Too much of everything

Perfectly adorable

a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

.Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

Nicely-handled period ghost story (by the renowned Irish author J. Sheridan LeFanu, of "Carmilla" fame) that is somewhat lengthy at 70 minutes; its backdrop of classical Dutch painting is, however, admirably evoked throughout in the subdued and tasteful quality of the photography that also extends to the occasional nudity on display which, given the subject matter, was inevitable. The two notable names within the cast each play principal roles: Maurice Denham – from NIGHT OF THE DEMON (1957) – as Schalcken's mentor and John Justin – from the definitive 1940 version of THE THIEF OF BAGDAD – as the mysterious and wizened rich visitor who barters with the former for the hand of his niece (who is secretly in love with the titular figure). Incidentally, both painters truly existed and, apparently, the story was concocted as a means of explaining the sudden change in Schalcken's style of painting and especially the 'story' behind one particular canvas in which he depicts himself defending the honor of his beloved and about to strike at something vaguely visible with a sword!

I saw it and taped it when it went out and have never forgotten it. Sadly that was on Betamax in a former life. I agree entirely with everyone's observations on the piece.And I have seen the original painting. Many years ago I was stood in the doorway of a huge room in an English stately home, listening to the information being given by the guide when I casually glanced to my left.This was a very warm summer's day but my blood froze. I was resting against a wall covered in paintings and there next to my left elbow was the very painting of the girl shielding the candle, with her ghastly suitor's face in the shadows...I can't remember which house it was though it might have been Woodstock near Oxford. But I will never forget that shock! The piece, from the Omnibus series, does still exist as a print so there is still hope...

This visual adaptation of Joseph Sheridan le Fanu's short story is, as I remember, as faithful to the pace and tone of the original work as any film I've come across. As compelling as the story, and lit in a way evocative of Vermeer and Schalken, it proceeds with an attention to static detail and earthiness that one normally associates with Dutch interior pictures of the 17th century, adding to this already addictive blend the grim inevitability of a supernaturally sinister social deal based on personal gain. Anyone interested in this period of Dutch history will gain much enjoyment from this film - paradoxes abound in this curious world of high art, dedication, order, status, lust, pecuniary gain, moral, (and physical), corruption. Truly a lost masterpiece.

I remember seeing this on BBC2 one Christmas when I was 17 (1980 or so) and I think it may have been shown again a year or two later. It was a fantastic horror/ghost story with emphasis on atmosphere and suspense. Very dark, much like the real Schalken's paintings.There is a wonderful air of mystery about the film - and it's creepy as hell. To the best of my knowledge, it hasn't been shown since, although some of the other comments suggest it was shown in 1989. Maybe now that we have BBC3 and 4, they will get around to showing this. It happened with the M.R. James stuff (and Dickens' The Signalman) from the early 70's this past (04) Christmas, so why not this? Highly recommended.