A condensing of Peter Straubs' more complex, more intriguing novel, the film adaptation is no great shakes but it's certainly not bad at all either. It does have the appeal of a spooky yarn one might spin by a fireplace in the dead of winter. The simplified story deals with four elderly New England gentlemen who get together and tell horror stories, but who in fact share a tragedy from their long-ago past. Now a revenge-minded spirit is out to make their lives miserable - and strike out at the two sons of one of them, to boot. The film does speak of quality - Jack Cardiff did the cinematography, Albert Whitlock and his team supply some beautiful matte shots, Philippe Sarde composed the stirring music score, and Dick Smith creates the plentiful hideous apparition effects - but the powerful main attraction is the assemblage of talent in the four main roles - Fred Astaire, Melvyn Douglas, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., and John Houseman - who are a delight, although Fairbanks exits the story much too soon. Craig Wasson plays the twin sons, and is likable as usual and manages to hold his own opposite his legendary co-stars. Patricia Neal is utterly wasted as Astaires' wife, but making up for that is the showcase given to the beautiful South African actress Alice Krige, who's extremely alluring and enigmatic as the mystery woman to whom both sons become attracted. There's a real sexual charge in her scenes with Wasson. This is one element that may concern some viewers, when they think about Astaire, Douglas, Fairbanks, and Houseman acting in a film that has violence and nudity (male as well as female), but for other horror fans a sufficient amount of atmosphere is built up and there are definitely some memorable scenes. Things are sometimes told in a flashback style, as first Wasson tells of his association with the not-so-subtly creepy Krige, or Astaire and Houseman finally break down and tell Wasson their whole sordid story. Overall, it's just compelling enough to work, and it does have some mighty fine moments, especially an iconic one involving a lake and a sinking car. It manages to be pretty eerie on a fairly consistent basis if never very scary. It marked the final feature film appearance for Astaire, Fairbanks, and Douglas. Seven out of 10.
147 Reviews
A fun, spooky tale that showcases some classic film stars
FilmOtaku22 September 2003
I watched this film with a friend who described it as `one of the scariest movies he had ever seen.' I will agree with this assessment because the thrills are not cheap ones they are genuine scares. Ghost Story stars Fred Astaire, John Houseman, Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and Melvyn Douglas as members of the `Chowder Society' a group that gathers around the fireplace to drink brandy and tell ghost stories. The problem lies in the fact that they also share a long-kept secret that is now coming back to haunt them.
While it was novel to see these great actors in action, particularly in a genre where they are not normally known, this film is great because it does not rely on gore or special effects to scare the pants off the viewer. The horrors come from lower scale thrill, like a spooky house, an eerie soundtrack and quick flashes of horrific images that are sudden and impactful enough to make your heart leap into your throat.
This is a small, fun movie that isn't without its faults; (you can see the `secret' coming from a mile away) but the buildup to the unveiling of this secret is pure fun.
--Shelly
While it was novel to see these great actors in action, particularly in a genre where they are not normally known, this film is great because it does not rely on gore or special effects to scare the pants off the viewer. The horrors come from lower scale thrill, like a spooky house, an eerie soundtrack and quick flashes of horrific images that are sudden and impactful enough to make your heart leap into your throat.
This is a small, fun movie that isn't without its faults; (you can see the `secret' coming from a mile away) but the buildup to the unveiling of this secret is pure fun.
--Shelly
Ghost Story
Scarecrow-8815 July 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Famous for its geriatric cast of renowned Hollywood stars and story based on a popular novel by Peter Straub, "Ghost Story" didn't quite satisfy me personally as a spooky experience, but it does have attributes I appreciated. The terrific Alice Krige offers plenty (not just her fine body in the buff) in the way of creeps and seductive power as a woman four old timers, members of the wealthy "Chowder Society", once knew as young men (and harbor a horrifying secret involving her that has started to haunt them in nightmares). She "surfaces" in a relationship with Douglas Fairbanks, Sr's son (s), played by Craig Wasson (Body Double; A Nightmare on Elm Street III) as twins (one of whom is frightened by the naked corpse of a woman that sends him falling out of a window of his swank apartment stories to his death). The other son, who had started a teaching position which offered a promising tenure, meets Krige (as a secretary to the principal), and he's never the same. He soon realized just how dangerous she was, even though he found himself smitten with her. Seeing Fred Astaire in a film like this was just compelling to me. He is as sweet- natured and genteel as ever. He does show how a mistake from the past involving him leaves a lasting ache he is unable to alleviate. In the bottom of a local river could be the answer to absolving him (as it would Fairbanks, Melvyn Douglas, and John Houseman), but will any of the Chowder Society (or Wasson's teacher, for that matter) get the chance? Houseman gets to tell a ghost story (always a pleasure to listen to that rich voice; but his work at the beginning of Carpenter's The Fog was superior, in my opinion), Douglas (looking quite tired and weary in old age) remains a tormented mess just wanting to confess their sin, and Fairbanks never gets his chance to fish with Wasson. Wasson has a pretty good, star-making role here, but Krige is really the actor that walks away with this film. She owns the screen every time she is featured.
Miguel Fernandes has a bizarre role as an occult obsessive, latching on to Krige's promise of eternal life if he (and his animalistic little brother who is basically a wild animal in kid's clothes) will help her bring her killers to justice. Two flashbacks reveal Krige in different time periods...this does kind of provide two instances where her character is identified as a threat and a victim. The bonding between her and the Chowders when they were young adults does fuel a real sense of tragedy. Krige's nakedness in the same film that Fred Astaire appears is kind of surreal, I felt. Good make-up effects for the slimy, rotted corpse that appears at the end. The cast has the kind of name value this film certainly benefits from. Patricia Neal and Jaqueline Brookes have small parts that don't really demand much except their concern for the men they love. There's a lot of story and not enough ghost for my liking.
Miguel Fernandes has a bizarre role as an occult obsessive, latching on to Krige's promise of eternal life if he (and his animalistic little brother who is basically a wild animal in kid's clothes) will help her bring her killers to justice. Two flashbacks reveal Krige in different time periods...this does kind of provide two instances where her character is identified as a threat and a victim. The bonding between her and the Chowders when they were young adults does fuel a real sense of tragedy. Krige's nakedness in the same film that Fred Astaire appears is kind of surreal, I felt. Good make-up effects for the slimy, rotted corpse that appears at the end. The cast has the kind of name value this film certainly benefits from. Patricia Neal and Jaqueline Brookes have small parts that don't really demand much except their concern for the men they love. There's a lot of story and not enough ghost for my liking.
Classic, genuine and spooky with a top-notch cast
lizberrywagner23 October 2011
I will take you places you've never been. I will show you things that you have never seen and I will see the life run out of you. ~ Eva, in the film Ghost Story
The movie centers on a group of elderly men who have formed an exclusive story-telling group called The Chowder Society. The men meet regularly, sit around a fire in a dark room and share their best ghost stories. Under the surface, however, lies a ghastly secret they all share - a real life, true ghost story of their own that they dare not speak of.
