The Woman in Black
Tags: gothic, haunting

Plot synopsis:
The story begins with Arthur Kipps, a retired solicitor who formerly worked for Mr. Bentley. One night he is at home with his wife Esme and four stepchildren, who are telling ghost stories. When he is asked to tell a story, he becomes irritated and leaves the room, and begins to write of his horrific experiences several years in the past.
Many years earlier, whilst still a junior solicitor for Bentley, Kipps was summoned to Crythin Gifford, a small market town on the north east coast of England, to attend the funeral of Mrs. Alice Drablow. Kipps is reluctant to leave his fiancée, Stella, but he is eager to leave the London smog. The late Drablow was an elderly and reclusive widow who lived alone in the desolate and secluded Eel Marsh House.
The house is situated on Nine Lives Causeway. At high tide, it is completely cut off from the mainland, surrounded only by marshes and sea frets. Kipps soon realises there is more to Alice Drablow than he originally thought. At the funeral, he sees a woman dressed in black and with a pale face and dark eyes, whom a group of children are silently watching. While sorting through Mrs Drablow's papers at Eel Marsh House over the course of several days, he endures an increasingly terrifying sequence of unexplained noises, chilling events and appearances by the Woman in Black. In one of these instances, he hears the sound of a horse and carriage in distress, closely followed by the screams of a young child and his maid, coming from the direction of the marshes.
Most of the people in Crythin Gifford are reluctant to reveal information about Mrs Drablow and the mysterious woman in black. Any attempts by Kipps to find out the truth causes pained and fearful reactions. From various sources, Kipps learns that Mrs Drablow's sister, Jennet Humfrye, gave birth to a child, Nathaniel. Because she was unmarried, she was forced to give the child to her sister. Mrs Drablow and her husband adopted the boy, and insisted that he should never know that Jennet was his mother. The child's screams that Kipps heard were those of Nathaniel's ghost. Jennet went away for a year. When realising she could not be parted for long from her son, she made an agreement to stay at Eel Marsh House with him as long as she never revealed her true identity to him. She secretly planned to abscond from the house with her son. One day, a horse and carriage carrying the boy across the causeway became lost and sank into the marshes, killing all aboard, while Jennet looked on helplessly from the window.
After Jennet died, she returned to haunt Eel Marsh House and the town of Crythin Gifford, as the malevolent Woman in Black. According to local tales, a sighting of the Woman in Black presaged the death of a child.
After some time (but still years before the beginning of the story), Kipps returns to London, marries Stella, has a child of his own, and tries to put the events at Crythin Gifford behind him. At a fair, while his wife and child are enjoying a horse and carriage ride, Kipps sees the Woman in Black. She steps out in front of the horse and startles it, causing it to bolt and wreck the carriage against a tree, killing the child instantly and fatally injuring Stella.
Kipps finishes his reminiscence with the words, "They have asked for my story. I have told it. Enough."

Review: It is a story of a young middle class man who, at ease with life and the developing new technology around him is suddenly taken out of this familiar environment and made to face the world where the curse of an evil woman still holds sway and kept watch for like sea frets and the danger of the marshes if traveling to the house that lays beyond them.
Then, like the eldritch façade of Eel Marsh House, like the devil standing upright in the day,an apparition of a woman dressed in black makes her claim and there is nothing to stand between him and the spectre that has haunted and terrified a generation.
We are treated here to a story being told like a tale by the campfire where, at the end of its telling, we perhaps hear something else amid the cry of the gulls and we are dared to peer through the windows of an old house in the marshes and maybe glimpse The Woman in Black.
The Woman in Black, which is about a solicitor who was sent to a supposedly haunted house to settle a woman's estate after she died, is a good example of a classic bone-chilling ghost story.
The Woman in Black centres its atmospheric horror factor on subtlety and feelings of suspense and dread, rather than CGI or gore.Shot in England, the setting couldn't have been more perfect.
Although this could have been just another low budget made-for-TV movie, The Woman in Black is a new, refreshing take on the old "things going bump in the night" idea..
