The Freelings' suburban home becomes the center of paranormal activity that opens a portal to the 'other side'. With help, they must cross over to get their daughter back.
Practical Effects
Those practical effects still outclass most CGI ghost movies.
Direction
Hooper's grime + Spielberg's polish = uneasy magic.
Cinematography
That hallway stretching? Pure nightmare geometry.
Director
Tobe Hooper
JoBeth Williams
Diane Freeling
Craig T. Nelson
Steve Freeling
Beatrice Straight
Dr. Lesh
Dominique Dunne
Dana Freeling
Heather O'Rourke
Carol Anne Freeling
Oliver Robins
Robbie Freeling
Zelda Rubinstein
Tangina Barrons
Richard Lawson
Ryan
Martin Casella
Dr. Marty Casey
Virginia Kiser
Mrs. Tuthill
James Karen
Mr. Teague
Lou Perryman
Pugsley
Dirk Blocker
Jeff Shaw
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Real skeletons were used in the pool scene because they were cheaper than plastic ones. The cast didn't know until after filming.
The 'Poltergeist curse' became Hollywood legend after multiple cast deaths — Dominique Dunne was murdered months after release, Heather O'Rourke died at 12 before the third film.
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