The supposed "curse" around Tobe Hooper's classic 1982 horror flick,
Poltergeist, is based on the deaths of four members of the three-volume film's cast: Heather O'Rourke (Carol Anne), Dominique Dunne (Dana), Julian Beck (Kane,
Poltergeist II) and Will Sampson (Taylor,
Poltergeist II). But for all the mystery and hoopla regarding this curse, those in the know insist that the real mystery of the film is whether Hooper or producer Steven Spielberg actually directed it. Devin Faraci's Schlock 0x000ACorridor column argued earlier this month that the evidence points overwhelmingly in favor of Hooper "as an underling of Spielberg." What isn't in dispute is the appeal of the film, which continues to attract viewers 30 years on. For five bucks, see it the way it's meant to be seen: on the big screen. It shows at 11 p.m. at Liberty Hall (644 Massachusetts, Lawrence, 785-749-1972).
— Nick Spacek
785-749-1972
