Not even Roger Corman could recapture the success of his 1960s Poe films, as proved by this late 90s attempt, shot in his short-lived Irish studio near Galway. It actually wasn't a bad idea to have a go though because the beautiful albeit gloomy Irish countryside was ideal for a Poe film - I should say Poe-esque, because this is based on a Henry James short story.
Corman produced, but he doesn't have the collaborators - Michael York adds some class but is no Vincent Price, the authors are no Richard Matheson/Robert Towne/Charles Beaumont, the set design is no Daniel Haller, the female lead is no Hazel Court/Barbara Steele, the cinematographer no Floyd Crosby, the music no Les Baxter and the director is no Corman. The male lead is weak but I admit that is in keeping with many of those films (eg John Kerr).
It's an okay film - the basic story is good, there are spooky moments. It looks alright. I didnt mind it - it just lacks the magic and atmosphere of those 60s Poe movies.
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