When one of The Chowder Society member's twin sons dies in a very strange and inexplicable accident, the other twin returns home to mourn with his father. That is when a series of horrifying events begin to unfold, forcing the men of the Chowder Society to come to terms with the shocking and dreadful event that has haunted them for the past 50 years.
I personally love these types of stories. They do not feature masked- maniacs hunting down unsuspecting teenagers and hacking them to death. (Although there are a few good ones in that category!) What this story does provide is a genuine chill-running-down-your-spine sensation that brings you to a terrifying place without ever forcing you to close your eyes.
A star-studded cast includes Fred Astaire, Melvyn Douglas, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., John Houseman and Patricia Neal, Jacqueline Brookes, Craig Wasson and Alice Krige. Having a cast with such experienced and talented actors creates a believable and authentic film making it a worthwhile, scary little gem of a movie.
If you like genuine ghost stories, watch this movie. Based on the novel by the gifted Peter Straub and skillfully directed by John Irvin, this film is a top pick for me.
The movie centers on a group of elderly men who have formed an exclusive story-telling group called The Chowder Society. The men meet regularly, sit around a fire in a dark room and share their best ghost stories. Under the surface, however, lies a ghastly secret they all share - a real life, true ghost story of their own that they dare not speak of.
When one of The Chowder Society member's twin sons dies in a very strange and inexplicable accident, the other twin returns home to mourn with his father. That is when a series of horrifying events begin to unfold, forcing the men of the Chowder Society to come to terms with the shocking and dreadful event that has haunted them for the past 50 years.
I personally love these types of stories. They do not feature masked- maniacs hunting down unsuspecting teenagers and hacking them to death. (Although there are a few good ones in that category!) What this story does provide is a genuine chill-running-down-your-spine sensation that brings you to a terrifying place without ever forcing you to close your eyes.
A star-studded cast includes Fred Astaire, Melvyn Douglas, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., John Houseman and Patricia Neal, Jacqueline Brookes, Craig Wasson and Alice Krige. Having a cast with such experienced and talented actors creates a believable and authentic film making it a worthwhile, scary little gem of a movie.
If you like genuine ghost stories, watch this movie. Based on the novel by the gifted Peter Straub and skillfully directed by John Irvin, this film is a top pick for me.
Ghostly elements are all here...but fails to be totally satisfying...
Doylenf19 June 2006
When I first saw GHOST STORY in the '80s, I thought it was one of the best stories of its type ever told.
Seeing it again tonight on cable, my opinion has changed. Yes, all the elements for a good tale of ghostly doings are in place--but they never really reach a satisfying enough pattern in the scheme of things.
The acting is excellent, the suspense is taut at times, but much of it spins along at too slow a pace before anything happens. The giggling schoolboys are rather tiresome in the flashbacks that reveal what happened to the woman they were all smitten with. As played by Alice Krige, she's an enigmatic seductress with a wicked gleam in her eyes and we never know quite what she is about to do. Craig Wasson does well with the role of a young man who encounters her, falls briefly for her and then leaves her when her neurotic ways become too much for him.
How she takes revenge on the four men who were responsible for her death is the comeuppance of the tale. Whether you're willing to watch until the bitter end without changing channels is another thing. On the other hand, this is not the sort of movie to watch with so many commercial interruptions breaking the mood.
Fred Astaire, John Houseman, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. and Melvyn Douglas play the four old men who were drawn under the spell of a girl, seduced as they were by her charms. Each must confront their past deed as she exacts some sort of revenge on them--that is the nub of the plot, but it could have been so much better had the script been better developed.
I never read the novel, but I imagine it fills in the many gaps in the story that seem to be missing.
Seeing it again tonight on cable, my opinion has changed. Yes, all the elements for a good tale of ghostly doings are in place--but they never really reach a satisfying enough pattern in the scheme of things.
The acting is excellent, the suspense is taut at times, but much of it spins along at too slow a pace before anything happens. The giggling schoolboys are rather tiresome in the flashbacks that reveal what happened to the woman they were all smitten with. As played by Alice Krige, she's an enigmatic seductress with a wicked gleam in her eyes and we never know quite what she is about to do. Craig Wasson does well with the role of a young man who encounters her, falls briefly for her and then leaves her when her neurotic ways become too much for him.
How she takes revenge on the four men who were responsible for her death is the comeuppance of the tale. Whether you're willing to watch until the bitter end without changing channels is another thing. On the other hand, this is not the sort of movie to watch with so many commercial interruptions breaking the mood.
Fred Astaire, John Houseman, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. and Melvyn Douglas play the four old men who were drawn under the spell of a girl, seduced as they were by her charms. Each must confront their past deed as she exacts some sort of revenge on them--that is the nub of the plot, but it could have been so much better had the script been better developed.
I never read the novel, but I imagine it fills in the many gaps in the story that seem to be missing.
It helps if you love ghost films!
planktonrules15 July 2012
While my summary above may sound facetious, I am not exaggerating. I don't like ghost films at all (they just don't interest me)--I simply saw it for the elderly actors making their final appearances (Fred Astaire, Melvyn Douglas and Douglas Fairbanks Jr.)! And so, for me, it was worth seeing--even though it did seem odd to have these actors from Hollywood's golden age in a film so atypical of their other films.
The film is at times like two different films intertwined. For most of the film, Craig Wasson played a guy who fell hard for a pretty and VERY horny lady (Alice Krige). Wasson and the audience see A LOT of Krige and over time, it becomes clear she ain't no ordinary horny lady. She appears to be, in fact, a ghost--a ghost using him for revenge. As for the revenge, that's where these old-time actors (as well as John Houseman) come into the story. You see, she's REALLY mad at them and has lots of reason to be. But why? What have these men done and what have they been hiding all these years? As I said above, this sort of film isn't really my thing. So keep this in mind as you read. The story was pretty good but the combination of drippy and gooey stuff and a lot of nudity made me feel odd as I thought about Astaire, Douglas and Fairbanks being in the film. They must have been pretty comfortable with this--I just felt it wasn't the way I wanted to remember these guys (though fortunately, they DID keep their clothing on!). A decent film but just my cup of tea.
By the way, if Alice Krige seems oddly familiar, among her many roles was the Borg leader in "Star Trek: First Contact" as well as Harold Abrams girlfriend in "Chariots of Fire".
