CRAWSPACE opens with a quirky heating oil worker (Tom Happer) having an unexpected dinner with his customers, Albert and Alice Graves (Arthur Kennedy and Teresa Wright). His name is Richard, and other than being a bit odd, all seems well. The title quickly comes into play when Albert discovers that their dinner guest has apparently taken up residence there.
The Graves' try to figure out how to handle the situation. They're an older couple, and Albert has a heart condition. Richard comes and goes, creeping around, and sneaking their food. Over time, a bizarre, familial sort of relationship develops between them.
Then, a simple trip to the grocery store proves to be... too much. Thus, the downward spiral begins.
CRAWLSPACE is one of the best made-for-TV horror-thrillers of its era. Part of what makes it so effective is the mixture of poignancy with the unfolding terror. It's clear that Richard becomes a sort of surrogate son to the lonely old couple, even though they grow to be terrified of him. The finale is gripping as well as sad.
Kennedy and Wright are absolutely believable in their tormented roles. Happer plays his disturbed character with twitching restraint, becoming explosive when necessary. Eugene Roche is also memorable as the Sheriff...
The Graves' try to figure out how to handle the situation. They're an older couple, and Albert has a heart condition. Richard comes and goes, creeping around, and sneaking their food. Over time, a bizarre, familial sort of relationship develops between them.
Then, a simple trip to the grocery store proves to be... too much. Thus, the downward spiral begins.
CRAWLSPACE is one of the best made-for-TV horror-thrillers of its era. Part of what makes it so effective is the mixture of poignancy with the unfolding terror. It's clear that Richard becomes a sort of surrogate son to the lonely old couple, even though they grow to be terrified of him. The finale is gripping as well as sad.
Kennedy and Wright are absolutely believable in their tormented roles. Happer plays his disturbed character with twitching restraint, becoming explosive when necessary. Eugene Roche is also memorable as the Sheriff...