the haunting (1963) - a masterpiece by robert wise

Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House has unnerved readers since its original publication in 1959. A tale of subtle, psychological terror, it has earned its place as one of the significant haunted house stories of the ages.

Eleanor Vance has always been a loner - shy, vulnerable, and bitterly resentful of the 11 years she lost while nursing her dying mother. "She had spent so long alone, with no one to love, that it was difficult for her to talk, even casually, to another person without self - consciousness and an awkward inability to find words". Eleanor has always sensed that one day something big would happen, and one day it does. She receives an unusual invitation from Dr. John Montague, a man fascinated by "supernatural manifestations". He organizes a ghost watch, inviting people who have been touched by otherworldly events. A paranormal incident from Eleanor's childhood qualifies her to be a part of Montague's bizarre study - along with headstrong Theodora, his assistant, and Luke, a well - to - do aristocrat. They meet at Hill House - a notorious estate in New England.

Hill House is a foreboding structure of towers, buttresses, Gothic spires, gargoyles, strange angles, and rooms within rooms - a place "without kindness, never meant to be lived in... "

Although Eleanor's initial reaction is to flee, the house has a mesmerizing effect, and she begins to feel a strange kind of bliss that entices her to stay. Eleanor is a magnet for the supernatural - she hears deathly wails, feels terrible chills, and sees ghostly apparitions. Once again she feels isolated and alone - neither Theo nor Luke attract so much eerie company. But the physical horror of Hill House is always subtle; more disturbing is the emotional torment Eleanor endures. Intense, literary, and harrowing, The Haunting of Hill House belongs in the same dark league as Henry James's classic ghost story, The Turn of the Screw. ~ Naomi Gesinger

Four seekers have come to the ugly, abandoned old mansion: Dr. Montague, and occult scholar looking for solid evidence of the psychic phenomenon called haunting; Theodora, his lovely and lighthearted assistant; Eleanor, a lonely, homeless girl well acquainted with poltergeists; and Luke, the adventurous future heir of Hill House. At first, their stay seems destined to be merely a spooky encounter with inexplicable noises and self-closing doors, but Hill House is gathering its powers and will soon choose one of them to make its own...

Some of the books in the list above are marked [wish list] because I would like to get them.
If you have a spare copy in mint condition... I'd sure like to buy it or maybe you would like a local French edition in exchange?

Unlike conventional books, audio books allow you to read all the great books available today while doing other things. So now you can enjoy a terrific suspense novel while driving to work. Or you can lie on your bed, just close your eyes, and listen to the voices...

No printed book, no matter how expensive, can tell you a story like an audio book. The professional narration makes every page spring to life, adding nuances you might have missed.

Last but not least, audio books are essential for blind or partially sighted people. Blind and partially sighted people have the same culture needs as everyone else. But many people with sight problems will not be able to understand information unless it is made available to them in a suitable format. It is important to remember that there is no single method which suits all blind and partially sighted people all of the time. Audio books is one of them.

Sadly, I only regret that we cannot find these books on CD, SA-CD, DVD-Audio, Minidisc, .mp3 file or any other recent format. An analog tape is nice but ... the quality is inferior to a digital media and you miss the advantages of a disc.

Yes. The book was adapted for stage representations in theaters in 1964 by F. Andrew Leslie.

You can buy the booklet, rehearse and play... as long as you pay the fee.
Here are all the details from Dramatists, Inc.

'The Haunting of Hill House'
Suspense/Drama
Full Length

Cast: 3 men, 4 women: 7 total
Setting: interior

A chilling and mystifying study in mounting terror in which a small group of "psychically receptive" people are brought together in Hill House, a brooding, mid-Victorian mansion known as a place of evil and "contained ill will." Led by the learned Dr. Montague, who is conducting research in supernatural phenomena, the visitors have come to probe the secrets of the old house and to draw forth the mysterious powers that it is alleged to possess-powers which have brought madness and death to those who have lived therein in the past.

Book/Item: The Haunting of Hill House
Price: $6.50 (approx 5.4 Euros)
Fee: $60 (approx 50 Euros) per performance.

The story: Cut off from the outside world by its remote location and shunned by all who know its forbidding and sinister reputation, Hill House has remained empty and silent except for the daily visits of its grumbling caretaker, Mrs. Dudley. Its isolation is broken by the arrival of Dr. Montague, an investigator of supernatural phenomena who has been granted a short lease by the present owner. His mission is to delve into the morbid history of the house and to come to grips with the occult forces that have made it uninhabitable for many years. He is joined by three others, all unacquainted, but all having their particular reasons for accepting Dr. Montague's invitation to share his Hill House sojourn. Their visit begins with jovial informality, but their sensibilities are soon jolted by strange and eerie occurrences. As they struggle to disguise their mounting fears they are joined by Dr. Montague's wife and a friend, who have come to Hill House for purposes of their own. They too are absorbed by the supernatural, but their approach is via direct communication with the departed spirits-a type of psychic research which is regarded fearfully by Dr. Montague and which, as subsequent events bear out, brings on a crisis in which the evil forces of Hill House are goaded to a new and, for one of those present, fatal fury.

ISBN/Code: 0-8222-0504-1

'Carpe Diem'
by William Shakespeare

O MISTRESS mine, where are you roaming?
O stay and hear! your true-love's coming
  That can sing both high and low;
Trip no further, pretty sweeting,
Journeys end in lovers meeting-
  Every wise man's son doth know.

What is love? 'tis not hereafter;
Present mirth hath present laughter;
  What's to come is still unsure:
In delay there lies no plenty,-
Then come kiss me, Sweet-and-twenty,
  Youth's a stuff will not endure.

Isn't it ironic to think that Shakespeare was born in Stratford-Upon-Avon, UK, six miles away from the superb 'Ettington park', where the exteriors scenes of 'the haunting' were shot?

I strongly believe that the choice of black and white for the movie was, and still is, a perfect artistic choice. There is absolutely no doubt about it. Although I'm, of course, a bit curious about the colourized version of the movie, I also have to admit I'm glad it has never been released. I'm pretty sure that it would spoil everything.

However, if you have read the book, you know that Shirley Jackson had chosen some colours for the bedrooms of her main characters...

