CBS Children's Mystery Theatre (TV Series) The Haunting of Harrington House (1981) User Reviews

If only you go back to 1981.....

[mjr44-2 · 7/10 · 26 April 2007]

This little movie is a real gem these days undoubtedly for the appearance of the late Dominique Dunne (murdered in Oct. 1982) who ironically has gained more fans after the year 2000 due to a large number of websites about her, in the movie also appears Roscoe Lee Browne who died on April 2007(The World's Greatest Athlete-1973, The Mambo Kings-1992 and made voices for Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties-2006, Babe-1995, among many other works, and also Phil Leeds who died in Aug. 1998 (Beaches-1988, Ghost-1990). So these are the main reasons this movie is a treasure and should be released in DVD format for the cult movies fans, definitely.

The movie by itself is kinda a "Scooby-Doo mystery" to solve and made for the entire family. Although for our new audiences (year 2000 and later) it could be a slow movie, it will be matter to open your mind and let yourself go to those wonderful early 80's years and start to really enjoy the show which is 1 hour long, Dominique really does give and enthusiastic narration trough the movie and you would be able to live a mystery under an innocent environment. Do I recommend it? Oh yes!

Good fun,lovely to see and remember Dominique.

[markstefano-88101 · 8/10 · 26 April 2022]

Good fun,old fashioned mystery,ghostly goings on that do not take themselves too seriously. Best watched with the lights out on Halloween night.

But for sure it is a time capsule as a document for Dominique Dunne,Phil Leeds,Roscoe Lee Browne and others,all of whom have passed now. Dominique was robbed of the chance of making more movies when she was murdered in 1982. Shame indeed,because as this movie shows she was a talented actress.

One of the few Dominique Dunne features.

[bobquack · 5/10 · 4 May 2019]

While it's nice to see Dominique Dunne starring in this made-for-tv film, I wish it could have been better. As a mystery, it reminds me of the Nancy Drew mysteries where the girl sleuth investigates and puts together clues. But it's very workman-like and could have been so much better with a better director. It has a Disney-like feel to it so the shocks are very mild. Wish she could have made more films than she did.

Very tame and entertaining family film.

[HeartMonger · 10/10 · 4 March 2005]

No one ever really gets to see Dominique Dunne in all her glory as an actress, probably because all her really known performances were in big productions(Poltergeist; Diary of a Teenage Hitchhiker, etc.) which she had a smaller role. This film, a film she holds entirely on her shoulders with as much capability as the next Meryl Streep, deals with a young Polly Ames(Dominique Dunne) who has come home from boarding school. and discoverers strange happenings at her father's owned hotel. Naturally, her instinct tells her to find out what is going on. Family film succeeds in putting together a mood setting film, that everyone can enjoy. Dunne is seen here in her first really big role, and she plays it with suave and smooth like a pro. Great locations and camera angles, and of course, Dominiques big brown eyes are the eye candy, while kids will enjoy the "bump in the night" feel this film has to it. Hope this film gets a DVD release soon!

There's a reason this movie is out of print.

[hershiser2 · 1/10 · 8 November 2002]

This has to be one of the stupidest things I have ever seen. The plot makes little sense, the acting is terrible, and it tries to rip off aspects of real "horror" movies (such as Amityville Horror's "Get Out" and Halloween's music).

A darling little ghost story!

[Banshee57 · 10/10 · 4 March 2005]

This film is a darling little story about an ambitious girl named Polly Ames, portrayed ever so delicately by the powerful Dominique Dunne. Polly Ames is out of school early, to visit her father at the family-owned hotel, "Harrington House". As soon as she gets there, she has reason to believe that someone, or something, is causing mayhem amongst the house-hold. Now, she and her new friend DC, team up to solve the mysterious goings-on at the hotel. The film automatically gets your attention as Dunne's enthusiastic narration tells us of the story we are about to endure in the opening. The tone is set over the opening of stormy weather, and eerie locations. The entire cast performs a great little adventure that is pure fun for all. What makes this one an instant favorite of mine, is the material it contains. Something for everyone in this one. Both adults and children alike! The late Dominique Dunne is perfect, and holds the film entirely on her shoulders. She was a master at this! A genuine halloween film, as well as a great family film for all!