The Uninvited: A Haunting Classic That Impacted the Genre (& introduced a Timeless Tune)
Classic Movies and Cocktails contains information for adults 21+. The site is supported by commissions earned through sales and advertising. We’re enrolled in several programs, including Amazon Associates, among others. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. That support helps fund this site—thank you!
When I first started working in marketing, I discovered there’s a special day, week, or month for practically anything. Using a hook like an observance or holiday can help inspire your creative juices when it comes to creating content. So when I saw that Turner Classic Movies May 2025 schedule mentioned that today, May 3rd, is National Paranormal Day here in the States, I not only new I had to post today, I knew exactly what movie I would share with you.
First a little background about the day.
National Paranormal Day
National Paranormal Day is observed every May 3rd, and it’s all about exploring the mysteries of the unknown—ghosts, UFOs, cryptids, and other unexplained phenomena. While the exact origins of the day remain a mystery (fitting, right?), it was officially established in 2013. The day encourages believers and skeptics alike to share stories, watch paranormal-themed movies, or even conduct their own investigations into the supernatural.
Paranormal Movies: More Than Just Ghosts
Paranormal films cover a broad spectrum of supernatural occurrences. While ghosts and spirits are certainly a major part of the genre, paranormal movies can also include:
- Demonic Possession – Think The Exorcist or The Conjuring.
- Haunted Houses – The Amityville Horror and Poltergeist are classics.
- Witchcraft & Occult – The Blair Witch Project and Hereditary.
- Extraterrestrial Encounters – Signs and The Fourth Kind.
- Unexplained Phenomena – The Mothman Prophecies and The Babadook4.
The paranormal and the monstrous definitely overlap, but they aren’t always the same thing. Paranormal typically refers to phenomena beyond scientific explanation—ghosts, hauntings, ESP, demonic entities, etc. Monsters, meanwhile, often stem from mythology, folklore, or science fiction.
In this case though we’re going to celebrate Paranormal Day with my all-time favorite ghost story (which is also director Martin Scorcese’s favorite too): The Uninvited, from Paramount, released in 1944.
How I Discovered The Uninvited
My mother was a movie fan her entire life. When she was in high school in the 1940s she worked for a local movie theater as both a cashier selling tickets and as an usherette (if you’ve ever seen an old movie with an usherette in an adorable outfit and carrying a flashlight that’s what she would have looked like).
Often when an old movie came on TV, my mom would tell us, “You HAVE to watch this.” She’d then tell us about her first time seeing it, who she was with, and other details about her life at that time. The Uninvited was one of those movies she made us watch and I’ve always been thankful she did.
She told us how scary it was for the time and that it was one of the first movies she saw with my dad when it was released nationally in March of 1944.
I fell in love with this movie the first time I saw it and it quickly became my all-time favorite ghost story.
I love it for many reasons, including…
- It’s visually beautiful – the house, the coast, the little town, the clothes!
- The story is interesting with a few plot twists and a bundle of different subtext elements
- Ray Milland and Ruth Hussey are two of my favorite stars from the era.
A Legendary Classic and a Hidden Gem
I love this movie so much that when I stumbled on the book at a used book store, I had to buy it. Through many moves, it’s traveled with me. And I have to admit, as of this writing, I haven’t read it.
Since it’s a paperback and very old, I’m actually afraid that I’d damage the spine or pages by opening it. (If you’re a true book lover — like my sisters and I — you probably understand that)
A Film That Helped Defined Supernatural Horror
It’s a Legendary Classic for its influence on supernatural horror and the sub-genre of ghost stories, With its gothic, eerie atmosphere, stunning Oscar-winning cinematography, and mysterious story, it stands out as one of the first Hollywood films to treat ghosts as real rather than a hoax. It made an impact on the world of music. It introduced the unforgettable melody of Stella by Starlight.
I also consider it a Hidden Gem—it doesn’t get nearly as much attention as it should, especially compared to other classic ghost and paranormal stories.
Directed by Lewis Allen (in his directorial debut), The Uninvited follows siblings Rick (Ray Milland) and Pamela (Ruth Hussey) Fitzgerald as they purchase a seaside mansion in Cornwall England—only to discover it’s haunted by not one, but two restless spirits. The film’s groundbreaking special effects, designed by Gordon Jennings, created an eerie mist-like apparition that was cutting-edge for its time. The costumes, designed by the legendary Oscar-winning designer Edith Head, add an air of sophistication, with Ruth Hussey’s gowns being particularly stunning.