I remember watching this when i was around 15 and it really did scare me, obviously if you watch it in broad daylight with other people talking it will not scare you much, but watch it in the right way and it will.If your a fan of horror films that don't contain lots of blood and guts (which I like, but they don't scare me in the slightest) then this is for you.It is the scariest film I've ever seen, the only thing that has come close to it is the stage adaptation of the book which is great.Now its not perfect, but with th money they had and when it was made its as good as it could have been.Actually looking forward to the 2012 adaptation, don't think it will be as well done but still looking forward to it..
"The Woman in Black" is easily one of the creepiest British ghost stories ever made.A young solicitor,after arriving in a small town to handle a dead client's estate,is haunted by a mysterious woman dressed all in black.The film is loaded with extremely eerie atmosphere and the frights are calculated for and deliver the maximum effect possible.The action keeps the viewer deeply involved and the finale is quite disturbing.The acting is excellent and the tension is almost unbearable at times.So if you want to see a truly creepy horror film give this one a look.I dare anyone to watch "The Woman in Black" alone at night with the lights off.Highly recommended.10 out of 10..
There he encounters the woman in black again in cemetery out back of the house, and things begin to get creepy as terrifying noises start coming from the marshes.
Now can Mrs Drablow's belongings and listening to her recorded dairy entries help Kidd figure out this gloomy mystery that the locals fear to talk about.Often highly regarded amongst horror fans as being one of the most chilling ghost stories ever and I can see their point.
When you hear so many good things, it's sometimes hard not get caught up with it.Anyhow what the British TV presentation of "The Woman in Black" effectively does is bring out a truly old-fashion, slow burn spine-tingling premise driven by its moody locations, disquieting atmosphere and first-rate performances.
In the vein of other Gothic chillers such as "The Innocents" or "The Haunting", the film is indebted to a classical style— heavy on plot and mood, though punctuated by a series of legitimately scary moments that are strung along a sombre and downbeat narrative.A very handsome (if I may so so myself) Adrian Rawlins leads the film as our protagonist and does a fine job here, while Pauline Moran plays counterpoint as the mysterious and perhaps malevolent Woman in Black.
Overall, "The Woman in Black" is essentially the made-for-TV equivalent of classic Gothic chillers such as Jack Clayton's aforementioned "The Innocents"— that's not to say it's a bad film by any means, but rather that it runs in a similar vein, albeit with the budget quirks of a television production.
As a television production, "The Woman in Black" is a sophisticated and nicely crafted ghost story that holds its ground against its more innovated, big-budget peers.
The Woman in Black (1989) is a TV adaptation of Susan Hill's modern classic ghost story, published only a few years earlier than the film was made.
I taped "Woman in Black" in 1989 from PBS, and it's a good thing because I would like to watch it again since I know a little more what to expect, but haven't gotten the courage to.
Slasher movies, gore-fest and the like don't do it for me and although some films made me jump a few times, nothing had truly scared me until I saw The Woman in Black.
"Video Nasties" are just that: nasty, and I've seen the supposed Daddy of them all, Cannibal Holocaust but it's just gross, not frightening.I'm talking about real fear; the fear you feel when you have a nightmare and The Woman in Black delivers that.The Woman in Black is not a big-budget film, in fact it was made for UK TV but Hollywood could learn a lot from this film if they want to frighten people.The Woman in Black is simply an excellent ghost story, set in 1920s England.
It has atmosphere, suspense and a genuine feeling of creepiness about it.When I first saw it, I had my doubts about it scaring me but I can honestly say that this is the only film that has chilled me to the bone.
I found myself out of my bed and by the door!It has echoes of "The Haunting" (1960), and full marks to the sound designer and the composer for creating the right mood.On occasion, I play this film to unsuspecting jaded horror flick fans who, like me, fail to sleep comfortably after the first watching.....
Although the "Woman in Black" only appears 4 or 5 times, the film scares a lot.
It frightened me senseless and it has never really left me.It is a really wonderful film and a delight to know that there are some really good ghost stories out there.
