Andrew Marr (Carlton Hobbs) was a patient at the St. Columba’s Mental Institution until he died. Before he died he called to his side his friend, Edward Foster (Robert Hardy). He tells Edward that he must call his heirs together and that his money his hidden in the house. It seems that Andrew took 210,000 British pounds and hid them somewhere in the family mansion. Andrew then dies. Edward decides to cheat the relatives of their inheritance and claim that he is the sole beneficiary and owner of the estate, Marr’s Grove. Edward decides to move into the mansion and renovate.
After a conversation with the local doctor, Dr. Ian Mandeville (Christopher Lee), Edward finds out that there are no children to inherit. It is believed that Andrew killed them and his wife which is what drove him insane, however, no bodies were ever found and neither was the money. He says that the villagers will not go near the estate because it is haunted by the spirits of the children.
The Marr family solicitor, Mr. Prescott (Herbert Lom), offers to let Edward stay with him until enough renovation is done so that he can move into the house. Ian’s sister, Sarah Mandeville (Joan Collins) offers to help clean up the house. Edward agrees. Soon after, Edward and Sarah begin having an affair. What Edward doesn’t know is that Sarah and Ian are aware of the money and plan on stealing it from Edward when he finds it. Prescott is also aware of the loot and works his own con game on Edward.
Edward finally moves into the house prepared to begin searching for the hidden cash. He starts hearing strange noises and the sound of children laughing. Edward then begins having flashbacks and sees himself as Andrew Marr. During the flashbacks Edward, believing he is Andrew, remembers the period when he was having an affair with the family governess, Alta (Jane Birkin). As those in the real world try to find the money, Edward begins to believe he really is Andrew and relives the past tragedy and how he went insane. An insanity that he brings back into the real world.
“Dark Places” was released in 1974 and was directed by Don Sharp. It is a British psychological horror thriller.
There are quite a few names in the movie. Christopher Lee, Joan Collins and Herbert Lom do a great job but the bulk of the film rests with Robert Hardy in a, sort of, duo role. Of course Hardy is no slouch himself having since played Cornelius Fudge in the Harry Potter series.
It’s a slow burn in the first half, but somewhere in the second half it gets fast and furious. If you can maintain your patience, you will be rewarded. I liked the ending of the film. It had a bit of a twist to it, but not a farfetched one. It ended up being better than I expected it to be. It gives off Hammer vibes, but it’s not as flashy.