There are many possible interpretations, of course. And they are, by nature, always subjective. Still, I can't help but notice that the women bedroom's colours are obviously cold whilst the men bedroom's colours are warmer.

More interestingly, the women's clothes are warm colours that are in complete opposition to the colour of their bedrooms.

Please find below some interpretations that I have gathered.

First of all, please don't read the next section if you haven't read the book yet and still plan to read it. This detailed section would spoil and ruin your surprise, revealing all the tiny little things you would enjoy discovering by yourself.

If you have already read the book, you know that numerous changes were made to get the script that led to the movie you know. I don't want to compare the quality of the book and the script, both are brilliant. The book of Shirley Jackson is a world-known masterpiece, no doubt about it. Nelson Gidding made a fantastic work to write the script from this extraordinary material, no doubt about it. Still, the book is much more complex than the movie: more characters, more experiences (including outdoor experiences), longer narration, ... The timescale is different ... The relationships are all different, like shifted ... Not to mention Grace, Arthur and planchette, who all give the story a different twist. The script focused on four characters, and did stick to them (Grace is never a real member of the team, in the movie).

This part will point out most of the differences between the book and the script. This will help you draw your own conclusions about the work of Nelson Gidding.

in the book...	in the movie...
Hill House is 80 years old.	Hill House is 90 years old.
Hugh Crain has two daughters.	Hugh Crain has one daughter, Abigail.
Hugh Crain married three times.	Hugh Crain married twice.
Eleanor's mother died 3 months ago.	Eleanor's mother died 2 months ago.

in the book...	in the movie...
Dr. John Montague.	Dr. John Markway.
Grace Montague.	Grace Markway.
Eleanor Vance.	Eleanor Lance.
Linnie (niece of Eleanor).	Dora Frederiks (niece of Eleanor).
Sophia Anne Lester Crain (one of the two daughters of Hugh Crain).	(only one daughter, Abigail Crain, in the movie).
Arthur Parker (friend of Grace Montague).	(this character is not present in the movie).

in the book...	in the movie...
The book does not start with the history of Hill House. The story of the house is told much later in the book.	The movie starts right away with the story of Hill House.
Dr. Montague informs Eleanor that the village just before Hill House is named Hillsdale and that in Hillsdale, people are rude to strangers and openly hostile to anyone inquiring about Hill House.	Dr. Markway didn't leave any recommendation about where to stop and where not to stop.
Eleanor first stops to admire a row of splendid tended oleanders blooming pink and white in a steady row. As she leaves, Eleanor says "Another day I'll come back and break your spell".	Eleanor does not stop at all during the trip to Hill House.
Eleanor stops in a country restaurant, an old mill, after 101 miles. She finds herself seated upon a balcony over a dashing stream.	Eleanor does not stop at all during the trip to Hill House.
A family is also in the same restaurant. The little girl doesn't want to drink her milk because she wants her cup of stars. This "cup of stars" is very important in the book and will be mentioned several times.	Not a word about the "cup of stars" in the movie, although this item seems to be very important in the book.
Eleanor stops again just outside Ashton because she saw a tiny cottage, buried in a garden, with a small blue front door.	Eleanor does not stop at all during the trip to Hill House.
Eleanor stops in Hillsdale, just to have a coffee.	Eleanor does not stop at all during the trip to Hill House.
In Hillsdale, Eleanor thinks obscurely "It's my last chance".	Eleanor have this thought later (see below).
Before she enters the park, in front of Hill House's gates, Eleanor thinks "It's my chance; I'm being given a last chance. I could turn my car around right here and now in front of these gates and go away from here, and no one would blame me. Anyone has the right to run away".	Eleanor says these words, after she enters the park, when she first sees the house. She says exactly: "It's my chance. I'm being given a last chance. I could turn my car around and go away from here... and no one would blame me. Anyone has a right to run away. But you are running away, Eleanor... and there's nowhere else to go".
Mr Dudley says "I don't hang around here afterdark".	This is typically what Mrs Dudley says later to Eleanor, when she introduces Eleanor to her bedroom.
Mr and Mrs Dudley lives in Hillsdale.	Mrs Dudley: "We live over in town, miles away". The name of the town in not mentioned.

