Lost Hearts (1973)

Redundant and unnecessary.

Bad Acting and worse Bad Screenplay

Funny, strange, confrontational and subversive, this is one of the most interesting experiences you'll have at the cinema this year.

This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.

A very strong entry in the Ghost story for Christmas series, I've been critical in the past thinking it's a drama that has elements of Hammer Horror, but also strong elements of Children's TV. A sort of CBBC v Hammer production, however when I re-watched it, I'll admit for the most part I was wrong. It's a dark story, and the elements in it that seem soft and cuddly are actually dark, and hiding a sinister heart. Fabulous production values, which has been the case throughout the series, this is more blatant horror, whereas with the Barchester Stalls and Warning to the curious, where the threat was more subtle and often inferred, here it's visually more obvious with the scares. Joseph O'Conor is so strong in the role of Abney, he certainly makes up for some of the wooden acting. Overall it's very good. 7/10

In the 1850s an innocent orphan goes to live with his guardian, an elderly cousin who dabbles in mysticism, but the fates of two orphans who previously lived there disturb the hospitality.Could this be made today? The connotations are distasteful, and when you think this was made in the '70s, and the original story was written in Lewis Carrol's time, you wonder if something is being thinly veiled.This creates a nice Dickensian vibe, as the noble hero is welcomed into a world of slightly grotesque but affable adults whose goal is to mistreat and abuse him. The villain is played very well, but I didn't think the hero was good in close up - always blinking.Nicely shot, with the spookiness established immediately, and the sets and costumes are perfect. The ghosts are possibly overdone, but eerie nonetheless. (I wonder if the ghouls in the Hush episode of Buffy were inspired by this.) The climax is on the nose, which is a pity, since it could have afforded to be less literal, more mysterious.Overall - stylish little spook fest.

I cannot stress just how terrifying the sight of these 2 ghoul children is!! Its one of those fantastic scenes that lingers in the mind long after the film is over. Its a pretty faithful adaptation of the short story to boot. This is definitely worth tracking down.

This stunning horror film by famous short story writer M.R.James is only 40 minutes long but is probably the best horror film I've ever seen. It terrified me as a kid and stood up well when repeated recently, although it came across as a more playful piece this time around. Fast film stock gives a horribly verite atmosphere to the proceedings and nothing can beat the grotesque sight of the kids with long fingernails marching remorselessly towards the camera to the eerie sound of a Hurdy Gurdy. Respect due to a work of genius.