The film is at times like two different films intertwined. For most of the film, Craig Wasson played a guy who fell hard for a pretty and VERY horny lady (Alice Krige). Wasson and the audience see A LOT of Krige and over time, it becomes clear she ain't no ordinary horny lady. She appears to be, in fact, a ghost--a ghost using him for revenge. As for the revenge, that's where these old-time actors (as well as John Houseman) come into the story. You see, she's REALLY mad at them and has lots of reason to be. But why? What have these men done and what have they been hiding all these years? As I said above, this sort of film isn't really my thing. So keep this in mind as you read. The story was pretty good but the combination of drippy and gooey stuff and a lot of nudity made me feel odd as I thought about Astaire, Douglas and Fairbanks being in the film. They must have been pretty comfortable with this--I just felt it wasn't the way I wanted to remember these guys (though fortunately, they DID keep their clothing on!). A decent film but just my cup of tea.
By the way, if Alice Krige seems oddly familiar, among her many roles was the Borg leader in "Star Trek: First Contact" as well as Harold Abrams girlfriend in "Chariots of Fire".
A Very Modern-esqye Horror/Suspense Movie...
aeowen-0339814 December 2018
..for its time, in 1981.
This film fear or ese four great classic actors from the early age of cinema, with Astaire, Douglas Jr, and Fairbanks...but I only recall Houseman from The Paper Chase. It's a good premise from the novel itself, howeber, the film should have never included the characters of Gregory Bates or the boy with him, which is why I gave it 7 of 10.
Both Wasson and Krige add a continuous flow to the movie, yet I would have liked to have seen more of their storyline more intermixed with the older gentlemen as a whole, not with just Astaire alone.
Overall, the movie is very surreal and reads like a novel in much of it, and here almost 40 years later, it can still stun the psyche to me.
This film fear or ese four great classic actors from the early age of cinema, with Astaire, Douglas Jr, and Fairbanks...but I only recall Houseman from The Paper Chase. It's a good premise from the novel itself, howeber, the film should have never included the characters of Gregory Bates or the boy with him, which is why I gave it 7 of 10.
Both Wasson and Krige add a continuous flow to the movie, yet I would have liked to have seen more of their storyline more intermixed with the older gentlemen as a whole, not with just Astaire alone.
Overall, the movie is very surreal and reads like a novel in much of it, and here almost 40 years later, it can still stun the psyche to me.
Had the potential to be a classic but got stuck in '80's sexuality.
mark.waltz25 October 2011
Warning: Spoilers
It seems that 50 years ago, four young men became involved in something gruesome. Now, it's time for them to pay, and they do, in "Ghost Story". They've gone from some handsome preppy young actors to film legends Fred Astaire, John Houseman, Melvyn Douglas and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. Of the young actors, only the young man playing the young Astaire looks anything like him, and in an ironic twist, proclaims he can't dance. But Astaire has one of those faces that only ages with time, not changes. That's not the point of course, just an interesting side note.
It appears that some kind of evil spirit is haunting these four old men and their families, and it is tied into the young men's past, which we learn through a mysterious photo of them and a young women, obviously taken in the 1930's. When one of the men's sons is brutally killed in a freak accident, it's clear something evil has stepped out of the past for revenge. It's also obvious that the mysterious Alice Krige has something to do with this spirit, and the brother (Craig Wasson) of the accident victim encounters this mysterious beauty that seems to be colder than ice to him. This is where the film really falls from its potential greatness to a sexual thriller (much like DePalma's "Dressed to Kill") and looses focus for about 20 minutes or so. When the legendary leading men of Hollywood are off, the interest begins to lag, and all credibility disappears. But when the men are on, it's wonderful, and there are some definitely chilling moments.
It is towards the end when the denouncement of all that happened in the past is revealed that the film gets more and more exciting. The revelation is simply jaw dropping, filled with a plot twist so vile and unexpected that it makes up for the weak 20 minutes involving Wasson and Krige. In addition to the legendary men, Oscar Winning Patricia Neal is present in a cameo as Astaire's wife, sadly wasted. Soap and stage actress Jacqueline Brookes ("Another World", "Ryan's Hope") has a really good supporting turn as Douglas's companion. His nightmare sequence is equally as frightening as the denouncement. The horror is not grotesque, but the ghostly presence of a disintegrating face is close to the recently released Gothic horror classic "The Fog".
Like other recent horror films of the time ("The Changeling", "Burnt Offerings". "The Amytiville Horror"), "Ghost Story" involves a spooky looking house that is extremely unfriendly looking. The best performances of the men are Astaire and Douglas, whose characters are extremely well developed. The film's sympathy therefore, lies with them. This was a nice little swansong for both of them, and unlike some other veteran actors in horror films, they come out with their dignity intact.
It appears that some kind of evil spirit is haunting these four old men and their families, and it is tied into the young men's past, which we learn through a mysterious photo of them and a young women, obviously taken in the 1930's. When one of the men's sons is brutally killed in a freak accident, it's clear something evil has stepped out of the past for revenge. It's also obvious that the mysterious Alice Krige has something to do with this spirit, and the brother (Craig Wasson) of the accident victim encounters this mysterious beauty that seems to be colder than ice to him. This is where the film really falls from its potential greatness to a sexual thriller (much like DePalma's "Dressed to Kill") and looses focus for about 20 minutes or so. When the legendary leading men of Hollywood are off, the interest begins to lag, and all credibility disappears. But when the men are on, it's wonderful, and there are some definitely chilling moments.
It is towards the end when the denouncement of all that happened in the past is revealed that the film gets more and more exciting. The revelation is simply jaw dropping, filled with a plot twist so vile and unexpected that it makes up for the weak 20 minutes involving Wasson and Krige. In addition to the legendary men, Oscar Winning Patricia Neal is present in a cameo as Astaire's wife, sadly wasted. Soap and stage actress Jacqueline Brookes ("Another World", "Ryan's Hope") has a really good supporting turn as Douglas's companion. His nightmare sequence is equally as frightening as the denouncement. The horror is not grotesque, but the ghostly presence of a disintegrating face is close to the recently released Gothic horror classic "The Fog".
Like other recent horror films of the time ("The Changeling", "Burnt Offerings". "The Amytiville Horror"), "Ghost Story" involves a spooky looking house that is extremely unfriendly looking. The best performances of the men are Astaire and Douglas, whose characters are extremely well developed. The film's sympathy therefore, lies with them. This was a nice little swansong for both of them, and unlike some other veteran actors in horror films, they come out with their dignity intact.
Picturesque snow-covered Milburn. An old town with a dark secret.