in the book...	in the movie...
When Eleanor meets Theo, they decide to explore the garden immediately: "They ran across the grass; they followed the sound and smell of water".	When Eleanor meets Theo, they decide to explore the house immediately. But they never go outside Hill House.
Eleanor and Theo have a first experience down by the water: "They stared, watching the spot of hillside across the brook where the grass moved, watching something unseen move slowly across the bright green hill, chilling the sunlight and the dancing little brook".	Eleanor and Theo have a first experience in Hill House during their initial "exploration" of the house: Eleanor feels a chill and Theo concludes "It wants you Nell... The house is calling you".
As they come back, Eleanor and Theo meet Luke (in the Veranda) and then Dr. Montague (at the great front door).	Eleanor and Theo meet Dr. Markway (in the dinning room) and then Luke (preparing the drinks).
The doctor is round and rosy and bearded.	The doctor is slim, handsome and has a moustache.
Eleanor openly says "I love my love with a B. because he is bearded", directly referring to Dr. Montague. This is strange because, in the book, Eleanor has a crush on Luke and not on Dr. Montague.	Eleanor is never that "pushy" in the movie.
The group manages to leave all the doors wide open and block them open.	They don't have that concern in the movie.
The doctor warns: "The last person who tried to leave Hill House in darkness - it was 18 years ago - was killed at the turn of the driveway, where his horse bolted and crushed him against the big tree".	The First Mrs Crain died this way as she came to Hill House for the very first time. But nobody else did ever since.
The group talks about Eleanor's poltergeist experience after the dinner. They don't want to discuss anything during the dinner.	The group talks about Eleanor's poltergeist experience during the dinner.
Hugh Crain's (1st) young wife died minutes before she first was to set eyes on the house, when the carriage bringing her here overturned in the driveway.	Hugh Crain's (1st) young wife died minutes before she first was to set eyes on the house, when the horses bolted, crushing her carriage against the big tree.
The 2nd Mrs Crain died of a fall. Dr. Montague adds that he's been unable to ascertain how or why.	The 2nd Mrs Crain died of a fall down the stairs. Dr. Markway doesn't know exactly why but we know how she died.
After the death of their stepmother, the little girls were sent to live with a cousin, and there they remained until they were grown up.	Abigail Crain never left Hill House. She continued to live there with a nurse.
The 3rd Mrs Crain died of what they used to call consumption somewhere in Europe, with her husband.	There were only two "Mrs Crain" in the movie.
Hugh Crain died in Europe, shortly after his wife.	Hugh Crain died in Europe in a drowning accident.
The two daughters inherited Hill House. The older decided to live in Hill House. The younger was married and had given up her claim on the house in exchange for a number of family heirlooms, some of considerable value, which her sister then refused to give her.	Abigail Crain, unique daughter, inherits Hill House and naturally continues to live there.
The older sister died of pneumonia in Hill House. There were stories later of a doctor called too late, of the old lady lying neglected upstairs while the paid companion dallied in the garden with some village lout.	Abigail Crain died in the nursery, calling for help, whilst the companion was fooling around with a farm hand on the veranda.
The paid companion inherited Hill House but the younger Crain sister sued her. The paid companion won the case and remained in Hill House.	The paid companion inherits Hill House.
The paid companion hanged herself from the turret on the tower.	The paid companion hanged herself in the library.
The doctor makes his first experience that day, when he explores the house to find the chessboard. As he comes back, he repeats "My wild imagination; my own imagination".	The doctor only makes an experience at the end of the movie, when Grace is sleeping in the nursery.
Luke and Dr. Montague are playing chess.	Luke and Theo are playing chess.
Theo touches Eleanor's hand, which makes Eleanor feel really uncomfortable.	This event did not make it to the movie version. Still, Eleanor is not comfortable with Theo touching her in the movie.
Eleanor drinks some brandy.	Eleanor doesn't drink any alcohol.
Eleanor took care of her mother for 11 years. The mother died 3 months ago.	Eleanor took care of her mother for 11 years. The mother died 2 months ago.
Theo touches Eleanor's cheek with her finger.	This event did not make it to the movie version. Still, Eleanor is not comfortable with Theo touching her in the movie.
Theo talks about her apartment while Luke and Dr. Montague are playing chess.	Theo talks about her apartment much later, when she moves in, in Eleanor's bedroom.
Eleanor says "Once I had a blue cup with stars painted on the inside; when you looked down into a cup of tea it was full of stars". She borrowed this detail from the family having lunch with her, earlier in the restaurant by the dashing stream.	Eleanor does not mention the "cup of stars" at all in the whole movie.
Dr. Montague reads "Pamela" Samuel Richardson's first novel, "Pamela: or Virtue Rewarded" (1740) was a bestseller in its time. As its heroine became an icon of feminine virtue, so she also became the subject of vicious parody. Within its didactic account of a servant girl who resists her libidinous master, this brilliant epistolary novel creates high erotic and moral tension.	We don't know about Dr. Markway's readings while at Hill House.
Nothing happens the first night.	Eleanor and Theo are "attacked" in Theo's bedroom during the first night.
A second event happened the morning of the second day, as Luke and Dr. Montague are waiting for Eleanor and Theo to have a breakfast. "That's how we knew you were coming. We saw the door swing shut".	This event is not pictured in the movie. Furthermore, Eleanor and Dr. Montague are having breakfast, then Theo comes, then Luke comes.
Eleanor and Theo are visiting Mrs Dudley's kitchen, that features many doors.	The kitchen is not pictured in the movie.
Luke holds Eleanor when she get dizzy, looking at the top of the tower.	Dr. Markway holds Eleanor when she get dizzy, looking at the top of the tower.
During the visit of the nursery, as they go through the cold spot, Theo mentions the "Borley Rectory" (supposedly the most haunted house in the UK).	The "Borley Rectory" is not mentioned in the movie.
Over the nursery doorway, two grinning heads were set; Luke explains: "When you stand where they can look at you, they freeze you".	The two heads are in the movie but the scene is so dark that you can't notice them.
Eleanor wants to plan a picnic outside.	No mention of the picnic in the movie.
Theo does not try to get in Eleanor's bedroom to re-style Eleanor's hair. They just go to each others' bedroom.	Theo says: "I'll come in for a second. You've been thinking of changing your hair. I know just the style for you".
During the attack, in Theo's bedroom, both doors are locked: Theo's door + Eleanor's door.	During the attack, in Theo's bedroom, only Eleanor's door is locked. They expect the worse because Theo's door is unlocked.
When she hears the Doctor and Luke passing the door, Theo opens her door. Eleanor is in her own bedroom, looking for some warm clothes.	When she hears the Doctor and Luke passing Theo's door, Eleanor opens the door. Theo and Eleanor are both in Theo's bedroom.
Dr. Montague mentions his wife during the breakfast: "My wife will never believe me". It's not an issue anyway because Eleanor is having a crush on Luke.	Dr. Markway never mentions her wife, until she pops up at the end of the movie. It's a real issue because Eleanor is having a crush on Dr. Markway.
Luke finds "Help Eleanor, Come Home" after the breakfast, as he's going back to the kitchen, asking for more coffee.	Luke finds "Help Eleanor, Come Home", before the breakfast, as he's going to the dining room.
