This film feels like a variation on “Psycho,” set within a finishing school for girls in France during the Victorian period. A new student, played by Cristina Galbó, arrives at the institution overseen by Lilli Palmer’s stern headmistress. Teresa finds herself navigating the social hierarchy dominated by Mary Maude's character while also forming a connection with John Moulder-Brown, who portrays the headmistress’s teenage son. The atmosphere shifts as students begin to disappear. Originating in Spain and initially released there in 1969 under the title “La residencia,” this Spanish production didn’t reach North American audiences until 1971. It's primarily a psychological drama centered on young people, though it incorporates elements of horror later on. While not a direct imitation of Hitchcock’s classic, the influence is undeniable, and certain parallels exist. The film can be categorized as an early slasher movie, but its emphasis leans more toward suspenseful drama and mystery rather than graphic violence. "Lust for a Vampire," released a year afterward, shared a comparable setting, albeit with a vampire theme; “Suspiria” clearly drew inspiration from this picture. Viewers who enjoy films like "Lust for a Vampire," "Picnic at Hanging Rock,” “Suspiria,” “The Woods,” and “The Moth Diaries” will likely find something to appreciate in “The House That Screamed,” as it served as a foundational work for those types of stories. It’s notable for including the first slow-motion murder shot up close in Spanish cinema, and at the time of its release, it was Spain's highest-grossing film. The movie has a running time of 1 hour and 38 minutes. Filming took place in Madrid, with exterior shots of the school captured approximately 288 miles away at Palacio de Sobrellano in Comillas, Spain, which is located on the Bay of Biscay. GRADE: B-/B

Source on TMDB