Vomitron_G25 July 2011
I initially wanted to rate "Ghost Story" a fine 7/10, but I figured since I (voluntarily) had to endure watching such heavy rubbish earlier this week, I'd just chip in an extra point. I feel no shame about this, as the film is actually very good. At the start of the '80s, the horror landscape was changing. Films got a lot crazier, partly due to many great sfx artists rising to the scene and otherwise because of the mindset of that era (fashion, trends, etc). Often filmmakers cared less about telling a coherent story and more about making their films go over-the-top in any way they'd see fit. So in a way "Ghost Story" really feels like if it was one of the last 'classic' horror movies at the time. From the orchestrated soundtrack over the slow pace of the film, relying more on mood, tension and atmosphere to the splendid performances of our veteran foursome Fred Astaire, Melvin Douglas, John Houseman and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. The film is ingeniously structured, with various stories within the main story, nightmarish dream sequences and a great flashback story to the 1930's era. The settings provide some classic horror elements too, like the isolated snowy town, grisly frozen lakes and an old ramshackle haunted mansion. Sporadically, the film is also injected with some amusing scares provided by ghostly rotting appearances and the special visual effects by master matte artist Albert Whitlock are outstanding. Gorgeous actress Alice Krige has that icy cold mysteriousness over her that is fitting for her role. On top of that, she has more scenes with her clothes off then on. There are a couple subplots that could have been altered to make it an even better movie, but these are only minor problems. If you want a decent scary movie double bill with a classy feel to it for a dark & stormy night, I think teaming up John Irvin's "Ghost Story" (1981) with Peter Medak's "The Changeling" (1980) might work wonders.
Worth It For The Cast
matildawoodworm29 April 2022
An all-star cast of elderly veterans come under attack by a vengeful ghost from their past who wants to lure them all to a slightly earlier grave. A few great effects and uncanny moments don't make a great horror film unfortunately and Ghost Story has a hard time being consistently unnerving and scary.
Great Cast, Bad Film
Slurge-522 January 2005
Maybe it's because I read Peter Straub's wonderful book before seeing the film, but I was terribly disappointed by this movie. In my opinion, the filmmakers removed everything that made the story interesting and unique, and replaced it with more common Hollywood-style elements.
It's too bad, too, since this movie has a terrific cast, particularly Fred Astaire, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Melvyn Douglas, John Houseman, and the then-largely-unknown Alice Krige. They're just not given very much worthwhile to do.
In fact, I was all for leaving halfway through, but a friend convinced me to stay to the end, as he was sure it had to get better. He apologised to me during the closing credits.
It's too bad, too, since this movie has a terrific cast, particularly Fred Astaire, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Melvyn Douglas, John Houseman, and the then-largely-unknown Alice Krige. They're just not given very much worthwhile to do.
In fact, I was all for leaving halfway through, but a friend convinced me to stay to the end, as he was sure it had to get better. He apologised to me during the closing credits.
I Wanted to Know What They Did
Hitchcoc19 April 2006
I read Peter Straub's book and was quite pleased with the result of the movie. First of all, like many, I loved the cast. They are all great men of the world cinema and the pull off the story with great aplomb. The movie is about something someone does in his or her youth and then must live with forever. In a good ghost story, the characters get no points for being once youthful and reckless. The fact that they meet and share their stories means that they never seem to intend closure. They never allow themselves to face the music and, hence, the revenge of the spirit is acceptable in the world where they find themselves. I just thought that a society devoted to the telling of ghost stories was a great idea. Anyway, while the plot does wander around a bit and it takes time to get to the point, it still works great. It was nice to see that Fred Astaire could still act (because he was such a great dancer we forget that he had a great comic talent and, in this case, a dramatic talent). The others are equally formidable. There are also some pretty slimy, putrid visions that appear and make for a pretty good rank on the jump scale. The actually scene that explains everything (I won't spoil it) is both sad and revealing. While not the greatest movie, it works very well and I would recommend it.
Spook-taculiar
buckikris21 January 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Hello everyone, I don't remember seeing this movie ever coming out at the theaters, but I was only 9 years old at the time. The first time I saw this movie was on TV and after I watched it I had to buy it. I thought it was a great horror story without all the gore. It had a great cast with a few of the classic actor's as the Chowder Society. I don't know what it is about revenge movie's but some make great movies that are hard to stay away from.
This is not you typical horror flick, in fact it has a plot. I liked the fact how the story was told, it takes place somewhere in the northeast, with beautiful Winter scenery. The Chowder Society, getting together in their 70's and telling spooky stories. They never discuss don't discuss what happened in the thirties until, Don finds them. After the death of his brother and father from the hand's of this woman, he know's is not who she appears to be.
Don finds the rest of the Chowder Society were his father was once a member and tells them he thinks this is a ghost story and the woman is back for revenge. He explains what has happened when he met her and the story begins to unfold, with more of the Chowder Society meeting their fates with Alma Moberley, the woman back for her revenge.
The truth eventually comes out, with the story going back to the times where the Chodwer Society was in their prime. We discover who they were and what the did so wrong to Alma. To save the last remaining member of the Chowder Society. Don with the help of Fred Astaire's character begin to unravel the mystery and unlock the crime they were responsible for back in the 1930's.
This movie is a great thrill without all the blood and guts that come with some horror stories. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone under age ten though, but it is still a great story. It's a great movie to rent and one that you can watch over and over again, especially around Fall/Halloween.
This is not you typical horror flick, in fact it has a plot. I liked the fact how the story was told, it takes place somewhere in the northeast, with beautiful Winter scenery. The Chowder Society, getting together in their 70's and telling spooky stories. They never discuss don't discuss what happened in the thirties until, Don finds them. After the death of his brother and father from the hand's of this woman, he know's is not who she appears to be.
Don finds the rest of the Chowder Society were his father was once a member and tells them he thinks this is a ghost story and the woman is back for revenge. He explains what has happened when he met her and the story begins to unfold, with more of the Chowder Society meeting their fates with Alma Moberley, the woman back for her revenge.
The truth eventually comes out, with the story going back to the times where the Chodwer Society was in their prime. We discover who they were and what the did so wrong to Alma. To save the last remaining member of the Chowder Society. Don with the help of Fred Astaire's character begin to unravel the mystery and unlock the crime they were responsible for back in the 1930's.
This movie is a great thrill without all the blood and guts that come with some horror stories. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone under age ten though, but it is still a great story. It's a great movie to rent and one that you can watch over and over again, especially around Fall/Halloween.
Disappointed
jameswatts3216 November 2008
This movie strayed too far from Straub's novel for me to enjoy. Barely made it to the middle of the film. Besides changing Don Wanderly from Edwards nephew into his son, the removed most of the major scenes and a number of characters that gave the novel so much life. What was left was trash. Straub's version was far superior to this poorly executed film. I don't think casting did all that great a job on picking the Chowder Society members either. Hopefully someone will come along and actually remake this film correctly in my lifetime. I just hate when Hollywood butchers the works of talented authors because they think their version so much better. Makes me sick.
