... inspired by the TV soap and directed by Dan Curtis. Eschewing the Barnabas Collins/vampire side of things, this follow-up to 1970's House of Dark Shadows concerns heir David Selby and his wife Kate Jackson (in her debut) taking up residence in his ancestral family manor. Unfortunately for the happily married couple, the house is haunted by the amorous spirit of Angelique (Lara Parker), a reputed witch who was killed centuries earlier. Her presence causes Selby to recall his past life as Angelique's illicit lover, and the scene is set for murder and torment.
This is told in roughly three sections: from Selby's point of view as the past-life mystery is unfolding; then from Jackson's point of view as she realizes something is dreadfully amiss with her husband; and then the final third as everyone tries to survive/put an end to things. Some things work here, but a lot more don't. There are some good, moody scenes, when the music and gauzy cinematography create an appropriately spectral ambiance. But there are lengthy deadly-dull stretches, and the performances are just barely adequate.
This is told in roughly three sections: from Selby's point of view as the past-life mystery is unfolding; then from Jackson's point of view as she realizes something is dreadfully amiss with her husband; and then the final third as everyone tries to survive/put an end to things. Some things work here, but a lot more don't. There are some good, moody scenes, when the music and gauzy cinematography create an appropriately spectral ambiance. But there are lengthy deadly-dull stretches, and the performances are just barely adequate.