Don't be fooled by George C. Scott's blowhard reputation. This is a complex and intelligently written ghost story that delivers chills, horror, suspense, and sadness. And a very pointed commentary on capitalism and the American dream!
George C. Scott plays John Russell, a grieving professor who rents an old haunted house in the Pacific Northwest. Little by little, he begins to realize that the ghost keeping him up at night is no fun-loving poltergeist, but the spirit of a wronged child with a tragic backstory rooted in the robber baron greed of the Victorian era. This kid makes Tiny Tim look like Dennis the Menace!
Through much of the movie, George C. Scott function more as a detective than a grief-haunted victim. He's probing for answers on behalf of a ghost who helps him out with clues. And he's ably assisted by the lovely real estate agent who rented him the house, (elegantly played by Scott's real life wife, the stunning Trish Van Devere.) The irony is that this movie, while a chilling ghost story, actually has more in common with CHINATOWN than THE EXORCIST.
The horrible crime that took place in the old house will shock you, and sadden you. But what really horrifies and sickens is the post-Watergate cynicism that Scott's character encounters. Just about everyone in town, it appears, is part of a Nixon-style cover up. The crime against the little boy, so long ago, is as ancient as Cain and Abel, or Jacob and Esau. But the modern cover up is right out of Chinatown, by way of Watergate. And the flaming retribution at the end is very satisfying!
Special footnote: Melvyn Douglas is the old time actor who plays the Noah Cross like Senator. And he knows about lies and capitalism. His wife was Congresswoman Helen Douglas, the "Pink Lady" who was shamed and driven from public life by lying and shifty-eyed Richard Nixon!
George C. Scott plays John Russell, a grieving professor who rents an old haunted house in the Pacific Northwest. Little by little, he begins to realize that the ghost keeping him up at night is no fun-loving poltergeist, but the spirit of a wronged child with a tragic backstory rooted in the robber baron greed of the Victorian era. This kid makes Tiny Tim look like Dennis the Menace!
Through much of the movie, George C. Scott function more as a detective than a grief-haunted victim. He's probing for answers on behalf of a ghost who helps him out with clues. And he's ably assisted by the lovely real estate agent who rented him the house, (elegantly played by Scott's real life wife, the stunning Trish Van Devere.) The irony is that this movie, while a chilling ghost story, actually has more in common with CHINATOWN than THE EXORCIST.
The horrible crime that took place in the old house will shock you, and sadden you. But what really horrifies and sickens is the post-Watergate cynicism that Scott's character encounters. Just about everyone in town, it appears, is part of a Nixon-style cover up. The crime against the little boy, so long ago, is as ancient as Cain and Abel, or Jacob and Esau. But the modern cover up is right out of Chinatown, by way of Watergate. And the flaming retribution at the end is very satisfying!
Special footnote: Melvyn Douglas is the old time actor who plays the Noah Cross like Senator. And he knows about lies and capitalism. His wife was Congresswoman Helen Douglas, the "Pink Lady" who was shamed and driven from public life by lying and shifty-eyed Richard Nixon!