The Haunting, Robert Wise, Nelson Gidding, etc. I will manage to add information regarding the most interesting ones on the site. For now, I have updated the segment about the book 'Cinematic Hauntings', which contains a long and great section about The Haunting.
† 'Videos' page
Today I received the US version of the Blu-ray. Honestly, I can't understand why I waited for so long to buy it. I own the Spanish, German and Brazilian versions since they were released.
† 'Movie' page
I added some information about the devil statue found in Hill House. It's obviously strange and unexpected. It reminded me, in some way, of the devil's statue found in Rennes-le-château, in France.
† 'Videos' page
After a very long and laborious work, the page dedicated to the videos have been thoroughly updated with all the information I have in my possession. In addition to all the various editions in my personal collection, I also added all other editions that are known to exist. From Blu-ray, to DVD, to VCD, to LaserDisc, to VHS and Betamax. I hope that someday a VHD will show up, unexpected?
For the finishing touches, I still need to add some information here and there. For instance, ratios for VHS or Betamax tapes that I own but have not played, or zone information for DVD I own, still shrink-wrapped and unplayed.
Last but not least, this update forced me to perform a detailed inventory of my collection, so I've restarted to hunt the missing editions.
† 'The House' page
After Ettington Park, where the exterior scenes were shot, I thought it was time to say a word about the Elstree and Borehamwood studios, where the interior scenes were shot.
† 'Books' page
Another update on the 'Book' page. This time I've used the services of additional online web-based tools to analyse the novel: Online-utility.org and Voyant-tools.org. This resulted in numerous new figures and great looking graphics.
† All site
After an afterthought, I used a different technique to handle the tables in responsive design. The number of tables were reduced to the strict minimum : <div> boxes were used instead whenever possible. For the remaining data requiring an actual table, I've used a new technique that gets rids of all scrollbars and that presents the top row on the side of each "record" when the resolution is too low.
† 'Books' page
I completed a major update of the page dedicated to the books, with all the new books that I own, plus other ones that are confirmed to exist, for a grand total of 35 new books introduced.
† 'Books' page
I used a new tool to generate the tag clouds, then replaced all the existing ones. I now have a tag cloud for the book as a whole (both in English and French).
† 'Videos' page
I changed all the pictures of the covers with cleaner ones.
This is an interim solution. I still have all the 'post 2010' editions to process (many new DVDs, the Blu-ray discs), plus the additional editions of older VHS & BetaMax. In due time, I will rescan all the covers with my new scanner, much better than the ones I used in 1995-2010.
† All site
The visitors using a regular computer might not notice it, but I've polished the responsive design version of the site (the one that get displayed when you visit the site with a Smartphone or tablet with tiny screen). The display is now adjusted for all possible screen resolutions and pixel densities. In all cases, I encourage you to also visit the site with a large screen, at least to see the pictures of Ettington Park in their full width.
† 'The House' page
I completed a major update of the page dedicated to the house, adding 80+ pictures of Ettington Park. It took a lot of time, to select the pictures (I've got more than 1,500 pictures from that stay) and then to rework them for the site. I hope you will enjoy the pictures of the towers, from the inside (rarely seen).
† 'Journal' page
I've been in contact with some fans since the 1997 version of this web site. After the re-launch, some of them mentioned this first version to me with fond memories. Since I have all versions neatly stored here, I thought I would I take you to a trip down memory lane... so I re-installed the first version as a subsite. This is actually the 1997 version with the Flash introduction that I added slightly after the initial launch. Flash was all the rage back then. Notice the screenshot made from the very grainy VHS version. Be warned: the 1997 site comes with background sound!! So, turn the volume down before you explore it. Plus, you might be interested to know that there are actually two pages. One in black and white, and another one in full colour. Will you be able to find it?
† All site
The new site (v4.0) is online!
And here we are! After years of patience and months of intensive work, the new version is ready to replace the very dated one. I'm proud, happy and relieved.
† 'Promo' page
I restarted from scratch, with a blank page. I wanted to use a new structure to present the promotional items. Today I added the main textual content of the page. Later I'll add the (very numerous) pictures, with appropriate captions. I have lots of US, South American, Australian, European and Japanese promotional items to share.
† 'Videos' page
I decided to rework some screenshots of the Blu-ray, to clearly highlight what could have been done to restore the movie a little bit. I also installed a comparison slider, to make the comparison easier.
Of course I applied too much correction, on purpose, just to illustrate my point.
† All site
The new site is not fully completed with all the content that I expected to publish, but, hey, I've decided to get it ready for launch anyway.
In the past years I've been working on a new version with lots of new content. Eventually, I decided to ditch it because it was still in HTML 4 and more importantly, the look was very dated. It was a shame: what about all this new content in this ugly site?
So I restarted from scratch: a blank canvas in pure HTML5; I created a brand new look with CSS3 and I even added some animations with jQuery. I really liked the result, and I still like it today. Then I started to integrate all the content (from the never published ugly ditched site).
When it was done, I realised that — in the meantime — I also had gathered and acquired plenty of new content that was worth it. So I started to integrate it, bit by bit. But there was so much to do that I lost patience and paused everything.
Earlier this year, I decided to resume, but I made two lists: "What is essential for the relaunch" and "What can be integrated later [nice to have]". When all the boxes on the first list will be ticked, I'll delete the online site and I'll replace it with the new version.
I hope I'll be able to regularly add new content, when the pressure to relaunch a comprehensive site will be gone. To be continued...
1997
† All site
Very first published version. I re-installed the first version as a subsite. Be warned: the 1997 site comes with background sound!! So, turn the volume down before you explore it. Plus, you might be interested to know that there are actually two pages. One in black and white, and another one in full colour. Will you be able to find it?