The Comeback (1978)

A singer holes up at a sinister estate to write new songs for his act. The ghost of his murdered wife begins to haunt him, then the person who actually killed her shows up at the mansion.

Director:

Pete Walker

Writers:

Murray Smith (screenplay), Michael Sloan (additional script material)

Stars:

Jack Jones, Pamela Stephenson, David Doyle

1 win.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Jack Jones	...	Nick Cooper
Pamela Stephenson	...	Linda Everett
David Doyle	...	Webster Jones
Bill Owen	...	Mr. B
Sheila Keith	...	Mrs. B
Holly Palance	...	Gail Cooper
Peter Turner	...	Harry
Richard Johnson	...	Macauley
Patrick Brock	...	Dr. Paulsen
June Chadwick	...	Nurse
Penny Irving	...	Girl Singer
Jeff Silk	...	Police Officer

Storyline

A singer holes up at a sinister estate to write new songs for his act. The ghost of his murdered wife begins to haunt him, then the person who actually killed her shows up at the mansion.

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Plot Keywords:

mansion | singer | female nudity | blood | nightmare | 

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Taglines:

Is she the victim of a bizarre murder... or will she be back?

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Genres:

Horror | Mystery | Thriller

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

September 1979 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Day the Screaming Stopped

Company Credits

Production Co:

Peter Walker (Heritage) Ltd.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Director Pete Walker initially offered the role of Nick Cooper to Roxy Music singer Bryan Ferry and intended to shoot the film in the U.S.

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Soundtracks

"Traces of a Long Forgotten Tune"
Written by Jamie Anderson

User Reviews

A Solid Attempt From Pete Walker

A singer (Jack Jones) holes up at a sinister estate to write new songs for his act. The ghost of his murdered wife (Holly Palance) begins to haunt him, then the person who actually killed her shows up at the mansion.

How did this title wind up in the hands of Troma? Granted, over the years a number of decent films (many of them horror) have found their way into Troma's catalog, but this one is strong enough that it could easily have been picked up by MGM or Warner or someone with a little more respect.

I am not familiar with Jack Jones' singing or acting career. I only know he performed the "Love Boat" theme and was the third husband of Jill St. John. I think he did a great job here as the lead, and makes a believable everyman. Another reviewer said he looks like Robert Redford. I guess I can see it, but let us not get carried away!

As for Pete Walker, who was ignored and unappreciated in his day, this is probably among his best work. On top of the decent plot, we have gore, blood and rotting corpses... everything you want from a horror film.