The whole atmosphere is made tense by the fact that you never know when something truly awful is either going to appear or going to happen and your are treated to the same amount of terror that the main character, Arthur Kidd, is experiencing which is very rare for any film to get the audience involved in that way.You must see this film, track it down and view something that is so terrifying that you won't sleep for nights on end.It is a shame that the film is no longer available on video in Britain and is hardly ever shown on television now so come on somebody get this out on video or even better on DVD as it is a classic and defines how all ghost stories should be made..
It has been a while since I saw it, but when I discuss SCARY movies like this, and the lack of them in today's film production, I always mention this film as the *one* I saw on TV late one night, home alone in my parent's big house, with the  one scene which made my body react like no other film or situation ever had before; my shocked body froze; something cold shot through my spine through to my fingertips and stayed there a LONG time after.Even when I saw it again the day after I got the same shock.
The picture quality isn't as good as PAL due to the slower fresh rate of NTSC.So I was wondering, with the new big-screen version due out soon, whether the current owners of the film might release this version on Region 2 DVD in PAL for it's original viewing audience who have such fond memories of watching it that Christmas?
Although an old fashioned horror film, The Woman in Black is still considered to be one of the scariest movies of all time.
He journeys along to the widow's remote house despite the talk of the town, and to his discovery, he learns about its frightening history through strange encounters of the woman in black.Without explicit use of violence and blood like modern horror movies, this film is cleverly composed to give the audience a frightening experience.
The film's simplicity and subtle effects adds to its unique storyline, thus redefining the genre of horror films.Particularly, the woman in black, played by Pauline Moran, leaves such a strong impression that's haunting, even after the movie's conclusion.
The woman in black brings a hint of mystery as the movie makes us question her true motives.This is not a typical ghost story, but yet even better.
Though the woman in black does not have much screen time, she makes the necessary appearances to chill the audience in some brilliant scenes.
If you have the chance, watch this on theater it's a totally different experience but as scary as this movie.This is one of the best Ghost movies ever and it's directed for people that want to get scared..
Whilst I have loved haunted house movies such as Amityville and Poltergeist, this made for TV adaption of Susan Hills book packs a huge punch on the horrors of Hollywood.With a brilliant cast (many of which star in Heartbeat and other TV dramas), great acting, and fantastic setting (which portrays 1920's life convincingly), it has all the right ingredients to entice the viewer into what is a powerful ghost story.Herbert Wise did not need blood, violence, or gore to send chills down the spines of an audience.
Using your own imagination, the Woman In Black is a figure of fear and dread, and whose presence is never absent once she first appears.The main character Arthur Kidd, a solicitor, learns about his unseen spectre on his mission to settle the estate.
I have often woken up at night thinking she was behind me in my sleep.The Woman In Black is a great TV movie and a lost gem.
I was quite young at the time but i'm not sure who was more terrified walking through the church yard to the entrance of the church that night me or my father!.There are many factors about this film that make it so creepy but i think 0ne of them is the fact that there's not much in the way of a sound track that plays in the background of nearly every Hollywood movie, so every creak, thump and bang is more amplified in your head as there's no distraction.
IF you like chilling horror, well written, well acted and with a genuinely scary atmosphere, this is the movie for you.
Freddie Vs Jason, the Scream movies, Cabin Trash, and especially Stephen King's infantile attempts - he's recycled every story from The Monkey's Paw to whatever, often in the same story - at horror in both writing and on film (except for Kubrick's version of The Shining which actually was scary, unlike King's books which are as frightening as my big toe - the left one, which still has the nail.But The Woman In Black is that rare modern film that will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.
He's learned his lessons from the masters who knew how to make horror - Val Lewton (original Cat People) and Robert Wise (a Val Lewton disciple and director of the Haunting and The Body Snatcher), Jacques Tournier (another Val Lewton disciple who directed a truly horrifying zombie film, not the gross rubbish Raimi did (gross isn't scary, folks, it's just gross), and Lewis Allen (The Uninvited), and of course Jack Clayton's turn on Henry James The Innocents, and the way the master of suspense, Hitchcock, can still bring you to the edge of your seat even with a slow-building and burning period piece like Under Capricorn.TEN STARS....