The breathtaking Windward House, perched on the cliffs, is one of the film’s most memorable elements. While it looks like a dream home, it was actually a set built at Paramount Studios specifically for The Uninvited. The exterior shots, however, were filmed along the rugged coastline of Elk, California.
A Song That Became a Jazz Standard
One of the film’s most enduring legacies is its lush theme, Stella by Starlight. Originally an instrumental theme, it became a jazz standard after Ned Washington added lyrics in 1946. Over the years, it’s been recorded by Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, and countless others, making it one of the most beloved songs in jazz history.
Below is a clip of the movie’s introduction with the haunting score.
Snapshot – Facts About The Uninvited
Brief Plot Synopsis
While on holiday in Cornwall, siblings Rick and Pamela Fitzgerald fall in love with and buy a gorgeous old house. They soon discover the house is haunted and take steps to get to the bottom of it. Their investigation leads them to discover they have not one, but two ghosts, both fixated on Stella, the young woman whose parents lived there and whose grandfather sold the house to the Fitzgeralds. Rick and Pam decide to get rid of the ghosts to save Stella and bring peace to their home.
Watch Ben Mankiewicz’s intro on Turner Classic Movies in 2014:
My husband has always known I was a classic movie fan but he wasn’t at first. I would always say “I just want to hear the introduction to the movie…” Often Ben Mankiewicz’s introduction and insights were enough to tempt him into watching “for just a few minutes”. Usually after 10 minutes the movie had lived up to Ben’s intro and he was hooked. HAHA!
Subtext
This movie is haunting in more ways than one. As with many classics from the Golden Age of Hollywood, The Uninvited has subtext that begs for a deeper look and may not hit you when you first watch it. To me, this is the essence of what makes a movie a true classic — you can return to it time and time again and take something different away each time, yet it still has a connection to the modern era.
This film is really much more than a ghost story. Without giving anything away, its story is rooted in women’s roles and societal expectations around motherhood. It’s also about repressed desire and the haunting cost of unfulfilled dreams. Most of all, it’s also woven around families and the secrets they keep.
We’ll be coming back to the film in future posts when we visit these topics more deeply and I hope you’ll stay tuned. If you want to receive notice of when we revisit the film or when we share our next Classic Movie and Cocktail combination, drop your name and email here and you’ll get that right to your email’s inbox. Head here for more details.
Critical Reaction
The movie received generally positive reviews when it was first released and is now considered one of, if not the best, ghost story ever made. It’s not a movie that dazzles with special effects but those effects that were used were cutting edge for the day.
In that article linked above, writer Claire Donner mentions that the subtext wasn’t all that subtle. She cites author Richard Barrios’ book, Screened Out: Playing Gay In Hollywood from Edison to Stonewall as claiming that the Catholic Legion of Decency complained that the movie “attracted questionable audiences at late-night screenings.”
Production & Release
- The movie was based on Dorothy Macardle’s novel Uneasy Freehold (published in the U.S. as The Uninvited). McArdle contributed to the script.
- Paramount Pictures produced and distributed the film.
- The film premiered in Washington, D.C., on February 10, 1944, later opened in New York on February 26, 1944 and then went into widespread release.
- It was one of the highest-grossing films of the year.
- Rating: This movie isn’t rated. The modern movie rating system started in 1968.
Filming Locations
- While the story is set in Cornwall, England, the film was actually shot in the U.S.
- Locations included Elk, California (for the coastline shots), San Francisco, Phoenix, Arizona, and Paramount Studios in Hollywood.
- The Windward House, the stunning seaside mansion, was a set built at Paramount Studios, not a real house.
Main Cast
Roderick (Rick) Fitzgerald – Ray Milland (who went on to win an Oscar for The Lost Weekend)
Pamela (Pam) Fitzgerald – Ruth Hussey (Oscar-nominated for The Philadelphia Story 4 years earlier)
Stella Meredith – Gail Russell (this was her big breakout role)
Dr. Scott – Alan Napier (probably best remembered as Alfred, Bruce Wayne’s butler on the TV show, Batman in the 1960s)
Commander Beech – Donald Crisp (had a long career through the early 60s)
Miss Holloway – Cornelia Otis Skinner (acted on Broadway more than in movies)
Awards
- Charles Lang Won the Oscar for Best Cinematography (1945)
- Photoplay Award: Best Movie of the Month (March 1944)
How to Watch The Uninvited
The Uninvited isn’t widely available for free streaming, likely due to licensing restrictions and rights held by Paramount.
It shows up on Turner Classic Movies periodically, especially in October, and you can buy the DVD on Amazon. (affiliate link) If you have a subscription to The Criterion Collection you may find it there.
