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Introduction
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THE HAUNTED HOUSE OF HORROR
Interiors of The House: main room, hall, staircase, upper rooms, music room and corridors were one single mammoth construction in what had been the hotel’s ballroom. Exteriors were shot at a large house just outside Southport. Due to a refusal by the British Museum to shoot the Richard/Sheila chase sequence as originally written, a local art gallery was used and the scene considerably simplified.
The only jarring note was again created by “Deke” Hayward whose hatred of Armstrong had intensified to such a degree that he had insisted Tenser replace him with another director one week before shooting was due to begin. When Tenser refused, Hayward demanded Armstrong be replaced if the first few week’s footage did not meet with his approval. With this sword of Damacles hanging over his head, Armstrong started shooting; well aware that Hayward would have him off the film by the end of the first week. Fortunately, Hayward was called away on the Cy Enfield movie, De Sade which had run into serious problems - again caused by Hayward’s meddlings. This meant that the first week’s rushes were not seen by Hayward but by AIP heads, Arkoff and Nicholson. Their excitement at what they saw not only ensured Armstrong was retained as director of the movie but they entered into competition with Tenser over which company would sign him up on an exclusive multi-picture contract once the film was completed. 
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Shooting: The film was shot in Southport in the autumn of 1968 at the Palace Hotel, about a year before its demolition. The hotel was turned into a live-in studio. Cast and crew took bedrooms and suites on the upper floors; production offices were on the ground floor.
Shooting, although tightly scheduled, went smoothly and with enthusiasm and commitment from both cast and crew. |
Copyright © 2004-2005 Michael Armstrong |