British film studio Ealing is famous for making many classic comedies (Whisky Galore, Passport To Pimlico etc) in the 40s. They also, strangely,  made one of the greatest horror movies of all time.

Dead Of Night is a ‘portmanteau’ style horror – later popularised in the 60s by another British studio, Amicus (Tales From The Crypt, Asylum etc). The format essentially involves a linking story bringing a group of strangers together, into which are interwoven various spooky tales told by the participants. It invariably doesn’t end well for at least one of them!

Such is the case with Dead Of Night. An architect who has been having nightmares and strange premonitions visits a country house. The stories told by the visitors gathered there include that of a haunted mirror and, most famously, a ventriloquist possessed by his dummy.

It gets genuinely creepy towards the climax, and ends on a rather ambiguous note – its not clear if the architect is trapped in a nightmare loop or this time is actually driving towards his doom.

Posters for Dead Of Night are very rare and very expensive. This Spanish herald, whilst hard to find, is very affordable. I’ve now got this framed and on my wall.