An Interesting Offering
Tommy-57 November 2002
Warning: Spoilers
The cast alone makes this film worth viewing at least once. It is always pleasing to see distinguished veteran prayers get together for an effort such as this one. In this sense it reminds me of 1982's House of the Long Shadows. Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Melvyn Douglas, John Houseman and Fred Astaire are the aforementioned players and Craig Wasson, Alice Krige and Patricia Neal are among others in a first rate cast. Taken from a novel by Peter Straub, Ghost Story suffers the fate that many ghost stories put to film do in that it has lost much of the mood and nuance of the written word. Still, Ghost Story is a fine film and very enjoyable if you remember that it is not a masterpiece and do not expect more than it can deliver. Four elderly gentleman, the entire membership of the Chowder Society, get together periodically to share ghost stories. It is indicated early on that these gents have been doing this for a long time and quickly we learn there is a sinister reason why. We do not learn until well into the film what that reason is, and the leading up to it is the meat of the story. Set against a wonderfully atmospheric New England backdrop, it is revealed too late for the distinguished membership of the Chowder Society the four had accidentally murdered a young girl they were all smitten with 50 years earlier. The girl, brilliantly played by the enigmatic Alice Krige, has come back in the form of a ghost to exact terrible revenge. Ghost Story ends with several of the Chowder Society members dead and the secret of her death revealed.
It is a pity that this film cannot be viewed as Straub wrote the story, but that is the chance one takes when producing a ghost film, the main reason why there are precious few truly good ones. Ms. Krige, more than any woman I have ever seen on screen or indeed, known personally, combines an earthiness and elegance in her being that is fascinating. It is she that establishes the mood of this film and that is saying a lot, considering who she was cast against. Ghost Story is almost biblical in it's vengeance to the second generation, Craig Wasson as the son of one of the society members. It is interesting to note the presence of Melvyn Douglas, who starred in horror films such as The Old Dark House and The Vampire Bat in the early 1930's and in 1979's The Changeling in addition to Ghost Story. What a way to bookend a rich career! We didn't get to see enough of Doug Fairbanks, as his character died early, and John Houseman added his usual solid performance. Fred Astaire had the most screen time and his character added much needed touches of light comic relief. Patricia Neal as his wife had little screen time. It was Ms. Krige who carried the film and if you are not familiar with her or her body of work, you should be. She is unique and vastly underrated.
Catch this one on video late on a cold, snowy night, best with a tumbler of brandy in hand. Expect an interesting if not great film and savor the screen presence of the performers. When a group such as this comes together for any kind of film, it is worth viewing at least once. Ms. Krige makes many of the scenes truly frightening, but mainly Ghost Story is to be appreciated for what is, a tribute and last hurrah for several screen legends.
It is a pity that this film cannot be viewed as Straub wrote the story, but that is the chance one takes when producing a ghost film, the main reason why there are precious few truly good ones. Ms. Krige, more than any woman I have ever seen on screen or indeed, known personally, combines an earthiness and elegance in her being that is fascinating. It is she that establishes the mood of this film and that is saying a lot, considering who she was cast against. Ghost Story is almost biblical in it's vengeance to the second generation, Craig Wasson as the son of one of the society members. It is interesting to note the presence of Melvyn Douglas, who starred in horror films such as The Old Dark House and The Vampire Bat in the early 1930's and in 1979's The Changeling in addition to Ghost Story. What a way to bookend a rich career! We didn't get to see enough of Doug Fairbanks, as his character died early, and John Houseman added his usual solid performance. Fred Astaire had the most screen time and his character added much needed touches of light comic relief. Patricia Neal as his wife had little screen time. It was Ms. Krige who carried the film and if you are not familiar with her or her body of work, you should be. She is unique and vastly underrated.
Catch this one on video late on a cold, snowy night, best with a tumbler of brandy in hand. Expect an interesting if not great film and savor the screen presence of the performers. When a group such as this comes together for any kind of film, it is worth viewing at least once. Ms. Krige makes many of the scenes truly frightening, but mainly Ghost Story is to be appreciated for what is, a tribute and last hurrah for several screen legends.
Mils spoilers ...
parry_na7 March 2016
Warning: Spoilers
A small town in the grip of winter. Four seasoned gentlemen delighting/torturing themselves by telling ghost stories by the fire-side, under the aegis of The Chowder Society. A mysterious young woman whose face is a blur in any photograph. And then the mysterious deaths begin
This film is based on the novel by Peter Straub and has a glittering cast of veteran entertainers – Fred Astaire (as Ricky), Melvyn Douglas (John), John Houseman (Sears), Douglas Fairbanks Jr (Edward), and comparative youngster Craig Wasson as both David (who dies early on after the girl he's sleeping with turns into a rotting corpse) and Don Wanderley, Edward's two sons. Wasson is excellent throughout and makes a real impression, not easy in the company of such great performers.
To join the ranks of the Chowder Society, Don tells a ghost story of his own. He talks of a girl, Alma, whom he was seduced by. This girl, played with brilliant eccentricity by Alice Krige, displays increasingly erratic behaviour until Don tells her he wants to end their relationship. A month later, Alma strikes up a relationship with his brother David. Shortly after, David is dead.
This story seems to resonate with the old men, and they have their own tale to tell. 50 years earlier, the four of them got together with an upper crust 'good time girl' Eva. Petty jealousies, alcohol and general immaturity turn events nasty one drunken evening, and Eva's toying with their collective affections and egos seals her fate. By accident she is murdered, and in panic, they bundle her into a car and drive it into a river. As the car slides beneath the water, she moves, her hand scrambling to find an escape from her inevitable doom.
This is what the Chowder Society have been living with all these years, and it becomes apparent that Alma is somehow a physical manifestation of Eva as she was back then. Why she has waited 50 years to exact her revenge is unknown. As the car is at last dredged from the water, her putrefying corpse lumbers out and collapses, dead one final time: very effective but after all the build-up, rather too brief.
The film is too long. Some pruning would have helped, especially an unexplored sub-plot concerning two low-life red herrings who serve no purpose, other than to look conspicuous in the modern setting. And yet the effects, used very sparingly, are excellent and there are moments of real tension. Equally, the town in the icy grip of winter is extremely well achieved and makes the closed off community look particularly inescapable.
To join the ranks of the Chowder Society, Don tells a ghost story of his own. He talks of a girl, Alma, whom he was seduced by. This girl, played with brilliant eccentricity by Alice Krige, displays increasingly erratic behaviour until Don tells her he wants to end their relationship. A month later, Alma strikes up a relationship with his brother David. Shortly after, David is dead.
This story seems to resonate with the old men, and they have their own tale to tell. 50 years earlier, the four of them got together with an upper crust 'good time girl' Eva. Petty jealousies, alcohol and general immaturity turn events nasty one drunken evening, and Eva's toying with their collective affections and egos seals her fate. By accident she is murdered, and in panic, they bundle her into a car and drive it into a river. As the car slides beneath the water, she moves, her hand scrambling to find an escape from her inevitable doom.