How to Add to the Enjoyment
Enjoying any film is all about the ambiance…who you watch it with (and going solo is always great…after all, you’re your best company!)…dimming the lights…and maybe something to drink or nibble on.
Here at Classic Movies and Cocktails we’re all about the vibe. We recognize that not everyone indulges in alcohol and we don’t think it’s needed to enjoy a movie or to relax. Nor do we think mindless eating is a good idea.
But Classic Movies and Mocktails doesn’t quite roll off your tongue 🙂
So of course, choose wisely. Don’t drink and drive and don’t let your guests drink and drive. Don’t overindulge…know your limits.
While we may not always suggest an alcoholic beverage as a drink pairing for your film experience, we will (almost) always suggest a mocktail. (There are some documentaries or particularly dramatic movies we don’t feel are appropriate to suggest either a cocktail or a mocktail for. More on that in future posts.)
Drink Pairing – Cocktail: The Haunted Highball
A spooky twist on a classic whiskey highball—easy to make with ingredients you likely already have or can find at a store nearby. It’s elegant, moody, and timeless—just like The Uninvited.
Why it works: The warm bourbon, tart lemon, and golden honey strike a perfect balance of comforting and mysterious—great for a ghost story with emotional depth.
What You’ll Need
Key Ingredients:
- Bourbon
- Lemon Juice (preferably from a fresh lemon…c’mon don’t skimp. Fresh makes all the difference.)
- Honey (Sue Bee or Local Hive are brands I recommend)
- Ginger Ale or Club Soda (Schweppe’s or Canada Dry…I use sugar free :-)…but I use whatever club soda is on sale)
- Elderflower Liqueur (optional but great if you’re feeling fancy and really want to up the vibe. After all, life is short.)
- Water (I have a Zero water filter pitcher)
Equipment you’ll need:
- Mixing/Stirring Glass or some other type of small pitcher to mix the drink in (You can even use a clean glass jar…I won’t tell.)
- Small thingy to measure liquid – a jigger, a shot glass, a shot-sized measuring glass…even a set of measuring spoons works. Don’t obsess.
- Microwave-safe mug or measuring cup
- A bar spoon or long-handled spoon, or other long mixing tool. And yes, a knife works.
The Haunted Highball
Equipment
- 1 Highball glass (or any tall glass) Something that holds anywhere from 8 to 16 ounces (you pick how much you want to drink and/or dilute the bourbon or rye)
- 1 Jigger or Tablespoon for measuring A tablespoon is just fine. I have a shot glass with tablespoons and ounces on it. It's awesome. Just don't put it in the dishwasher.
- 1 Bar Spoon This is a long-handled spoon. You need something long enough to be able to stir your drink comfortably. A knife will work in a pinch.
- 1 Small bowl or cup for mixing the honey syrup A Pyrex (microwave-safe) measuring cup is what I often use for this.
- 1 Stirring Glass (optional – you can stir in the glass you're going to drink out of) This is a tall, heavy glass with a lip for pouring. Sort of like a tall beaker in a mad scientist's lab. These are made specifically for mixing cocktails.
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon or rye Recommend Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey
- 1/2 oz lemon juice (freshly squeezed) (about 1 tablespoon) half a lemon usually produces 1 tablespoon
- 1/2 oz honey syrup (recipe below) Recommend Sue Bee or Local Hive honey
- 3-4 oz Ginger Ale or plain Club Soda (cold or room temperature) Base this on how full you want the glass to be
- 1 lemon peel to twist for garnish if you're feeling fancy Take a strip of the peel off before you squeeze the half lemon. It's easier.
- 1/2 oz Elderflower Liqueur (optional – add if you're feeling fancy) If you're feeling elegant and wearing your finest pajamas on the sofa, feel free to add this for a floral, mysterious twist.
Honey Syrup
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Honey (Sue Bee or Local Hive is recommended) You can make more if it's easier. Just be sure to mix equal parts honey with water.
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Water If you use warm water it can make the honey easier to mix.
Instructions
Honey Syrup Recipe Instructions
- Take the glass you'll be drinking from (or use the Stirring Glass if you have one) and add the honey.
- Either run water from the tap until it starts to steam or put the water you need in a microwave safe bowl and zap it in your microwave for about 10 seconds on high.
- Add the water to the glass the honey is in and stir well with a long enough spoon to be comfortable. Be sure to completely mix the honey and water.
- Add the honey/water mixture to the glass you'll be drinking from if it's not in there already. Once you've got the syrup made, follow the rest of the directions to mix the drink.
