Although "Fear in the Night" (1972) is a fairly contrived and conventional psychological thriller, with many of the clichés of that genre, it still has enough macabre imagery and sustained suspense to raise it above the average. Having survived an attack by a leather-gloved intruder newlywed Peggy (Judy Geeson) is relieved to move to a posh boys school in the country with her husband, Robert (Ralph Bates). Once there, however, she is convinced things aren’t right in regard to both the headmaster (Peter Cushing) and his wife (Joan Collins). It is obvious from relatively early in the film that the odd goings on around Peggy are designed to drive her mad and to murder. Will she succumb, however? Will she resort to murder and who, exactly, is behind her persecution? The film has a startling opening sequence (the camera slowly pans across the school playing fields to end up on the feet of a man hanging in a tree), which is one of many clever sequences and touches throughout the movie. Written and directed by Jimmy Sangster, “Fear in the Night” was one of a number of attempts being made by Hammer in the early ‘70s to branch out into new areas following diminishing returns from their monster franchises. Although Cushing has very limited screen time he plays his role with creepy aplomb; Bates is perfect as the husband (despite the haircut!); Collins is bitch supreme and Judy Geeson holds her own and is appropriately simpering in the lead role. As with most of Hammer’s output it is beautifully shot and looks vastly more expensive than its meagre budget. In summary: hardly original, but an entertaining thriller, with enough twists and turns to keep you interested and guessing all the way to the end. ( )