This is what the Chowder Society have been living with all these years, and it becomes apparent that Alma is somehow a physical manifestation of Eva as she was back then. Why she has waited 50 years to exact her revenge is unknown. As the car is at last dredged from the water, her putrefying corpse lumbers out and collapses, dead one final time: very effective but after all the build-up, rather too brief.
The film is too long. Some pruning would have helped, especially an unexplored sub-plot concerning two low-life red herrings who serve no purpose, other than to look conspicuous in the modern setting. And yet the effects, used very sparingly, are excellent and there are moments of real tension. Equally, the town in the icy grip of winter is extremely well achieved and makes the closed off community look particularly inescapable.
Don't Look Back!
sampleman411-16 April 2002
Warning: Spoilers
This film gets a 6 on the scale of 1-10, only because it could have been much better. Special-effects are fascinating to watch (pause your videotape--if you rent--to check out Dick Smith-created scary corpses). A promising cast of veterans is wasted... Astaire, Houseman, Fairbanks Jr., Douglas and Neal are given very little to do except worry that the spectre from their past is quickly catching up with them. Fifty years ago, the four men (in the Peter Straub novel, five) unintentionally murdered Eva Galli (Krige), and now she's come back to cause serious mortal damage. One effective scene is when Douglas's character, sustaining a heart attack, is struggling to get his medication from a medicine cabinet, while Eva removes her hood; underneath it, she is a water-logged, drown victim. In closing, read the Straub book before viewing this film, and you'll better appreciate what the filmmakers tried to convey. "E" for "Effort."
Great cast saves uneven film
rosscinema26 October 2003
Warning: Spoilers
While this is not considered one of the better horror films ever made it none the less is a fun one to watch and it's because of the great actors that lend their craft and screen persona. Story is about four elderly gentlemen in the New England area and they share a 50 year old secret that continues to haunt them. The four of them have formed a private club called the Chowder Society and they have known each other most of their lives. The four are Sears James (John Houseman), John Jaffrey (Melvyn Douglas), Ricky Hawthorne (Fred Astaire) and Edward Wanderley (Douglas Fairbanks jr.) and Edward has a son named David (Craig Wasson) who mysteriously has died from falling out a window. Edward's other son Don (Wasson again) comes to the funeral and he thinks his brothers death is too strange to be an accident and he heard that David was involved with a woman that Don also knew. One day Edward dies from falling off of a bridge and now Don is convinced that the woman is responsible. Don gets with Ricky and tells him of his affair in Florida with a woman named Alma Mobley (Alice Krige) who acted very strange and this was why he would not marry her. Ricky gets John and Sears and the three of them tell Don of what happened 50 years ago. The four of them met a woman named Eva Galli (Krige again) and they would all get together and have fun. Eva and Edward have a more intimate relationship but one night they have a fight and Edward pushes Eva who falls and hits her head. They all think she's dead and decide to hide the evidence. They put her body in a car and push it into a lake but as the car starts to sink they see Eva still alive and trapped in the backseat. None of them can swim and are too drunk to save her so she dies trapped underwater. After Don hears this and presents a locket from Alma the four of them are sure its Eva who has come back for revenge.
*****SPOILER ALERT*****
This film was directed by John Irvin who is a competent director but he doesn't lend much to this film in terms of style. There are some genuinely spooky moments but these scenes only come sporadically during the course of the film. The big asset for this film of course is the great cast. But not only are the big four wonderful to watch, it's also a great opportunity to view a very young Alice Krige in a very good performance. There are some gratuitous nude scenes required of her and she exhibits some terrific raw sexuality with Wasson. We understand completely his attraction to her. She's mysterious and wild but we also understand why he won't marry her. She refuses to tell him about herself and he walks away. Krige has always been a terrific actress but she never really had another big role that made people stand up and take notice. The closest she came was in "Star Trek: First Contact" where she played the Borg Queen. One of the reasons this isn't considered a great horror film is that it's hard to swallow the fact that four of the great and sophisticated actors in history are in a film where there is a great amount of nudity. Fred Astaire and nudity, Houseman and nudity...they don't seem to belong in the same film. Another part of the film that was hard to figure was why Alma/Eva pops up in Florida to seduce Wasson. Why does she go all the way there? Why not just kill him? Why not just pop up in New England and get her revenge? And why does her ghost recruit the two lowlifes to help her? It's never really explained and this hurts the film in the way it tells it's story. But I do think there are some effective scenes and it's hard to shake the image at the end of the film where the car is dragged out of the lake and Astaire opening the car door where the corpse of Eva slowly emerges seemingly on it's own and falls to the ground. It's a chilling scene and there are enough of those moments to give this film an eerie atmosphere. Also, actor Tim Choate (The First Time) plays young Ricky in the flashback scenes. Not a classic but with this cast it probably doesn't need to be. Well worth a look by all.
*****SPOILER ALERT*****
This film was directed by John Irvin who is a competent director but he doesn't lend much to this film in terms of style. There are some genuinely spooky moments but these scenes only come sporadically during the course of the film. The big asset for this film of course is the great cast. But not only are the big four wonderful to watch, it's also a great opportunity to view a very young Alice Krige in a very good performance. There are some gratuitous nude scenes required of her and she exhibits some terrific raw sexuality with Wasson. We understand completely his attraction to her. She's mysterious and wild but we also understand why he won't marry her. She refuses to tell him about herself and he walks away. Krige has always been a terrific actress but she never really had another big role that made people stand up and take notice. The closest she came was in "Star Trek: First Contact" where she played the Borg Queen. One of the reasons this isn't considered a great horror film is that it's hard to swallow the fact that four of the great and sophisticated actors in history are in a film where there is a great amount of nudity. Fred Astaire and nudity, Houseman and nudity...they don't seem to belong in the same film. Another part of the film that was hard to figure was why Alma/Eva pops up in Florida to seduce Wasson. Why does she go all the way there? Why not just kill him? Why not just pop up in New England and get her revenge? And why does her ghost recruit the two lowlifes to help her? It's never really explained and this hurts the film in the way it tells it's story. But I do think there are some effective scenes and it's hard to shake the image at the end of the film where the car is dragged out of the lake and Astaire opening the car door where the corpse of Eva slowly emerges seemingly on it's own and falls to the ground. It's a chilling scene and there are enough of those moments to give this film an eerie atmosphere. Also, actor Tim Choate (The First Time) plays young Ricky in the flashback scenes. Not a classic but with this cast it probably doesn't need to be. Well worth a look by all.
What do Peter Straub and Stephen King have in common besides a talent for the macabre? Bad adaptations.
ihatespike21 October 2009
I love a good scary story, and in spite of the large selection in both the film and book industry, good ones are very rare indeed.
This is not one of them. Like the adaptation of The Shining, Ghost story takes every bit of intrigue and plot that the book was overflowing with and tosses it out the window. Unlike The Shining however, Ghost story doesn't even manage to be a good scary movie on its own.
