The House That Screamed (1969)

Narciso Ibanez Serrador's 1969 girls school slasher gets a new, sparkling, extras-packed release from Arrow Films.

New pupil Therese (Cristina Galbo) arrives to take up a place at the kind of Victorian Gothic boarding school for wayward girls where it would seem odd if there wasn't something strange going on. Having to deal with the usual power struggles, petty rivalries, and a strict disciplinarian of a headmistress (Lilli Palmer), aided by one of the older girls (Mary Maude), it all gets a bit much for her. Despite starting a relationship with Luis (John Moulder-Brown), the headmistress' son, Therese is soon planning to escape. But there's a killer on the loose and climbing out of the school at night might not be the best idea.

THE HOUSE THAT SCREAMED boasts a fine sense of the Gothic and a dénouement that, strangely enough, provided the basis for another Spanish horror made 12 years later. I won't mention its title here for those who have yet to watch it, but that climax is suitably (and surprisingly) perverse for a film made in a country still suffering at the time from strict movie censorship laws. The location is great, the acting is intense, and the action is complemented well by Waldo de Los Rios' music score.

Arrow's transfer is a new 2K restoration with both the 104 uncut LA RESIDENCIA version and the 94 minute US theatrical release. Anna Bogutskaya (whom some will know from when she sometimes fills in for Mark Kermode on his podcast) provides the new commentary track. Interviews include Mary Maude at 2012's Manchester Festival of Fantastic Films, a previously unreleased interview with John Moulder-Brown, new interviews with Juan Tebar who wrote the original story, the director's son Alejandro, and Dr Antonio Lazaro-Reboll who discusses the film & its director. There are also trailers, TV and radio spots and an image gallery. The first pressing will come with a booklet featuring new writing on the film and a fold-out poster with new artwork.

Narciso Ibanez Serrador's THE HOUSE THAT SCREAMED is out on Blu-ray from Arrow Films on Monday 6th March 2023