12 Classic British Horror Films You Need To See

One of Hammer’s most unsung films, The Nanny features a terrifying performance from Bette Davis, who plays a governess that murders her charges. Her latest ward is Joey, an emotionally disturbed 10-year-old who’s just returned from a children’s home, where he was remanded after drowning his sister.

Imagine Joey’s surprise when he returns home to his father (James Villiers, perennially cast as the snooty aristocrat) and mother (Wendy Craig, who’s best remembered for her comedy roles) to find creepy Davis willing to dote on him. Needless to say, he rebels, little realizing that Davis is not someone to trifle with. We don’t want to give too much away, so let’s just say that her preferred method of punishment is a short, sharp shock – involving water.

Davis, with a British accent, is so restrained as to make you forget about her other forays into horror, which usually saw her trying to outdo her co-stars. She was reportedly “difficult” on the set of The Nanny, but with a performance this good, why complain?