Whoever composed the musical score should be shot. It's overbearing and loud in scenes that call for a low key to enhance suspense, making all the "tense" scenes appear comical or inappropriate, like playing polka at a funeral. The acting is competent but since I'm not made to care about any of them the movie plays like a trailer instead of an actual film. The makeup and special effects were definitely the work of talent, but a lousy substitute for what it should have been. The only thing about it I really liked was Fred Astaire because I couldn't have picked a better Ricky Hawthorne myself.
Basically this movie replaced one of the most intriguing villains I've ever read about with a sloppy ghost woman, sacrificed suspense for an incoherent slap-together plot and some nudity. The scariest thing about this movie was Craig Wasson's full frontal nude scene less than ten minutes in, and Alice Krige's soggy boobies for the remainder of the film. The book isn't the greatest thing you'll ever read, but it is still a good book and didn't deserve this canker sore of a film. Why can't they remake stuff like this instead of the karate kid?
This is not one of them. Like the adaptation of The Shining, Ghost story takes every bit of intrigue and plot that the book was overflowing with and tosses it out the window. Unlike The Shining however, Ghost story doesn't even manage to be a good scary movie on its own.
Whoever composed the musical score should be shot. It's overbearing and loud in scenes that call for a low key to enhance suspense, making all the "tense" scenes appear comical or inappropriate, like playing polka at a funeral. The acting is competent but since I'm not made to care about any of them the movie plays like a trailer instead of an actual film. The makeup and special effects were definitely the work of talent, but a lousy substitute for what it should have been. The only thing about it I really liked was Fred Astaire because I couldn't have picked a better Ricky Hawthorne myself.
Basically this movie replaced one of the most intriguing villains I've ever read about with a sloppy ghost woman, sacrificed suspense for an incoherent slap-together plot and some nudity. The scariest thing about this movie was Craig Wasson's full frontal nude scene less than ten minutes in, and Alice Krige's soggy boobies for the remainder of the film. The book isn't the greatest thing you'll ever read, but it is still a good book and didn't deserve this canker sore of a film. Why can't they remake stuff like this instead of the karate kid?
Good flick!! I wish they made them like this today!!
elcamino6618 February 2004
Watched this one in the theater when I was a kid, still enjoy it to this day as one my all time favorite movies. Yes, it does have holes in it and sparks some questions as to why the one seeking revenge is doing what they're doing. There are solid performances from ALL the cast members, especially from Craig Wasson and Alice Krieg If you've ever read the book by Peter Struab, you'll know why there's holes in the movie as the book is very much like a 'Stephen King' book, in that it is so rich with information and atmosphere that the film producers and John Irvin just could not get all of it into a 2 hour film. I actually a couple of years ago that they might be re'making this one, but as a Mini-Series on TV
I give it 8 out of 10 stars
Enjoy
I give it 8 out of 10 stars
Enjoy
An old-fashioned ghost story crafted very well
vincentlynch-moonoi27 April 2016
Warning: Spoilers
There are many sub-genres in horror films, and I do admire a number of old-fashioned ghost stories. Of that sub-genre, this is pretty much my favorite.
That's not to say it's perfect. It has the 1970's excesses -- one penis shot and some rather grotesque sex (and yes, I know it came out in 1981...but it's so 70's). And the acting -- which I'll get to in a minute -- is uneven. But still, it's a darned good story, and it's what introduced me to Peter Straub, the author.
It's a good and classic story -- 4 college men are a little full of themselves and they all hit on a young woman. In a pivotal scene, she falls and hits her head...seemingly dead. The young men put her in a car and drive it into a lake, and just before it sinks they see she is not dead, but it is too late, the car sinks and she drowns. 50 years later the 4 old men are still close and like to tell each other ghost stories. But suddenly, they're not just stories as the drowned girl comes back for her revenge against them and their families.
Fred Astaire is the lead actor here, and at age 82 he still had something special; this was his last film. Melvyn Douglas was 79 years old here, and this was filmed not long before his death; another classic actor. Douglas Fairbanks Jr. had the least star power (and is therefore the first to die), but his brief performance here at age 72 was his last film. John Houseman had gained pop status later in life, and here he was 79. These 4 old actors are what makes this film special. Patricia Neal is along as one of the wives, but her role is not major. I very much enjoyed Jacqueline Brookes as one of the other wives.
On the younger side -- and that is a strength of the film...two stories, one of some old men, the other of some young people -- Craig Wasson was satisfactory as twins, and the sons of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. Alice Krige is the evil younger woman here, and I can't say I care for her as an actress...although she's appropriately creepy here. Miguel Fernandes is the creepy Gregory Bate here; it's a good performance. Of the younger versions of the old men, most noteworthy is Ken Olin.
The special effects here are about par for the era; not fancy, but they get the job done.
The Blu Ray version of this film is quite a good transfer, though I have seen better.
A classic ghost story nicely told with some very fine older actors carrying the day. I really like it, and it's on my DVD/BluRay shelf.
That's not to say it's perfect. It has the 1970's excesses -- one penis shot and some rather grotesque sex (and yes, I know it came out in 1981...but it's so 70's). And the acting -- which I'll get to in a minute -- is uneven. But still, it's a darned good story, and it's what introduced me to Peter Straub, the author.
It's a good and classic story -- 4 college men are a little full of themselves and they all hit on a young woman. In a pivotal scene, she falls and hits her head...seemingly dead. The young men put her in a car and drive it into a lake, and just before it sinks they see she is not dead, but it is too late, the car sinks and she drowns. 50 years later the 4 old men are still close and like to tell each other ghost stories. But suddenly, they're not just stories as the drowned girl comes back for her revenge against them and their families.
Fred Astaire is the lead actor here, and at age 82 he still had something special; this was his last film. Melvyn Douglas was 79 years old here, and this was filmed not long before his death; another classic actor. Douglas Fairbanks Jr. had the least star power (and is therefore the first to die), but his brief performance here at age 72 was his last film. John Houseman had gained pop status later in life, and here he was 79. These 4 old actors are what makes this film special. Patricia Neal is along as one of the wives, but her role is not major. I very much enjoyed Jacqueline Brookes as one of the other wives.
On the younger side -- and that is a strength of the film...two stories, one of some old men, the other of some young people -- Craig Wasson was satisfactory as twins, and the sons of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. Alice Krige is the evil younger woman here, and I can't say I care for her as an actress...although she's appropriately creepy here. Miguel Fernandes is the creepy Gregory Bate here; it's a good performance. Of the younger versions of the old men, most noteworthy is Ken Olin.
The special effects here are about par for the era; not fancy, but they get the job done.
The Blu Ray version of this film is quite a good transfer, though I have seen better.
