The Unseen (1945)

A young and inexperienced girl (Gail Russell) is hired as a governess for two motherless children (Richard Lyon, Nona Griffith). However, she senses immediately that something is wrong with the two children, especially the boy who seems under the malevolent influence of his previous governess (Phyllis Brooks). Based on the novel MIDNIGHT HOUSE by Ethel Lina White (and adapted for the screen by Raymond Chandler) and directed by Lewis Allen (THE UNINVITED). If the plot sounds very familiar then you've read TURN OF THE SCREW by Henry James. Ethel Lina White has had other of her novels adapted for the screen, notably THE SPIRAL STAIRCASE and THE LADY VANISHES. Paramount had a big hit the previous year with THE UNINVITED also directed by Lewis Allen and it made Gail Russell a popular young actress. So naturally Paramount demanded a follow up. It's quite well done although the serial killer isn't too hard to identify once you eliminate the obvious. Alas, the film's last ten minutes are weak and dissipate the tension carefully built up till then. Murder mystery fans should enjoy this one. With Joel McCrea, Herbert Marshall, Isobel Elsom, Tom Tully, Norman Lloyd and Elisabeth Risdon.