Top billing in the opening cast credits goes to orchestra leader George Melachrino, and his music on the soundtrack is sometimes so loud it makes it hard to make out the dialogue; but the unchallenged star of this slice of spooky period hokum is the very young Laurence Harvey, who has special billing to himself in this, his film debut.Most of Harvey's early film appearances under his contract with Associated British were petty inconspicuous, so it comes as a shock to discover that his actual debut was here in a very showy lead role with lots and lots of sneering close-ups. Aged just 19, still with a hint of puppy fat about his features and immaculately turned out in bow-tie and Edwardian costume, he looks little different from his days of Hollywood stardom just over ten years later, but is even less endearing than usual as an arrogant, self-centred schemer. Obviously made on a shoestring but strangely compelling viewing, you won't forget the ghostly musical duet at the end in a hurry!

HOUSE OF DARKNESS is a low budget British chiller and an entry in the 'old dark house' entry of film-making. The script is by John Gilling who would later become one of the British horror greats after directing PLAGUE OF THE ZOMBIES and similar fare. Seen today, this is a brief and slight piece, with a straightforward plot that concentrates mainly on developing mood and atmosphere for the audience.It's notable for featuring a strong performance from Laurence Harvey in his debut role, playing the disaffected younger brother who feels constantly resentful of his controlling elder sibling. When his older brother becomes gravely ill, Harvey decides to teach him a lesson with sinister consequences for all. HOUSE OF DARKNESS is a slow and creepy effort that feels a bit lukewarm for modern audiences, as many of the set-pieces had already been done better elsewhere (and some, such as the creepy wall painting, had been openly spoofed in American B-movies). Famed composer George Melachrino appears as himself in the wraparound scenes.

They called them quota quickies over across the pond, what we term as B films. House Of Darkness would be a forgotten film today other than the fact it introduced Laurence Harvey in his very first film. Harvey in his time played some truly dislikeable people on the screen and he certainly gets that aspect of his personality across in this film. He plays the wastrel son who with his wife is sharing a rather large and gloomy mansion house with his much brother older brother and his wife. Brother Alexander Archdale controls the family purse strings and he keeps Harvey on a tight leash.No need to go into the plot details. House Of Darkness was shot on a few brass farthings for a budget. But the atmosphere created was pretty frightening. There was also no doubt that Laurence Harvey had some charismatic screen presence even playing a real cad. For fans of Laurence Harvey.

This film begins and ends in a bizarre fashion.George Melachrino,who had a string orchestra that rivalled Mantovannis,starts with a full orchestral number and then lurches into the tale of his stay in a haunted house.Laurence Harvey in his first film starts as he intends to go on.He is arrogant,ego maniac ambitious and almost a murderer.The screenwriter seems to have utilised parts of other films here and there.A bit of The Little Foxes,a dash of Gaslight,and a dollop of Master of Bankdam there.Whilst the supporting cast is reasonable they are literally overwhelmed by the acting of Harvey.Having acquired the house,and driven everyone else away he goes mad playing the piano.We then fade back into Henry Oscar asking George Melachrino to play another number,which he does.An interesting debut.