Haunted Highball Recipe Instructions
- Pour the bourbon or rye into your highball glass or other tall glass (this is either the glass you've already got the honey in or a different one)
- Add the honey syrup if you have it in a different glass or container
- Pour in 3 to 4 ounces of ginger ale or club soda
- Add the elderflower liqueur if your using it, feel free to skip it if you don't have it
- Twist the lemon peel and drop it in your glass for a fancy garnish
How to Create a Lemon Peel Twist – Demo by Grey Goose
Alcohol-Free Mocktail: Starlight Spritz
Want to keep your wits about you in case an uninvited guest decides to join your evening? This mocktail is perfect for staying sharp while enjoying a night of supernatural suspense.
Why it works: The Starlight Spritz is light, refreshing, and just a little mysterious—perfect for a film like The Uninvited, where what you don’t see is as powerful as what you do. The sweetness of the honey hints at the elegance and romantic undertones, while the bright citrus and bubbles keep it fun and festive. It’s an ideal drink for when you want to stay sharp… say, in case any ghosts decide to join you 😉
What You’ll Need
Key Ingredients:
- White grape juice (whatever brand you like)
- Honey (Sue Bee or Local Hive) – this is to make the syrup that sweetens the drink. You can use white sugar in a pinch. You can also buy syrup.
- Ginger Ale or Club Soda (you pick but I prefer Schweppe’s and Canada Dry for the ginger ale)
- Lemon (for the juice and the peel…treat yourself to a fresh one, not bottled juice)
Equipment:
- Jigger, shot glass, shot glass style measuring cup…something small to measure liquids with
- Stirring glass, small pitcher, cocktail shaker…something bigger than the glass you’ll be drinking out of in order to mix the drink
- Cutting board to cut the lemon (wood or bamboo preferably – you want to avoid something that could give off microplastics)
- Juicer or something to get the juice out of the lemon (your hand is good enough)
- Stirring spoon, ice tea spoon, cocktail stirrer…something long to stir with. I’ve been known to use a cake icing spatula.
Starlight Spritz (Mocktail – Alcohol Free)
Equipment
- 1 Jigger, shot glass, or set of measuring spoons A Jigger is a fancy bartending tool for measuring
- 1 Stirring glass and/or a tall drinking glass A stirring glass is a heavy, tall measuring glass with a lip for pouring. You can just mix everything in the same glass you'll be drinking out of.
- 1 cutting board to cut the lemon You can skip this if you don't want to peel a strip from a fresh lemon and then have to store the lemon (put in a jar/container with a tight lid)
- 1 small paring knife or channel knife (optional) Not needed if not cutting the strip of lemon peel
- 1 Juicer You can just squeeze with your hand but I like to use a juicer. Be sure to remove the seeds any any large pieces of pulp you don't want.
- 1 Long spoon or something for stirring the drink I've used a knife in a pinch. Keep an eye out at estate/yard sales or vintage shops for "ice tea spoons" or " bar/mixing spoons.
Ingredients
Drink Assembly
- 2 oz White Grape Juice Preferably with no added sugar
- 1/2 oz honey syrup (directions below)
- 3 – 4 oz ginger ale or club soda (chilled if you prefer — I do!) Your choice depends on how sweet you want it to be.
- 1 lemon peel strip (optional, for garnish if you're feeling fancy)
Honey Syrup
- 1/2 Tblspn Honey (Sue Bee or Local Hive recommended) Make the Honey Syrup first
- 1/2 Tblspn Very warm water Run the tap til it steams or put water in microwave safe bowl or mug and zap for about 10 seconds
Instructions
Make the Honey Syrup
- Add the honey to your drinking glass or the stirring glass if you're using one.
- Warm the water and add it to the honey.
- Stir well. The warm water helps make the honey easier to stir to syrup consistency.
- If you're using a stirring class, pour the honey into the drinking glass. No need to do this if you mixed the syrup in the same glass you'll drink out of.
Assemble the Drink
- Measure and add the white grape juice to either the stirring glass or drinking glass.
- Cut off a think strip of lemon peel. You want the strip to approximately either be the length of the lemon or the width. Check out the video below for a demo on how to do this and up your drink presentation game.
- Add the honey syrup if it's in a stirring glass.
- Add the club soda
- Stir gently using a long spoon
- Twist the peel if you're adding one.
- Enjoy!
True Classic Movies Haunt You
There’s something truly timeless about certain films. Like Stella, drawn to Windward House, I keep coming back to The Uninvited…the house…the story….and that haunting melody.
Whether you’ve just discovered it or it’s one of your favorites too I’d love to hear your thoughts about it and if you indulged in one of the drink recipes please share your thoughts.
That’s a wrap on this classic. Until next time…