Degenerates into formula and farce, with Stephens' theatrical delivery adding the mortal blow.

A terror tale whose occasional stodginess and staginess don’t interfere too much with the novelty of it all.

There's little feel for atmosphere or suspense, and some fine stage actors do clumsy work for obvious lack of directorial guidance. The film isn't even visually exciting, despite the presence of usually exemplary cinematographer Freddie Young.

Gorgeous cinematography and costumes help to class up what's essentially a goofball supernatural thriller with serious gaps in logic.