The Innocents (film)
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| The Innocents | |
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| Directed by | Jack Clayton |
| Produced by | Jack Clayton |
| Written by | Novella: Henry James Screenplay: William Archibald Truman Capote |
| Starring | Deborah Kerr |
| Music by | Georges Auric |
| Cinematography | Freddie Francis |
| Editing by | Jim Clark |
| Distributed by | 20th Century Fox |
| Release date(s) | December 25, 1961 (NY premiere) |
| Running time | 100 min. |
| Language | English |
| All Movie Guide profile | |
| IMDb profile | |
The Innocents is a 1961 horror film based on the novella The Turn of the Screw by Henry James. Directed and produced by Jack Clayton, it starred Deborah Kerr. Falling into the subgenre of psychological horror, the film makes use of its lighting, music, and direction for its effect rather than gore and shock factor. Its atmospheric feel was achieved by cinematographer Freddie Francis. The film also marked the first film role for child actor Pamela Franklin.
The Innocents was nominated for two BAFTA Awards, including Best British Film and Best Film from any Source. For his direction, Clayton was awarded the National Board of Review Award for Best Director. William Archibald and Truman Capote won a 1962 Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for Best Motion Picture Screenplay.
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[edit] Plot
The Innocents tells the story of an inexperienced governess, and daughter of a country parson (Kerr) who is hired to care for the niece and nephew of a callous socialite (Redgrave). While caring for the children, the governess discovers that her predecessor was having an affair with the gamekeeper Quint, and that both of them died in bizarre circumstances. Thereafter, the governess comes believe that the ghosts of Quint and his lover are attempting to possess the bodies of the children.
[edit] Cast
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Deborah Kerr | Miss Giddens |
| Peter Wyngarde | Peter Quint |
| Megs Jenkins | Mrs. Grose |
| Michael Redgrave | The Uncle |
| Martin Stephens | Miles |
| Pamela Franklin | Flora |
| Clytie Jessop | Miss Jessel |
[edit] Trivia
- "The Infant Kiss", a song by Kate Bush, from her 1980 album Never for Ever, was inspired by the film. A fan-made music video clip of "The Infant Kiss" is available on YouTube, comprised of various scenes from the movie.
- Co-writer Archibald had previously written a stage adaptation of James' novella that premiered on Broadway in 1950. The name of the play was also The Innocents.
- An audiotrack from this film was sampled into the cursed tape of the 2002 film The Ring.
[edit] External links
| Works by Truman Capote |
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| Novels: Summer Crossing · The Grass Harp · The Thanksgiving Visitor · Other Voices, Other Rooms
Breakfast at Tiffany's · Answered Prayers: The Unfinished Novel |
