The 8 Mar 1961 Var referred to the project as The Haunting of Hill House, the title of the 1959 novel by Shirley Jackson upon which it was based. Ten months later, the 19 Jan 1962 DV noted that the title was shortened to The Haunting. A news item in the 3 Apr 1962 LAT reported that Eva Marie Saint would star in the film. Producer-director Robert Wise was scheduled to leave 5 May 1966 for location shooting in England, according to the 26 Apr 1962 DV. On 4 Jun 1962, LAT announced Julie Harris as the star of the picture. However, the 12 Sep 1962 DV reported that production was postponed, due to Harris’s commitment to appear in A Shot in the Dark on Broadway through 15 Sep 1962. Filming began 4 Oct 1962, as stated in 5 Oct 1962 DV production charts. An article in the 29 Nov 1962 DV noted that the film was the first to be photographed with a newly-developed Panavision lens, “the widest anamorphic lens in existence” at the time.
       In an open letter to the 11 Dec 1962 LAT, Robert Wise commended the cast, and especially Harris, who memorized the entire script before the start of production. He also mentioned actress Claire Bloom’s concern over whether she would be able to return to New York City for Christmas. A column in the 8 Feb 1963 LAT stated that Bloom’s obligation to the film was completed, but she was remaining in London for another production. According to the 23 Jul 1963 DV, Wise spent ten months on the project.
       The 8 Mar 1963 DV reported that Wise intended to finish post-production within the next three weeks. The 19 Mar 1963 DV added that an answer print would be available for previews the following month.
       The Haunting opened in New York City and Los Angeles, CA, on 18 Sep 1963. The 24 Sep 1963 noted that it was on a double bill with The Square of Violence (1963, see entry). Critical notices were lukewarm, with the 19 Sep 1963 NYT commenting that the plot “makes more goose pimples than sense.” Parents magazine disagreed, naming it “Picture of the Month” for its Sep 1963 issue. Opening week receipts were also encouraging, with totals of $29,000 and $27,000 from single locations in New York City and Chicago, respectively.
       Distributor MGM publicized the film with its “search for the supernatural,” soliciting accounts of the paranormal through classified newspaper advertising. On behalf of the studio, parapsychologist Dr. Nandor Fodor embarked on a tour of the Midwestern and southern states, in which he publicly evaluated the responses.
       The 13 Sep 1963 LAT identified a female stunt player who performed two death scenes as Connie Tilton.