After lunch, they all go to the garden.	In the movie, they never leave the house.
On the 3rd day, Theo finds her bedroom with blood all over the place.	This event did not make it to the movie version.
"Help Eleanor, Come Home Eleanor" is also written in blood in Theo's bedroom. Slight change: Eleanor is repeated at the end.	This event did not make it to the movie version.
What are they afraid of? Dr. Montague: "We are only afraid of ourselves" Luke: "[We are afraid] of seeing ourselves clearly and without disguise" Theo: "[We are afraid] of knowing what we really want" Eleanor: "I am always afraid of being alone".	What are they afraid of? Dr. Markway: "A modern man can react with the same unreasoning terror... to a supernatural event" Eleanor: "I've always been more afraid of being alone or left out..." Theo: "[I'm afraid] Of knowing what I really want" Luke: "What I just saw in the hall".
Eleanor comments the writing on the wall: "Those letters spelled out my name, and none of you know what that feels like - it's so familiar". And she gestured to them, almost in appeal. "Try to see", she said. "It's my own dear name, and it belongs to me, and something is using it and writing it and calling me with it and my own name ...". She stopped and said, looking from one of them to another, even down onto Theodora's face looking up at her, "Look. There's only one of me, and it's all I've got. I hate seeing myself dissolve and slip and separate so that I'm living in one half, my mind, and I see the other half of me helpless and frantic and driven and I can't stop it, but I know I'm not really going to be hurt and yet time is so long and even a second goes on and on and I could stand any of it if I could only surrender - "	Eleanor comments the writing on the wall: "My name. It's my name! It belongs to me and something is using it. Writing it and calling me with my own name! That's it! It knows my name, doesn't it? It knows my name!"
Theodora comments the picture book (the legacy for education): "You were a dirty old man, and you made a dirty old house and if you can still hear me from anywhere I would like to tell you to your face that I genuinely hope you will spend eternity in that foul horrible picture and never stop burning for a minute".	Eleanor comments the picture book (the legacy for education): "Hugh Crain, you were a dirty man and you made a dirty house. If you can hear me, I'm telling you to your face... I hope you spend eternity in that foul, rotten book... and never stop burning for a minute".
When Theodora is tormenting Eleanor about her apartment ("is there any room for two" ...), Eleanor is not angry at all and keeps on repeating "I had to come". Eventually, Eleanor leaves the room and the house, and walks in the night towards the little brook. Theo joins her ...	When Theodora is tormenting Eleanor about her apartment ("is there any room for two" ...), Eleanor is really angry and leaves the room to go to the terrace, where, joined by Theodora, they will hear Mrs Markway coming.
... and the night looks like a negative picture, with luminous evil glowing objects. They go on, deeper, in the forest. "Eleanor and Theodora looked into a garden, their eyes blinded with the light of the sun and rich color; incredibly, there was a picnic party on the grass in the garden". As they come back, Luke and Dr. Montague are really worried: "We've been nearly crazy; we've been out looking for you for hours!" added the Doctor.	This event did not make it to the movie version.
Mrs Montague arrives one afternoon, with Arthur Parker.	Mrs Markway arrives alone, one night.
Mrs Montague wants to be in the "Most haunting room" and Dr. Montague suggests "The nursery, I think".	Dr. Markway wants her wife in his room but she objects "I'll be very disappointed if I don't see a ghost. Hadn't you better put me in the ghostly dungeon...". Eleanor suggests the nursery but Dr. Markway is angry and very reluctant to let her wife alone in that room.
Arthur has white hair and he works as headmaster of his school.	Arthur didn't make it to the movie version.
Mrs Montague came to Hill House to perform some sessions with "planchette".	Mrs Markway came to Hill House to convince her husband to come back home ("A reporter's been telephoning all day. He's on your track. He's heard about you renting this place"). Suspecting he would not accept, she took all she needed to stay too.
Mrs Montague is very into supernatural, very exited and not really reasonable.	Mrs Markway does not believe in the supernatural, she's calm and reasonable.
After a session with "planchette", Mrs Montague has got a really weird message for Eleanor: - Who are you? - Nell - Nell who? - Eleanor Nellie Nell Nell - What do you want? - Home - Do you want to go home? - Want to be home - What are you doing here - Waiting - Waiting for what? - Home - Why? - Mother - Is Hill House your home? - Home - Are you suffering? - (no answer there) - Can we help you? - No - What do you want - Mother - Why? - Child - Where is your mother? - Home - Where is your home? - Lost. Lost. Lost.	This event did not make it to the movie version.
Eleanor thinks about what she really wants: "Peace. What I want in all this world is peace, a quite spot to lie and think, a quiet spot up among the flowers where I can dream and tell myself sweet stories".	Eleanor thinks about what she really wants: "Journeys end in lovers meeting. All I want is to be cherished. And here we are listening to that ridiculous harp".
Arthur and Mrs Montague are somewhere in the house. Dr. Montague, Luke, Theo and Eleanor are in the doctor's room. And the attack begins...	Mrs Markway is sleeping in the nursery. Dr. Markway, Luke, Theo and Eleanor are downstairs in the parlor. And the attack begins...
This event is not in the book.	The parlor's door "breathes".
Mrs Montague does not disappear in the book.	Mrs Markway disappears during the attack.
Luke, Theo and Eleanor are walking outside, towards the brook. Eleanor is heading the way. Suddenly, Luke and Theo are not following anymore, and Eleanor can see footsteps of an invisible creature in the grass.	This event did not make it to the movie version.
All the members have gathered in a room, and Eleanor "looked at the empty center of the room where someone was walking and singing softly, and then she heard it clearly": Go walking through the valley, Go walking through the valley, Go walking through the valley, As we have done before... Go in and out the windows, Go in and out the windows, Go in and out the windows, As we have done before... Go forth and face your lover, Go forth and face your lover, Go forth and face your lover, As we have done before...	This event did not make it to the movie version.
Eleanor had awakened with the thought of going down to the library. Once in the library, Eleanor calls "Mother" and a voice answered "Come along". Eleanor ends up pounding on the door of Mrs Montague and then in the bedroom where Theo is sleeping. Then she runs and hides in the whole house, escaping the team that is looking for her everywhere. Then she finally ends up in the library, and gets up the spiral staircase.	During the last attack, Eleanor runs and ends up in the nursery. Dr. Markway, Luke and Theo join her there. While they're talking, Eleanor disappears again. She passes by Hugh Crain's statue and offers to dance with him. Then she finally ends up in the library, and gets up the spiral staircase.
The little trap door leads to a turret.	The little trap door leads to an attic where Mrs Markway appears.
Luke saves Eleanor in the library stairs.	Dr. Markway saves Eleanor in the library stairs.
Eleanor leaves Hill House in the morning, after the breakfast.	Eleanor leaves Hill House immediately, in the middle of the night.
They stayed in Hill House "A little over a week".	They stayed in Hill House just a couple of days.
Mrs Montague waves Eleanor good-bye, with all the others.	Mrs Montague is not there to say good-bye and re-appears behind the tree where Eleanor crashes her car.

