The 1989 TV adaptation of The Woman in Black remains one of Britain’s most terrifying ghost stories, with one iconic scene leaving viewers haunted long after the credits rolled

The 1989 ITV adaptation of The Woman in Black has become a quintessential British Christmas horror, with its unforgettable jump scare still sending chills down viewers’ spines. Directed by Herbert Wise, this adaptation of Susan Hill’s gothic novel aired on Christmas Eve and became known for one of the most terrifying scenes in screen history.

In the film, Adrian Rawlins stars as Arthur Kidd, a Victorian lawyer tasked with settling the estate of a deceased client, only to encounter vengeful spirits. The atmosphere is steeped in slow-burn dread, but it’s the shocking moment when Pauline Moran’s ghostly character, the Woman in Black, emerges from behind a curtain, accompanied by an eerie, banshee-like sound, that defines the experience. Mark Gatiss, a long-time fan, describes the moment as a terrifying, visceral shock: “You can’t prepare for it, even if you know it’s coming. It sends a chill throughout your whole body.”

Moran, who plays the silent, malevolent spectre, explains that her performance involved creating an unnerving banshee-like sound using only her own voice, accompanied by a wind machine for added effect. Her ghostly movement, which was intended to evoke a floating, witch-like quality, left a lasting impression on audiences. “Adrian screamed so loudly he lost his voice,” Moran recalled, highlighting the impact of her terrifying performance.

The 1989 adaptation of The Woman in Black has become a cult classic over the years, praised for its slow-building tension and haunting atmosphere. Despite the challenges surrounding licensing rights, making the film difficult to access for years, its reputation has only grown. Fans, including Guillermo del Toro, have lauded it as one of the finest examples of British horror, with its ability to unsettle without relying on flashy special effects.

The tale itself is a dark, tragic one, centred around Jennet Goss, the Woman in Black, whose rage and grief over the loss of her son Nathaniel—trapped in a tragic accident—haunt the living. This story, along with its stage adaptation, has become embedded in British culture, offering a chilling reminder of the power of the supernatural.