The Woman in Black is a 1989 British horror TV film, written by Nigel Kneale (yep, him again), and based on the novel of the same name by Susan Hill.
In 1925, young solicitor Arthur Kidd – the excellent Adrian Rawlins – is sent to an English village to settle the estate of the late Alice Drablow, a reclusive widow. Whilst there, Arthur begins to see visions of a mysterious woman in black, with greying features and hate in her eyes. These visions begin to haunt Arthur and he finds the locals are too afraid to talk about Alice Drablow or her home, Eel Marsh House.
Despite being warned to stay away from the house, Arthur cannot help himself, and is soon drawn into a frightening battle which reaches a terrifying conclusion.
The Woman in Black was first broadcast on ITV on Christmas Eve 1989, and I can well imagine it ruined a few Christmases for many of its viewers. Everything about this production is class. It has such a creepy vibe all the way through and is quite beautiful to look at. The acting is wonderful. Adrian Rawlins is so convincing as young Arthur, trying to discharge his duties and be a loving father. And we also have Bernard Helton as landowner Sam Toovey, Arthur’s one real friend and ally. Hepton was such a familiar face on British TV and it is so lovely to see him as the paternal Toovey, who tries to aid Arthur as best he can.
Also, a special mention to Pauline Moran as the Woman in Black. From her very first appearance at the funeral, we just know something isn’t right. And yet she appears in the daylight, outside, which is slightly unusual for a ghost story and somewhat subverts out expectations.
There are so many nerve-jangling, creepy moments……and then there is that bit, the moment everybody remembers. Immediately after this scene there was an ad break which has since been described as, “The most necessary ad break in TV history.”
The 1989 version of The Woman in Black is infinitely better than the 2012 film remake starring Daniel Radcliffe. I am totally unconvinced by Radcliffe’s acting, and it has the horrid ‘happy’ ending, whereas the TV ending is utterly downbeat and miserable.
Just in time for Christmas, and just the way I like it!
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