Watch The Stone Tape

The Stone Tape is a haunting sci-fi thriller from 1972 directed by Peter Sasdy that explores the concept of ghosts and time travel. Set in an old Victorian mansion that has been converted into a research facility for a high-tech tech company, the movie revolves around a team of scientists who are working on developing a new recording medium. The team is led by the ambitious Peter Brock (Michael Bryant), who sees this as an opportunity to not only put his name on the map but also to make a fortune.

However, things take a strange turn when one of the team members, Jill (Jane Asher), discovers that the mansion is haunted by the ghosts of dead residents. At first, the team is skeptical, but as they continue to investigate, they begin to unravel the dark secrets of the mansion. The team discovers that the building itself holds some kind of energy that allows it to act as a recording device for human consciousness. This energy is accumulated over years and begins to emit a signal that triggers the memories of the dead, causing them to relive their final moments.

As the team delves deeper into the mysteries of the mansion, they realize that the energy contained within the walls is much greater than they ever imagined. They begin to see the potential of using this energy as a means of time travel, with the ability to view past events and potentially change the course of history. But things quickly spiral out of control, and they end up unleashing something far worse than just a few ghostly apparitions.

The Stone Tape offers a unique take on the horror genre, blending elements of science-fiction, paranormal activity, and psychological drama. The movie creates a tense and eerie atmosphere, utilizing the creaky old mansion, dark corridors, and otherworldly noises to create an unsettling feeling of dread. The film is brilliantly acted, with standout performances from the entire cast, particularly Jane Asher and Michael Bryant, who are both excellent in their roles.

One of the most interesting aspects of The Stone Tape is the focus on the theoretical concept of time travel, which was a relatively unexplored idea in cinema at the time. The movie posits that time travel is possible, but not in the way that most people would imagine. Instead of a machine or a wormhole, time travel is made possible through the manipulation of energy, which reinforces the idea that time is a construct that can be manipulated rather than a linear progression.

Overall, The Stone Tape is a classic horror/sci-fi movie that still holds up well today due to its unique blend of genre elements and ingenious storytelling. The film is inventive and spooky, with a strong emphasis on building tension and creating a sense of dread. Whether you're a fan of horror, sci-fi, or both, The Stone Tape is a must-see film that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

The Stone Tape is a 1972 science fiction movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.