Poltergeist

Writer-producer Steven Spielberg and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) director Tobe Hooper move the haunted house chiller out of the realm of gothic mansions and into sunny Southern California suburbia for this effects-laden thrill ride. Real estate developer Steve Freeling (Craig T. Nelson) has just moved his family to the new Cuesta Verde planned community when their postcard-perfect house begins to turn on them. When their youngest daughter is spirited away, Steve and wife Diane (JoBeth Williams) must find a way to return the young girl from the grips of the supernatural. Poltergeist was nominated for Sound Effects Editing, Visual Effects, and Jerry Goldsmith’s thunderous score. 

Director: Tobe Hooper. Cast: Craig T. Nelson, JoBeth Williams, Heather O'Rourke, Dominique Dunne. 1982. 114 minutes. USA. Color. English. 35mm. Print courtesy of the Academy Film Archive.

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