The Innocents (1961 film)

The Innocents is a 1961 British supernatural gothic horror film directed and produced by Jack Clayton, and starring Deborah Kerr, Michael Redgrave and Megs Jenkins. Based on the novella The Turn of the Screw by Henry James, the plot follows a governess who watches over two children and comes to fear that the house is haunted by ghosts and that the two children are being possessed. The title of the film was taken from William Archibalds stage adaptation of James novella. Falling within the subgenre of psychological horror, the film achieves its effects through lighting, music and direction rather than conventional shocks. Its atmosphere was created by cinematographer Freddie Francis, who employed deep focus in many scenes, as well as bold, minimal lighting. It was partly shot on location at the Gothic mansion of Sheffield Park in Sussex.

Miss Giddens Deborah Kerr applies for a job as a governess. It is to be her first position, but the wealthy bachelor interviewing her Michael Redgrave is unconcerned with her lack of experience. He values his freedom to travel and socialise and unabashedly confesses that he has no room, mentally or emotionally for his niece and nephew. They were orphaned and left in his care as infants, and he keeps them at Bly, his country estate. The previous governess, Miss Jessel, died suddenly less than a year ago. All he cares about is that Miss Giddens accept full responsibility for the children, never troubling him with whatever problems may arise.At Bly, Miss Giddens is instantly taken with Flora. She also forges a friendship with Mrs. Grose Megs Jenkins, the kindly housekeeper. The boy, Miles, is away at boarding school, though Flora delightedly insists that her brother is coming home. Miss Giddens then receives a letter saying that Miles has been expelled from school because of his bad influence on the other boys. Mrs. Grose says she cant imagine Miles being a bad influence, and when Miss Giddens meets the boy herself, she too thinks his teachers must have exaggerated. He seems charming and mature though perhaps too mature, with flirtatious flattery toward his governess. ........

Source: Wikipedia