This film is a case of careful repackaging -- and the case is the key, as the cover art of the DVD has no relation at all to the film, and *nowhere* on the case does it reveal that the film was made in 1977! An obvious attempt to fool Wes Craven fans, and capitalize on the names of Linda Blair and popular children's author Lois Duncan.
Wes is learning his chops on this one, along the "seductive stranger disrupts happy family" plotline, and turns in a competent if ultimately rather pedestrian flick.
Linda Blair completists will enjoy this as an early indication of the womanly curves which she was later to display more fully to the world. Unfortunately, she is called upon to spend much of the movie acting like a whiny 8-year-old. Fran Drescher also shows up, displaying some atrocious acting but curves of her own (she spends much of the movie in short-shorts).
Definitely 70's, in tone and atmosphere. Anyone wishing to be transported back to that time will find this the vehicle. Anyone looking for Wes Craven horror may well feel cheated.
The DVD transfer is jumpy and twitchy, and at some points the sound sync is off. "Special Features" are simple filmographies.
Wes is learning his chops on this one, along the "seductive stranger disrupts happy family" plotline, and turns in a competent if ultimately rather pedestrian flick.
Linda Blair completists will enjoy this as an early indication of the womanly curves which she was later to display more fully to the world. Unfortunately, she is called upon to spend much of the movie acting like a whiny 8-year-old. Fran Drescher also shows up, displaying some atrocious acting but curves of her own (she spends much of the movie in short-shorts).
Definitely 70's, in tone and atmosphere. Anyone wishing to be transported back to that time will find this the vehicle. Anyone looking for Wes Craven horror may well feel cheated.
The DVD transfer is jumpy and twitchy, and at some points the sound sync is off. "Special Features" are simple filmographies.