The Shuttered Room (1967)

Sent away at the age of 4 from the island off the coast of Massachusetts where she was born, a young woman (Carol Lynley), recently married, returns to the island to claim her inheritance, an old mill left to her by her parents. The superstitious islanders urge her to stay away as there is a curse on the house. Based on the story by H.P. Lovecraft and August Derleth and directed by David Greene (GRAY LADY DOWN). Although the story takes place in the U.S., the movie was filmed in England and aside from its two stars, the rest of the cast is British. Thus, the film never feels like it takes place in America, it looks like England and the Brit cast aren't convincing as Yanks. The film is handsomely shot courtesy of cinematographer Kenneth Hodges (THE RULING CLASS). Alas, the screenplay is poorly constructed. There's no suspense and its characters don't behave naturally, they behave like the script wants them to. With a young Oliver Reed (exuding a menacing sex appeal), Flora Robson and Ann Bell.