Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Craig T. Nelson | ... | Steve Freeling | |
JoBeth Williams | ... | Diane Freeling (as Jobeth Williams) | |
Beatrice Straight | ... | Dr. Lesh | |
Dominique Dunne | ... | Dana Freeling | |
Oliver Robins | ... | Robbie Freeling | |
Heather O'Rourke | ... | Carol Anne Freeling | |
Michael McManus | ... | Ben Tuthill | |
Virginia Kiser | ... | Mrs. Tuthill | |
Martin Casella | ... | Marty | |
Richard Lawson | ... | Ryan | |
Zelda Rubinstein | ... | Tangina | |
James Karen | ... | Mr. Teague | |
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Lou Perryman | ... | Pugsley (as Lou Perry) |
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Clair E. Leucart | ... | Bulldozer Driver (as Clair Leucart) |
Dirk Blocker | ... | Jeff Shaw |
A young family are visited by ghosts in their home. At first the ghosts appear friendly, moving objects around the house to the amusement of everyone, then they turn nasty and start to terrorise the family before they "kidnap" the youngest daughter. Written by Rob Hartill
Truly spooky and disturbing horror film from the early-1980s that will make you jump from your seat. Craig T. Nelson and JoBeth Williams seem to lead a normal life. He is a successful real estate agent and she is a loving housewife. They have three beautiful children, but one night all that slowly changes. The youngest child (Heather O'Rourke) starts talking to unseen spirits through a scrambled television station. The parents don't think much of it, until furniture starts to move on its own. However, the real terror does not start until O'Rourke is taken to another dimension by "the TV people". Now paranormalists led by Beatrice Straight must come in and try to get O'Rourke back to her family. Tobe Hooper, who is best known for the highly over-rated "Texas Chainsaw Massacre", does an admirable job here with the film's direction. However, it is rumored that Steven Spielberg came in during his "E.T" days and did the bulk of the work. This makes more sense as the film is really frightening and disturbing. The special effects are also impressive and "Poltergeist" ends up being one of those films that just sticks with you for a long time after you first see it. 4 stars out of 5.