Set in 1943 "The Halfway House" is a tale of a group of various travellers who stay at an old inn located in rural mid-Wales (though actually filmed on Exmoor in south-west England). Contrary to some guides they are not there seeking shelter from a storm. The inn is run by Rhys and his daughter Gwyneth (played by real life father and daughter Mervyn and Glynis Johns), who turn out to be a pair of friendly and wise ghosts. It is observed by one guest that Gwyneth casts no shadow in the sun, however the film makers failed to hide her shadow when inside! The cast has an engaging variety of characters and the acting is quite good. Made by Ealing Studios, who a year later produced the classic horror "Dead of Night", also starring Merv Johns, this is a good example of their work, an interesting drama with a touch of the supernatural. My only problem with it however is that it is very talky and took some time to get down to the nitty-gritty, however the last half hour is worth waiting for.
Review of The Halfway House
