IMDb > The Possession of Joel Delaney (1972)

The Possession of Joel Delaney (1972) More at IMDbPro »

IMDb Holiday Movie Guide

Overview

User Rating:
5.6/10   359 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 19% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Waris Hussein
Writers:
Irene Kamp (writer)
Matt Robinson (writer)
more
Contact:
View company contact information for The Possession of Joel Delaney on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
24 May 1972 (USA) more
Genre:
Drama | Horror | Thriller more
Plot:
A woman begins to suspect that her brother is possessed by a voodoo spirit. | add synopsis
Plot Keywords:
more
Awards:
1 nomination more
User Comments:
An effectively done spiritual thriller more (29 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Shirley MacLaine ... Norah Benson

Perry King ... Joel Delaney
Michael Hordern ... Justin
David Elliott ... Peter Benson
Lisa Kohane ... Carrie Benson
Barbara Trentham ... Sherry
Lovelady Powell ... Erika
Edmundo Rivera Álvarez ... Don Pedro
Teodorina Bello ... Mrs. Pererz
Robert Burr ... Ted Benson
Miriam Colon ... Veronica
Ernesto Gonzalez ... Young Man at Seance
Aukie Herger ... Mr. Perez

Earle Hyman ... Charles (as Earl Hyman)
Marita Lindholm ... Marta Benson
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parents
Runtime:
105 min
Country:
USA
Language:
English
Color:
Color (Eastmancolor)
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono
Certification:
Norway:18 (1973) | Iceland:16 | Australia:MA (cable rating) | Finland:(Banned) (1973) | UK:X | USA:R
Filming Locations:
New York City, New York, USA
Company:
Haworth Productions more

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
The film was bashed by critics upon release because of the disturbing scene where a young boy is forced to strip. In a 2004 Entertainment Weekly article author Stephen King cited the movie while addressing issues of censorship. King said had The Possession of Joel Delaney been released today it would be rated NC-17 for that scene alone. more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.

User Comments

   (Comment on this title)
7 out of 7 people found the following comment useful.
An effectively done spiritual thriller, 25 January 2000
Author: (tla.baio@gateway.net) from Bronx, New York City.

This is a sharp supernatural thriller worth seeking out. The pace may be a little slow for some, but those who are patient will be pleased with the use of their virtue. Shirley MacLaine plays a Manhattan socialite who realizes that her brother has in some way changed. For example he now practices the Santaria religion, he speaks very good Spanish, and his health is not quite the same. MacLaine is then warned that her brother may be slowly becoming possessed by the spirit of a Spanish decapitator. Not knowing what or who to believe, she dives into the world of the Santaria faith in an attempt to get some answers on what is happening to her brother. As time goes on, the danger increases and getting the answers she seeks may prove to be fatal. Director Warris Hussein does a good job in building the suspense for the viewer and creating a frightening atmosphere to those who are not familiar with Santaria. The performances, lead as well as supporting, are first rate especially Perry King (who plays the brother) who is truly frightening towards the film's conclusion. This is very well done, and highly recommended.

Was the above comment useful to you?
more (29 total)

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for The Possession of Joel Delaney (1972)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
Edited Version?? slmcdaniel2002
Whatever happened to... james-flinchbaugh2
October 22 U.K. dvd release. patgam-1
Where is the DVD?????? Nijn1978
more

Recommendations

If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
- - - - -
The Night of the Hunter Perfume: The Story of a Murderer Sunshine Die Stille nach dem Schuß Once Upon a Time in America
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
Show more recommendations

Related Links

Full cast and crew Company credits External reviews
IMDb Drama section IMDb USA section Add this title to MyMovies

You may report errors and omissions on this page to the IMDb database managers. They will be examined and if approved will be included in a future update. Clicking the 'Update' button will take you through a step-by-step process.