When Michael Calls (TV 1972)

Helen keeps on receiving phone calls from a child, who claims being her nephew Michael - but Michael died 15 years ago! In these calls he scolds on acquaintances, who then die in suspicious... See full summary »

Director:

Philip Leacock

Writers:

James Bridges, John Farris (novel)

Stars:

Ben Gazzara, Elizabeth Ashley, Michael Douglas

1 nomination.

Cast

Credited cast:
Ben Gazzara	...	Doremus Connelly
Elizabeth Ashley	...	Helen Connelly
Michael Douglas	...	Craig
Karen Pearson	...	Peggy Connelly
Larry Reynolds	...	Dr. Britton
Al Waxman	...	Sheriff Hap Washbrook
Alan McRae	...	Harry Randall
Chris Pellett	...	Peter
Steve Weston	...	Enoch Mills
Robert Warner	...	Sam
John Bethune	...	Quinlan
William Osler	...	Prof. Swen
Michèle Chicoine	...	Amy
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Daniel Selby	...	Boy at school
Marian Waldman	...	Elsa Britton

Storyline

Helen keeps on receiving phone calls from a child, who claims being her nephew Michael - but Michael died 15 years ago! In these calls he scolds on acquaintances, who then die in suspicious accidents. Soon Helen has to fear to be the next victim.

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Plot Keywords:

serial killer | abc movie of the week | telephone call | based on novel | character name in title

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Taglines:

In "When Michael Calls," Elizabeth Ashley receives mysterious phone calls. Who's keeping her on the hook?

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Genres:

Horror | Thriller

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 February 1972 (USA)

Also Known As:

Shattered Silence

Filming Locations:

Studio Center, Toronto, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

20th Century Fox Television, Palomar Pictures (I)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

73 min 87 min (Fox Movie Channel edition)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

User Reviews

Above average movie of the week

I remember being scared to death when this film first aired on TV in 1971. Of course, I was all of nine years old at the time. When Michael Calls was recently shown on Fox Movies, and I had a chance to relive my memories of terror. Surprisingly, the film holds up remarkably well, even with the tacked on and predictable happy ending that ties up all the loose ends. I even had to turn a light on while I watched!