I first watched this film when I was a kid and is the only time in my life that I can remember putting my hands over my face and eyes in utter horror at one particular scene.
The made-for-TV film of Susan Hill's classic ghost story, The Woman In Black is brilliant!From the moment you meet Arthur Kidd, London solicitor, you like him.
Her essence hangs, like the sea frets that come up suddenly, in the air.The Woman in Black is not just another ghost story.
Who sent the trunk to London and why?Old Keckwich was Mrs. Drablow's only friend, and the only trust-worthy character in the film.So, if you have the nerve, invite a friend to hold your hand when the tension is beyond your ability to continue to watch, and visit Crythin Gifford, that sleepy little coastal town, where the "frets" come up "sudden like" and where Mrs. Drablow's husband died "out foreign.".
The Woman In Black is an excellent ghost story or haunting movie.
This movie proves that you don't need  a big budget and lots of special effects to end up with a great film.
If you enjoy a good straight haunting type horror movie that really does scare you, be sure to look this little gem up and give it a watch.
A great scary movie of the true ghost story variety.
Those who criticise it are, I feel, missing out on an extremely well made ghost story which is genuinely creepy with a few chilling scares.I guess it's not a film for those who like something that's full of visual action, but for those with imagination and who have the patience and ability to immerse themselves, this is a must.This easily ranks up there with the excellent film The Changeling..
after reading reviews from other people on here claiming this film was the scariest movie ever made i thought id track down a copy eventually i did and jeez what can i say its truly terrifying when you see the woman in black she is so scary one reviewer said of a certain scene (it will scare u til your grave) its true takes an hour for it to happen but beware the scene when the main character awakes in the inn and finds the tin soldier in his hand the scene seconds from the moment is scary as hell.
And that one appearance which will haunt me for the next few nights, grabbed my spine with an icy hand and would not let go.If you are a fan of great ghost stories be sure to find this film.
What is not shown but merely left to our imagination is infinitely more terrifying than anything the special effects man can dream up.Throughout this exemplary exercise in terror, we are continually in a state of fear as we anticipate the next appearance of the eponymous "woman in black", and it is a measure of the film's success that we find ourselves anxiously checking the edges of frame, dreading her presence as much as does the young hero of the film.
Though at times it shows its TV movie origins in terms of scale and production values, the literate script, solid performances and inspired low-key direction give this film a quality that will haunt and disturb long after viewing.
The Woman in Black ranks as perhaps the most scary genre film of all time, outclassing by some way Robert Wise's The Haunting for real supernatural shudders.
I was expecting to see the woman in black a few times and for her to do a few more jumpy scenes, like appear at the window or walk across the hall or something.Nearly all the reviews here say what a scary, gripping, atmospheric movie this is.
She haunted me as a kid and, after watching it recently, I can honestly say this is a top-notch horror film.There's something about ghost stories set in Victorian or early-20th century England.
Think of the scariest film you've seen; The Woman in Black is scarier.One question remains: WHEN WILL BE BRITS BE ABLE TO OWN A COPY????.
...On stage, TV or in a book, 'The Woman in Black' is an outstanding ghost story.
What the film doesn't feature, however, is graphic violence or gory make-up effects, but like only the case in the very best horror movies, you're not missing these.
That said, let's take a look at this film, which is touted as being a `spine-chilling ghost story.'  Warning!
Also woman in black has just come out on CD audio, i think this will be better than the film also as you have to concentrate and listen instead of just watching on television.
whistling scene) that could have added so much more to the story something was missing.The Woman in Black(1989) creeped me out at 14, and it still does, except that not only did I find it a masterpiece of chilling atmosphere but I was also able to appreciate other things about it.
I don't care how scary the Blair Witch is, the Woman in Black would kick her a$$ in an instant.When I first saw this movie I was about nine years old.
At that time movies made a big impression on me - and I'll never get this movie out of my mind again...The film is about a young lawyer named Arthur Kidd, who's sent to an old house, where the owner - an old woman, has just past away.