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The Changeling [1980] (1 disc)

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Director:Peter Medak
Writer:Diana Maddox
William Gray
Composer:Rick Wilkins
Length:115 minutes
(1 hour 55 minutes)
MPAA Rating:R
Suggested Event Use:Halloween
Sorting Category:Susp/Hor
Sorting Tub:Alpha
IMDB Rating:7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes Rating:77%
Amazon Rating:4.5/5 stars
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Classifications:
  • Fantasy
  • Suspense / Horror
  • Drama
  • Mystery
  • Action
Available Formats:
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Synopsis: After the tragic loss of his wife and daughter, John Russell leases a house from the historical preservation society for a change of scenery. Shortly thereafter, however, a number of inexplicable occurrences begin.


Reaction: This is one of the best suspense stories on film. You are really drawn in and care for the characters which makes their peril much more effective.


Personal Rating: 10/10

Peter Medak => Director
Diana Maddox => Writer
William Gray => Writer
Rick Wilkins => Composer
Barry Morse => Doctor Pemberton
C.M. Campel => Mr. Tuttle
George C. Scott => John Russell
Helen Burns => Leah Harmon
Jean Marsh => Joanna Russell
John Colicos => De Witt
Madeleine Sherwood => Mrs. Norman (as Madeleine Thornton-Sherwood)
Melvyn Douglas => Sen. Joseph Carmichael
Michelle Martin => Kathy Russell
Sammy Smith => Doorman
Trish Van Devere => Claire Norman
Voldi Way => Joseph Carmichael

Random Trivia For This Title:

  • French censorship certificate: -13.
    Censorship certificate in Spain: 14.
  • Was the first film to win Best Picture in the Canadian Film Awards after its name was changed to "Genie" Awards.
  • The movie is based on events which supposedly took place at a house in Denver, Colorado, in the 1960s. The "Chessman Park" neighborhood in the movie is a reference to Cheesman Park in Denver, where the original haunting transpired.
  • Before Peter Medak was given the job, two British directors were considered; Tony Richardson declined due to creative differences.