in the book...	in the movie...
Eleanor's bedroom is blue (a cold colour) Eleanor is dressed in red.	The movie was purposely shot in black and white.
Dr. Montague's bedroom is pink.	The movie was purposely shot in black and white.
Luke's bedroom is yellow.	The movie was purposely shot in black and white.
Theo's bedroom is green (another cold colour) Theo is dressed in yellow.	The movie was purposely shot in black and white.

in the book...	in the movie...
Eleanor hates her mother.	Eleanor does not mention that she hated her mother.
Carrie is 6 years older than Eleanor.	We don't have this information in the movie.
Eleanor's father died when Eleanor was 12.	We don't have this information in the movie.
The poltergeist started one month after the death of the father, so Eleanor was 12 years old.	The poltergeist happened when Eleanor was 10.
Bud thinks that it's unfair that Eleanor should have the car during all the summer.	Bud is a coward and tries to convince Eleanor. Carrie is the mean one.
Bud and Carrie plan to spend the summer in the mountains and want the car in case Linnie gets sick.	Bud and Carrie don't have any special plan, they just want to forbid Eleanor to use the car.
Eleanor takes a cab to go to the garage.	We don't know how she gets to the garage.
Eleanor crashes into a very little lady, sending packages in all directions.	This event did not make it to the movie version.
Eleanor comes to the garage and leaves immediately with the car.	Eleanor has to request the keys to the garage attendant.
Eleanor is expected on Thursday 21st of June.	We don't have this information in the movie.

		According to a fan from the USA, this is the cover of the second print of the very first US edition of the book, published by Viking Press in October 1959. Not to mention, very rare...

		I don't have any idea of WHEN this edition was released but, obviously, after the movie. If you have any idea, please let me know... Published by Popular Library.

		This one is supposed to be the 1982 US edition. To be confirmed...

		This 1984 US edition is a present from another fan from the USA (thanks again!). The book was reprinted numerous times. I've got a second copy, dated 1987, with a different slice but identical cover. Published by "Penguin books". ISBN: 0-14-007108-3. Pocket format, 240 pages, about $12 (approx 10 Euros). Here is the text that can be found on the back cover: Past the rusted gates and untrimmed hedges, Hill House broods and waits ... Four seekers have come to the ugly, abandoned old mansion: Dr. Montague, an occult scholar looking for solid evidence of the psychic phenomenon called haunting; Theodora, his lovely and light-hearted assistant; Eleanor, a lonely, homeless girl well acquainted with poltergeists; and Luke, the adventurous future heir of Hill House. At first, their stay seems destined to be merely a spooky encounter with inexplicable noises and self-closing doors, but Hill House is gathering its powers and will soon choose one of them to make its own...

		In 1991, a large volume with 3 books of Shirley Jackson was released in the USA. It contained: The lottery and other stories The haunting of hill house We have always lived in the castle I have no other information about this item. If you have, please let me know.

		With the release of the dreadful remake, the original book was again re-printed in the USA in 1999 with a new cover and a new title: The haunting instead of The haunting of hill house. Published by "Penguin books". ISBN: 0-14-028743-4. Pocket format, 240 pages, about $12 (approx 10 Euros). The text on the back cover is identical to the 1984 Penguin edition. You can also notice that the front cover picture is taken from the promo material of the remake. The commercial poster of the remake shows three faces above the house. [wish list]

		The 1999 UK edition of the book is quite interesting: the title is the original one but the book was obviously marketed during the release of the remake. Pay attention to the unique front sleeve collage with pictures and drawings from the remake. Published by "Constable Robinson" in the UK. ISBN: 1-841-19097-7. Pocket format, 246 pages, about £8 (approx 12 Euros, approx $14.50). [wish list]

		This one is supposed to be another 1999 UK edition. To be confirmed... [wish list]

		The book The haunting of hill house is available in a French translation. It was published by "Pocket" (12 avenue d'Italie, 75627 PARIS Cedex 13, FRANCE) in 1993 under the title Maison hantée, in the Terreur collection. ISBN: 2-266-05527-5. Pocket format, 250 pages, about 40 FRF (approx 6 Euros, approx $7.5) at that time. Here is the very first paragraph of the French translation: Aucun organisme vivant ne peut connaître longtemps une existence saine dans des conditions de réalité absolue. Les alouettes et les sauterelles elles-mêmes, au dire de certains, ne feraient que rêver. Hill House se dressait toute seule, malsaine, adossée à ses collines. En son sein, les ténèbres. Il y avait 80 ans qu'elle se dressait là et elle y était peut-être encore pour 80 ans. A l'intérieur, les murs étaient toujours debouts, les briques toujours jointives, les planchers solides et les portes bien closes. Le silence s'étalait hermétiquement le long des boiseries et des pierres de Hill House. Et ce qui y déambulait, y déambulait tout seul.

		Of course, with the release of the remake - titled Hantise in France - the french book was re-printed in 1999 in the same Terreur collection, with a new cover and a new title: Hantise instead of Maison hantée. Still, this edition is strictly identical to the previous one (same translation by Dominique MOLS in 1993). ISBN: 2-266-09780-6. Pocket format, 250 pages, about 4.5 Euros (approx $5.5). You can notice that the front cover picture is taken from the commercial poster of the remake. Here is the very first paragraph of the French translation: Aucun organisme vivant ne peut connaître longtemps une existence saine dans des conditions de réalité absolue. Les alouettes et les sauterelles elles-mêmes, au dire de certains, ne feraient que rêver. Hill House se dressait toute seule, malsaine, adossée à ses collines. En son sein, les ténèbres. Il y avait 80 ans qu'elle se dressait là et elle y était peut-être encore pour 80 ans. A l'intérieur, les murs étaient toujours debouts, les briques toujours jointives, les planchers solides et les portes bien closes. Le silence s'étalait hermétiquement le long des boiseries et des pierres de Hill House. Et ce qui y déambulait, y déambulait tout seul.

