Watch The Return

The Return, a British horror movie released in 1973, is a psychological thriller that tells the story of a man who returns home to unravel the mystery of his father's death. The movie is directed by Dan Curtis and stars Peter Vaughan and Rosalie Crutchley in the lead roles. The story begins with Richard (played by Simon Brent) returning home to his family's country estate after a long absence. He is greeted by his mother and sister, who are both surprised and delighted to see him after so many years. However, Richard's homecoming is not without its share of problems. He discovers that his father died under mysterious circumstances and starts to investigate his father's death, despite his mother's warning to leave things alone.

As Richard delves deeper into the mystery, strange things begin to happen around him. He has vivid nightmares of his father's death and begins to see visions of his father's ghost. Complicating matters further, Richard's sister has a strange, incestuous relationship with their mother's lover, a man named Mallory (played by Peter Vaughan).

The plot thickens when a psychic named Lucy (played by Rosalie Crutchley) arrives at the estate. Lucy claims to be able to communicate with the dead and offers to use her powers to help Richard solve the mystery of his father's death. Richard initially dismisses Lucy as a fraud, but when she reveals information that only someone close to his father would know, Richard starts to take her seriously.

As the story progresses, the lines between reality and imagination become blurred, and Richard's sanity is called into question. Is he really seeing his father's ghost, or is it all in his head? Who killed Richard's father, and why? Can Lucy really communicate with the dead, or is she just another charlatan?

The Return is a slow-burning horror movie that relies heavily on atmosphere and mood. The director, Dan Curtis, does an excellent job of building tension and creating an eerie, unsettling atmosphere throughout the movie. The use of shadows and lighting is particularly effective in creating a sense of dread, and the old, creaky estate provides the perfect setting for a haunted house story.

Peter Vaughan delivers a standout performance as Mallory, the menacing lover of Richard's mother. His deep, gravelly voice and imposing presence make him a formidable villain, and his scenes with Richard and his sister are some of the movie's most intense. Rosalie Crutchley, who plays the psychic Lucy, is also excellent. She imbues her character with a sense of mystery and intrigue, and her scenes with Richard are among the movie's most interesting.

The movie's pacing, however, may not be to everyone's liking. The slow, deliberate pace may be too ponderous for some viewers, and the movie's ambiguous ending may leave some feeling unsatisfied. Additionally, while the movie is often marketed as a horror movie, it is more accurately a psychological thriller with horror elements. Those looking for a more traditional horror movie may be disappointed.

Despite these limitations, The Return is an underrated gem of British horror. It's a moody, atmospheric thriller with strong performances and an engaging storyline that keeps you guessing until the end. Fans of slow-burning horror movies will likely appreciate its deliberate pace and the way it builds tension gradually. Overall, The Return is a must-see for fans of classic horror and suspense.

The Return is a 1973 horror movie with a runtime of 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.