Watch The Cheney Vase

The Cheney Vase is a haunting psychological thriller from 1955 that leaves a lasting impression on viewers. It is directed by Montgomery Tully and stars Ann Todd, Ronald Howard, Susan Stephen, and George Coulouris. The plot centers around a young, talented artist named Rachel (Todd) who is hired by the wealthy Cheney family to paint a portrait of their late matriarch. Upon arriving at their mansion, Rachel quickly realizes that her hosts are an odd bunch. The stern and mysterious Mrs. Cheney (played brilliantly by Flora Robson) rarely leaves her room and is surrounded by giant vases filled with exotic flowers. Her stepson, Julian (Howard), seems to be hiding something and acts overly protective of his younger sister, Rosy (Stephen). Rachel soon discovers that the family is haunted by the specter of Mrs. Cheney's deceased husband, who had a passion for collecting bones and skulls.

As Rachel delves deeper into the history of the family and their dark secrets, she becomes increasingly obsessed with painting the looming, yet elusive Mrs. Cheney. She is soon drawn into a web of mental and emotional manipulation by the family, who seem to have a sinister agenda of their own. Rachel's grip on reality becomes more tenuous as she struggles to complete her artistic vision while also confronting her own demons.

One of the most striking aspects of The Cheney Vase is the cinematography. The moody, atmospheric lighting and clever camera angles create a sense of claustrophobia and paranoia that mirrors Rachel's mental state. The use of black-and-white film and deep shadows lends a sense of timelessness to the film, making it feel almost like a dark fairy tale.

Another standout element is the sound design. The score by composer William Alwyn soothes and unsettles in equal measure, with soft, lullaby-like melodies juxtaposed against jarring, discordant tones. The creaks and groans of the old mansion and the rustling of the exotic plants add to the overall feeling of unease.

The performances in The Cheney Vase are uniformly excellent. Todd gives a nuanced and sympathetic portrayal of Rachel, bringing a vulnerability and intensity to the character. Coulouris shines in a brief but memorable role as a forensic scientist, while Robson steals the show as the domineering and enigmatic Mrs. Cheney. Howard does well in conveying Julian's complexity, his charming façade masking a darker agenda.

The themes of death, grief, and the macabre are explored in an interesting and nuanced way throughout the film. The Cheney family's obsession with death and bones can be seen as a metaphor for their inability to let go of the past and move on. Mrs. Cheney's withdrawal from the world can be interpreted as a manifestation of deep and enduring grief. Rachel's obsession with capturing Mrs. Cheney's essence in her painting can be interpreted as a way to confront her own unresolved issues.

Overall, The Cheney Vase is a masterful work of psychological horror that is both haunting and mesmerizing. Its blend of striking visuals, evocative sound design, and strong performances create a truly memorable experience that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.

The Cheney Vase is a 2011 thriller with a runtime of 25 minutes.