		This one is the 1999 edition, to match the look of the dreadful remake. Read by Roscoe Lee Browne. ISBN: 0-7871-2357-9. Format: Audio book. Release date: July 1999. Publisher: New Star Media, Incorporated. Edition Description: Unabridged, 4 Cassettes. About $25 (approx 20 Euros) [wish list] Click below to play a short sample (0:36, mp3, 192Kbps) ... with the Microsoft Media Player applet Click below to play a short sample (0:36, mp3, 192Kbps) ... with the Apple QuickTime applet

		Eleanor's bedroom. [+] Tranquil, intuitive, trustworthy [-] Cold, Depressing The colour of the sky and the ocean, blue is one of the most popular colours. It causes the opposite reaction as red. Peaceful, tranquil blue causes the body to produce calming chemicals, so it is often used in bedrooms. Blue can also be cold and depressing. Fashion consultants recommend wearing blue to job interviews because it symbolizes loyalty. People are more productive in blue rooms. Studies show weightlifters are able to handle heavier weights in blue gyms. Extreme cold can result in frost bite where the skin turns white with blotches of blue, so we talk of being blue with cold. Just being blue or having the blues is feeling depressed. In America, the boys in blue are all in the navy wearing natty blue uniforms. When two full moons occur within 28 days we call that period a blue moon. Something which happens once in a blue moon therefore, happens very seldom. Describing people we say that a chatterbox talks up a blue streak and a brown noser is a derogatory term used for people who are sycophantic.

		Theodora's bedroom. [+] Growth, abundance, vitality [-] Bad luck Currently the most popular decorating colour, green symbolizes nature. It is the easiest colour on the eye and can improve vision. It is a calming, refreshing colour. People waiting to appear on TV sit in "green rooms" to relax. Hospitals often use green because it relaxes patients. Brides in the Middle Ages wore green to symbolize fertility. Dark green is masculine, conservative, and implies wealth. However, seamstresses often refuse to use green thread on the eve of a fashion show for fear it will bring bad luck. Emotions such as envy and jealousy are green too. Shakespeare wrote about the green monster of jealousy in his play Othello and today we still speak of the little green monster or of being green with envy, although why it should be a green monster instead of a blue or brown one is not clear. If you believe that the grass is greener on the other side, you want something that's just out of your reach, just like cattle which always want to eat in the field next to where they are left by the farmer.

		Dr. John Montague's bedroom. [+] Friendly, compassionate, faithful [-] Girlish The most romantic colour, pink, is more tranquilizing. Sports teams sometimes paint the locker rooms used by opposing teams bright pink so their opponents will lose energy. A young person is described as being in the first flush of youth which refers to the glowing skin which traditionally accompanies good health. Similarly, being in the pink also refers to glowing skin. Seeing the world through rose tinted spectacles means that you are looking at things in a false light which makes them seem more attractive than they actually are. 'La vie en rose' as we say in french.

		This one is the 1999 japanese edition, to match the look of the dreadful remake. Special thanks to Keiko for this lovely present. ISBN: 4-488-58301-6. Pocket format, 332 pages, about 550 Yens (approx 4.5 Euros, approx $5.5)

		I don't have any details about this edition. If you have some, please let me know... [wish list]

		This is my personal copy. It was printed in 2003. ISBN: 0-8222-0504-1. You can still buy mint copies of this booklet without any difficulty.

		Luke Sanderson's bedroom. [+] Enthusiastic, playful, optimistic [-] Cowardice Cheerful sunny yellow is an attention getter. While it is considered an optimistic colour, people lose their tempers more often in yellow rooms, and babies will cry more. It is the most difficult colour for the eye to take in, so it can be overpowering if overused. Yellow enhances concentration, hence its use for legal pads. It also speeds metabolism. Cowardly people are said to have a yellow streak. In the past, men who refused to fight in wars were given the white feather from a chicken, a bird which symbolized cowardice.

		Eleanor's clothes. Red Personalities The words that best describe Reds are practical, realistic, down-to-earth, sensible, pragmatic and dependable. They are traditionalists in their beliefs and values. Reds are the backbone of society. They believe that people should earn their way in life through hard work and service to others. They approach everything from a no-nonsense point of view. For Reds, what you see is what you get. They are loyal to their families, their causes and their superiors. They operate best within a traditional power structure where everyone knows their places. They are sensitive to the lines of authority and are conscientious about staying within those lines. Even if Reds do not agree with the rules or procedures, they will not challenge them. They accept them for what they are and understand that without structure and guidelines there would be chaos. They are dogmatic in their approach. Reds need specific parameters to function by. Reds are literal in their interpretation of things. Everything is either black or white. Gray areas and ambiguity are not comfortable for Reds. Intangibles have little value in their world. Reds think that spending time exploring possibilities and creating ideas is non-productive unless there is a process in place to follow through on those ideas. They are not abstract thinkers and, in fact, have very little patience with people who are. This is not to say that they are not idea people. They are. However, unless they have some assurance that the idea will work prior to moving forward, then it will be viewed as a waste of time. Reds see their role in the creativity process as the ones who give substance to ideas and turn them into reality. Reds are controllers. They need to control both their environment and people. They believe that if they are in control then they can somehow buffer themselves from the unexpected. Reds do not like surprises. Their need to dominate others is strong. They tend to be autocratic and dictatorial in their interaction with others. They are highly effective at using intimidation and aggression in order to get what they want. Their need to dominate is so strong that they are often accused of being insensitive to the feelings and needs of others. Reds are strong, forceful personalities who are driven by the need for power and status. Reds are fiercely competitive. They will not back down from a confrontational situation. They thrive in competitive environments. They view themselves as survivalists. For Reds, winning is everything. No matter what the cost, or what the conditions. They are not squeamish in their quest for winning. If winning means stepping on others to get what they want...so be it. They are not sentimental and they do not identify with the underdogs. From their perspective there can be only one winner, and that winner will be them. Reds will fight to the end. In reality, the more ferocious the competition, the more stimulating it is for Reds. They prefer taking the offensive, rather than defensive position. Hard work is the hallmark of Reds. They are doers. They will not rest until the job is done. They believe in rolling up their sleeves and jumping right in. Reds are detail oriented. For them, no detail is too small to overlook. They pride themselves on their ability to manage people, facts and information. They prefer working in environments where there are systems; tasks are well defined, and where expectations and results are clearly explained. They do not like to waste their time in meetings where all there is, is planning or brainstorming. Reds are action people. They love seeing immediate results for their efforts. Their motto in life is, "Just Do It". Reds are the kind of people every employer dreams of. They are loyal, steadfast and dependable. They do not mind taking on tasks that are routine or redundant. Understanding job responsibilities and how their performance is going to be measured is a must for Reds. Because of their hard work attitude, they expect the same of others. They have little tolerance for people who are non-productive. They will not tolerate emotional outbursts in the work environment. They expect people to leave their personal problems at home. They measure both themselves and others on results, not on effort. They believe that everything depends on them. They also believe that it is their responsibility to light the fire under others so things will happen. Extroverted Reds Extroverted Reds believe in making the most of the moment. They are doers who like to keep themselves involved in life. They like to keep things lively and churning as much as possible. Even though they do not personally like change, they are known for changing direction mid-stream just to keep people on their toes. They are not the types to rest on their laurels. They make things happen. If extroverted Reds decide something needs to get done, get out of their way is you can not stand the pace. They are impatient types. They have difficulty relaxing. They do not cope well with things that do not go the way they think they should. They are outgoing, up-front, extremely direct and vocal when it comes to expressing what they want and do not want. They do not pull any punches when it comes to telling others what they like and do not like. They are masters at getting to the heart of the matters. They are abrupt and will cut to the chase in order to find out what they need. When they ask questions they expect simple direct answers. They have no tolerance for lengthy complex explanations. If they ask the time, they do not want to know how the watch was built. Introverted Reds Introverted Reds are quiet, introspective, serious, matter-of-fact, reserved people who are reliable and steadfast. They are patient and painstakingly systematic in their approach to solving problems. Unlike their extroverted counterparts, introverted Reds will not exert themselves any more than they have to, and they do not enter into things impulsively. They do not see bulldozing ahead or butting heads with people as a good usage of either time or energy. They are methodical in their approach to both life and tasks. Life is what you see and nothing more. They live in the present. No other type is more thorough, hard-working or patient with facts and details than introverted Reds. Their perseverance and quiet presence tends to act as a stabilizer for others. They will not do anything that does not make sense. They enjoy solitude and prefer working by themselves rather than working with people. For introverted Reds, people are a distraction. They need an environment where they just bury themselves in the tasks at hand. They produce results.