A classic ghost story nicely told with some very fine older actors carrying the day. I really like it, and it's on my DVD/BluRay shelf.
A disappointment!
auctionmaestra22 April 2007
I must not have seen the same movie as the one the comments refer to here. First, I think they should have serialized Ghost Story if they were going to film it at all. The truncated version they come up with was awful. I felt the performances were mannered and so much was left out of the story that the performances of such masters as Astaire, Douglas, Houseman, and Fairbanks seemed hammy. Alice Krige was superb as Eva, though. Craig Wasson is a good actor but he was only adequate as the protagonist. The decision to cast Patricia Neal and to truncate her role was not a good one. Imagine what Anne Bancroft would have done with that character! I blame the script, which was poor. The production values were dark and the pacing was slow. A disappointing, pedestrian effort.
The book is one of the five greatest suspense/horror novels of the 20th century, IMHO. But the movie was disappointing, although a great introduction for Krige.
The book is one of the five greatest suspense/horror novels of the 20th century, IMHO. But the movie was disappointing, although a great introduction for Krige.
Atmospheric and cerebral
drownsoda906 December 2015
"Ghost Story" charts two generations of men who find themselves being stalked by the vengeful spirit of a woman, hellbent on revenge against four elderly New England plutocrats who share a fifty year-old secret. When one of the men's sons returns to town after his brother's mysterious death, they are forced to unravel the story behind her.
Based on Peter Straub's wildly successful novel, "Ghost Story" came about during the peak of the slasher film and is one of the few remembered supernatural horror films of the eighties. Straub's source novel is probably one of the greatest American ghost novels ever written, and some people have found the adaptation unforgivable, as it does excise a great deal from the book; I personally am able to get past this.
What "Ghost Story" really is is a dark drama with a splash of horror, and this also has been a point of contention for genre fans. The film moves at a leisurely pace, and the scares are few and far between, but what director John Irvin does supply the audience is a profound atmosphere and general sense of weirdness that is unforgettable. The wintry Vermont landscape, the stuffy drawing rooms of the old men, and the abandoned mansion on the hill all provide a somber and pastoral backdrop that lend to the film's icy old-fashioned feel, and comparisons to "The Woman in Black" are well-earned.
The cast is one of the major selling points here: Fred Astaire, Melvyn Douglas, Douglas Fairbanks, John Houseman, and Patricia Neal round out a roster of classic Hollywood stars in their old age (for many, this was their last film). Craig Wasson plays two roles of the second generation, with Alice Krige as the haunting woman that runs between them. The acting is solid overall, though some of the older cast feel a bit underused; I think that may have to do with some wonky editing in the film, which is one of its few downfalls. It also feels dated at times, though not to its detriment.
Overall, "Ghost Story" is no less a well-made film with a classic, ghastly edge to it. It is a slow film in many ways, but the subtlety employed here combined with the bleak and picturesque New England winterland really made this an enjoyable experience. There are some phenomenal Gothic images throughout, and the story itself has a certain timelessness to it in spite of the film's more dated qualities. Memorable and atmospheric for a variety of reasons. 8/10.
Based on Peter Straub's wildly successful novel, "Ghost Story" came about during the peak of the slasher film and is one of the few remembered supernatural horror films of the eighties. Straub's source novel is probably one of the greatest American ghost novels ever written, and some people have found the adaptation unforgivable, as it does excise a great deal from the book; I personally am able to get past this.
What "Ghost Story" really is is a dark drama with a splash of horror, and this also has been a point of contention for genre fans. The film moves at a leisurely pace, and the scares are few and far between, but what director John Irvin does supply the audience is a profound atmosphere and general sense of weirdness that is unforgettable. The wintry Vermont landscape, the stuffy drawing rooms of the old men, and the abandoned mansion on the hill all provide a somber and pastoral backdrop that lend to the film's icy old-fashioned feel, and comparisons to "The Woman in Black" are well-earned.
The cast is one of the major selling points here: Fred Astaire, Melvyn Douglas, Douglas Fairbanks, John Houseman, and Patricia Neal round out a roster of classic Hollywood stars in their old age (for many, this was their last film). Craig Wasson plays two roles of the second generation, with Alice Krige as the haunting woman that runs between them. The acting is solid overall, though some of the older cast feel a bit underused; I think that may have to do with some wonky editing in the film, which is one of its few downfalls. It also feels dated at times, though not to its detriment.
Overall, "Ghost Story" is no less a well-made film with a classic, ghastly edge to it. It is a slow film in many ways, but the subtlety employed here combined with the bleak and picturesque New England winterland really made this an enjoyable experience. There are some phenomenal Gothic images throughout, and the story itself has a certain timelessness to it in spite of the film's more dated qualities. Memorable and atmospheric for a variety of reasons. 8/10.
In its day, an attention-grabber
trey-yancy-572-76354728 August 2019
While the special effects may be four decades out of date, it is a good story with a mostly amazing cast. The teaming up of Fairbanks, Douglas, Astaire - all former A-list legends - and Houseman (who was big in the 40s, including being the producer of the Blue Dahlia) was a very big deal in its day. The film, which was produced on a very modest budget, recouped the budget ten-fold.
Fueled by a number of smash hit horror films of the seventies (The Exorcist, The Omen, and Dracula) and the entry of such major names as Gregory Peck and Sir Laurence Olivier, this movie generated a lot of press. The film was also in a then-popular genre of films with spooky flash-back period elements, such as Somewhere In Time (with Christopher Reeve).
There are better horror films out there, but this one mostly hold up well. If anything, it may inspire viewers to buy the book on which this movie was based, a book that Steven King rates as one of the best horror novels ever written.
Fueled by a number of smash hit horror films of the seventies (The Exorcist, The Omen, and Dracula) and the entry of such major names as Gregory Peck and Sir Laurence Olivier, this movie generated a lot of press. The film was also in a then-popular genre of films with spooky flash-back period elements, such as Somewhere In Time (with Christopher Reeve).
There are better horror films out there, but this one mostly hold up well. If anything, it may inspire viewers to buy the book on which this movie was based, a book that Steven King rates as one of the best horror novels ever written.
Wow, absolutely terrible!
TheEmulator233 October 2007
I can't express enough just how bad this film was. First of all what a waste of some legendary stars although they are quite old and pretty unconvincing. Fred Astaire, well I guess he must have owed some one a big favor as this was his last film role. The script is a mess and the film seems terribly draggy. I imagine maybe if I saw this back when it came out (1981) I might have thought it was decent. However seeing so many actual good horror films, this was one of the worst. The only real convincing anything in this mess was the very young and lovely sort/of creepy Alice Krige. The main young character was trying to act the best he could but was utterly terrible. I wasn't sure how much of it was from his lack of skill or the lack of a comprehend-able script, but either way he was just plain bad. Don't watch unless you want to see a bunch of old guys be somewhat scared.
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