The Turn of the Screw

An authoritative governess takes a job at a secluded estate to care for two orphaned children. From the start she senses something unsettled in the house, a chilling link to the former guardian who died under mysterious circumstances. As she tries to establish order, she begins to glimpse figures and hear whispers that seem to attach themselves to Miles and Flora, the young wards. The sightings grow more vivid and personal, making her question whether she is being manipulated by her own fears or drawn into a real haunting. The story stays focused on mood, doubt, and a perilous grip on reality. Her sense of duty falters as the children's misbehavior grows and a past secret seems to echo inside the house.

Directed by John Frankenheimer, this Ford Startime television adaptation reimagines Henry James's The Turn of the Screw for 1950s TV. Ingrid Bergman leads as the governess, supported by Isobel Elsom, Hayward Morse, Alexandra Wager, and Paul Stevens. The program blends theatrical performance with a cinematic sensibility, leveraging Bergman's prestige to elevate the material for a television audience.

There was no theatrical box office for this production since it aired as a television special. As a Ford Startime program it circulated on TV rather than in cinemas, so gross was recorded. Its impact lay in ratings and prestige.

Its legacy lies in the era when televised stage gothic tales drew prestige from strong casts. Bergman's cool, controlled presence and Frankenheimer's taut pacing helped show how television could stage mood driven horror with cinematic bite. Critics note it as a rare example of ambition on TV.

Critically the piece is remembered more for tone than shocks. It foregrounds themes of authority and uncertainty, examining whether perception shapes danger. The interplay between the governess and unseen forces invites viewers to trust her judgment while doubting the reality she reports. The drama centers on perception and authority.