		Theodora's clothes. Yellow Personalities Yellows are self-confident personalities. The words that best describe Yellows are self-reliant, self-respected, self-made, self-motivated, high self-esteem, self-starter and self-fulfilled. Yellows believe in themselves, their capabilities and their intellectual abilities. They know that if they put their minds to it, they can accomplish anything. Their philosophy is that if they believe in it, they can achieve it. When you combine these strong "self' Yellow characteristics with their ambition, they truly are capable of transforming their dreams into real accomplishments. The future to Yellows is a world of endless possibilities and the opportunity to make a difference. They are true visionaries. Yellows are challengers. They challenge authority. They challenge the traditional ways of thinking. They challenge why and how things work. They even constantly challenge themselves to be better and to think differently. They dare to do things differently and to make things better. Yellows are non-conformists and mavericks. Even though they may appear to conform within conventional society, they are truly square pegs trying to fit into a round world. Yellows live by their own internal code of values and principles. They are not strongly influenced by other people or by traditional limitations. Yellows make their own sets of rules and march to their own drummers. Yellows need the freedom to utilize their intelligence, to pursue their quest for knowledge and wisdom and to develop competency by acquiring new skills and expanding their capabilities. For Yellows, being competent is everything. They will not settle for anything less. Yellows pride themselves on their expertise and intellect. They view life as something to be understood and mastered. They make perfect scientists because of their need to control predict and explain both concepts and realities. Research is their greatest passion. They are compulsive about improving things. For Yellows, knowing how something works is only half of the equation, knowing how to make it better is the other half. Inventors tend to be Yellows. Goals drive and motivate Yellows. They enjoy the goal setting process because it allows them the opportunity to look at an entire situation, identify objectives, deal with obstacles and put strategies in place to accomplish the results. Yellows tend to know what they want and they have the drive necessary to get it. They also know how to use their leadership strengths to gain the cooperation of others. Yellows are ambitious people. At their best, Yellows are innovative thinkers. They defy the traditional ways of doing things and seek out ways to make things better. They are resourceful people. They can grasp abstract theory easily and convert it into practical applications. They thrive on the complexities of problems and situations. At their worst, Yellows are impractical, condescending, overly conceptual, uncompromising, verbose, and nit-picky. They become pre-occupied, mentally incapacitated, impatient with others, and irritated with themselves. They lose touch with reality and get lost in their heads. Yellows expend so much mental energy working to analyze and rationalize their way of thinking that they lose sight of objectives. When in this mental state, they tend to use intellectualizing as a means of appearing superior to others. Extroverted Yellows Extroverted Yellows are hearty, frank, highly energetic, dynamic, charismatic people. They love to engage others in intellectual banter. They are skilled at getting others to accept their way of thinking and to support their objectives. Extroverted Yellows are always looking for new challenges. They tend to be consummate entrepreneurs. If extroverted Yellows are told something cannot be done, they will not only take on the challenge to prove that it can be done, they will usually exceed expectations. They have a natural zest for life that attracts others to follow their leadership and jump on their bandwagon. Their methodology to get others involved can be likened to the "Huck Finn" technique. Make it look like so much fun that others cannot possibly resist the temptation to get in and roll their sleeves up to make things happens. Extroverted Yellows are commandants. They believe it is their place in life to lead. They enjoy public speaking and sharing their thoughts and ideas with groups. They understand that in order to be a good leader you must lead by example. You must walk your talk. They know that mixed messages will undermine others' belief in them. They are outward-driven in their thinking. If they come up with an idea, they want to turn it into reality. Extroverted Yellows cannot be content with living with ideas. Their need to make things happen is too great. In the game of life, extroverted Yellows cannot remain on the sidelines. They not only need to be involved in the game, they need to be leading the team. Introverted Yellows Introverted Yellows are deep thinkers. An ideal job for them would be a "think-tank specialist". They are continually creating ideas and concepts in their minds. They have rich imaginations, which provide them with endless possibilities to explore. Their thinking process is to consider, do, then re-consider. Introverted Yellows need the time to think about things, then think about them some more. They become irritated when pressed to make decisions before they have had the time to fully understand all of the variables. They will massage a problem until they can find just the right solution. Introverted Yellows carry on extensive internal conversations. They play out scenario after scenario in their minds. They thrive on the complexities of their thoughts. They would much rather have quietness to contemplate and speculate than have to put things into action. Their faith in their intuition makes them extremely independent and individualistic. They tend to live by their own intellectual formulas and expect others follow accordingly. They have little patience with confusion, ineffectiveness, doing things halfway or efforts that are not producing results. Introverted Yellows have a difficult time communicating their ideas effectively to others. They tend to explain their ideas in such a complicated manner that most people cannot follow their thoughts. Introverted Yellows expect others to be able to follow along, and if they cannot, these Yellows see repetition as a waste of time and energy. Introverted Yellows are cool thinkers, consequently others will seek them out to solve problems in pressure situations. They have the ability to create win-win outcomes even in the most adverse conditions. The gift introverted Yellows have to share with others is their resourcefulness and the belief that every problem has a solution.

in the book...	in the movie...
Theo had an argument with her girlfriend when she received Dr. Montague's invitation.	This event did not make it to the movie version.
Theo smashed the lovely little figurine. The girlfriend ripped to shreds a volume of Alfred De Musset, a present from Theo.	This event did not make it to the movie version.
Theo wrote back to accept the invitation the same night and left in the morning.	This event did not make it to the movie version.

		This is the 1992 US edition of The lottery and other stories, first published in 1948. Published by "Noonday Press". ISBN: 0-37-451681-2. Pocket format, about $12 (approx 10 Euros). Here is the text that can be found on the back cover: The lottery, one of the most terrifying stories written in this century, created a sensation when it was first published in The New Yorker, "Powerful and haunting", "horrible", "superbly contrived", "cancel my subscription" and "nights of unrest" were typical reader responses. This collection, the only one to appear during Shirley Jackson's lifetime, unites "The lottery" with 24 equally unusual stories. Together they demonstrate Jackson's remarkable range -from the hilarious to the truly horrible- and power as storyteller.

		The book The Lottery and other stories by Shirley Jackson is also available in a French translation. It was published by "Pocket" in 1994 under the title La loterie, in the Terreur collection. ISBN: 2-266-06075-9. Pocket format, 270 pages, about 40 FRF (approx 6 Euros, approx $7.5) at that time. Here is the very first paragraph of the French translation of the story "La loterie": C'était le 27 juin, une belle matinée claire et ensoleillée, vibrante de chaleur toute neuve du plein été remplie de foisons de fleurs et d'herbe grasse et verte à souhait. Les habitants du village commencèrent à se rassembler sur la place, entre la banque et le bureau de poste, aux alentours de dix heures. Dans certaines villes, les habitants étaient si nombreux que la loterie durait deux jours et qu'il fallait par conséquent la commencer le 26 juin. Mais dans ce village-ci, qui ne comptait que trois cent âmes environ, la loterie ne prenait pas plus de deux heures en tout : on pouvait donc commencer vers dix heures du matin et avoir tout terminé à temps pour que chacun puisse rentrer chez soi pour le déjeuner.

		This is the 1997 US edition of Life among the savages, first published in 1953. Published by "Penguin books". ISBN: 0-14-026767-0. Pocket format, 256 pages, about $12 (approx 10 Euros). Here is the text that can be found on the back cover: Shirley Jackson, author of the classic short story "The lottery", was known for her terse, haunting prose. But the write possessed another side, one which is delightfully exposed in this hilariously charming memoir of her family's life in rural Vermont. "Our house", writes Jackson, "is old, noisy, and full. When we moved into it we had two children and about five thousand books; I expect that when we finally overflow and move out again we will have perhaps twenty children and easily half a million books". Children who won't behave, cars that won't start, furnaces that break down, a pugnacious corner bully, household help that never stays, and a patient husband who remains lovingly oblivious to the many thousands of things mothers and wives accomplish every single day - these pages are blissfully crowded with the raucous and endearing voices of Jackson's extraordinary family living a wonderfully ordinary life.

		The book The sundial by Shirley Jackson is also available in a French translation. It was published by "Pocket" in 1995 under the title Le cadran solaire, in the Terreur collection. ISBN: 2-266-06667-6. Pocket format, 250 pages, about 40 FRF (approx 6 Euros, approx $7.5) at that time. Here is the very first paragraph of the French translation: Après l'enterrement, ils rentrèrent à la maison, qui était, sans contestation possible désormais, la maison de Mrs. Halloran. Ils restèrent un moment à se dandiner, comme s'ils hésitaient sur la conduite à tenir, dans le beau vestibule aux proportions majestueuses, tandis que Mrs. Halloran allait dans l'aile droite annoncer à Mr. Halloran que les derniers devoirs avaient été rendus à Lionel sans mélodrame.

		This one is supposed to be the 1962 first US edition. To be confirmed...

		This is the 1984 US edition of We have always lived in the castle, first published in 1962. Published by "Penguin books". ISBN: 0-14-007107-5. Pocket format, 246 pages, about $12 (approx 10 Euros). Here is the text that can be found on the back cover: All is peaceful at the Blackwood estate - until a murderer strikes. Merricat Blackwood lives on the family estate with her sister Constance and her uncle Julian. Not long ago there were seven Blackwoods - until a fatal dose of arsenic found its way into the sugar bowl one terrible night. Acquitted of the murders, Constance has returned home, where Merricat protects her from the curiosity and hostility of the villagers. Their days pass in happy isolation until cousin Charles appears. Only Merricat can see the danger, and she must act swiftly to keep Constance from his grasp.

		The book We have always lived in the castle by Shirley Jackson is also available in a French translation. It was published by "Pocket" in 1999 under the title Nous avons toujours habité le château, in the Terreur collection. ISBN: 2-266-09101-8. Pocket format, 280 pages, about 40 FRF (approx 6 Euros, approx $7.5) at that time. Here is the very first paragraph of the French translation: Je m'appelle Mary Katherine Blackwood. J'ai dix-huit ans et je vis avec ma soeur Constance. Je me suis souvent dit que j'aurais fort bien pu être un loup-garou, car l'index et le majeur de mes deux mains sont de la même longueur, mais il a fallu que je me contente de mon sort. J'ai horreur de me laver, je déteste les chiens et le bruit. J'aime bien ma soeur Constance, Richard Plantagenet et l'amanite phalloïde. Tous les autres membres de ma famille sont morts.