There was some good stuff made for television during the seventies, and while Crowhaven Farm doesn't stand tall as one of the best horror films ever made, it's a very decent one that is certainly worth seeing. The plot doesn't really offer anything new, and simply follows the idea of a coven of witches, centred around the sinister Crowhaven Farm. The plot focuses on Ben and Maggie Porter, a couple that inherit the farm after the death of her father. Their marriage is tainted by the fact that Maggie cannot bear children, and the couple move to the farm in the hope that the change of scenery will help to pick up their relationship. Under the direction of experienced TV director Walter Grauman, a good cast gives way to a thoroughly interesting tale of witchcraft. Grauman does well with the atmosphere, and while most of the film is build up for the ending; things such as the haunting music score and numerous plot revelations ensure that the film never dries up. Of course, all this build up needs a good climax, and the film gets just that with an ending that definitely justifies getting there. Overall, this is obviously a little thin and it won't be winning any 'greatest horror film ever' awards...but it's good stuff and comes recommended.
50 Reviews
"Do you believe people can live more than one life?"
moonspinner5527 February 2001
Warning: Spoilers
Hope Lange and Paul Burke portray a couple from the east village who inherit a rural manor from a relative on Lange's side; she's immediately disturbed by the place and wants to get away. There's such cruel trickery at work when Hope decides to escape Crowhaven Farm once and for all and gets her best friend to help her out. Up to this point, her friend has been the kind of movie buddy we all love, but soon poor Hope realizes they are driving in the wrong direction. Sitting in the passenger seat, she turns to look at her friend behind the wheel and--BOOM! The woman is really one of them...a 17th century witch, one of several seeking revenge against Lange for committing a betrayal in a past life. Silly and scary TV-movie with effective passages, but with a limited budget resulting in a visually dull production. The narrative is rushed along for the sake of time, and is burdened by heavy echoes of "Rosemary's Baby" besides. Pretty gripping nevertheless, and the cast is very fine.
Not What I Expected, but still entertaining
ArmyofGoats14 May 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Maggie Porter (Hope Lange) inherits some property from distant relatives, causing her and her Husband, Ben, to pack up their lives and move into the isolated farm. Immediately upon arrival, Maggie can't shake the feeling that she's been there before. She knows where the secret doors are hidden and even begins recalling past-life memories. Turns out.. Not only is the land haunted, but a coven of witches have something planned for one of them. If that wasn't bad enough
Add a creepy little orphan, pacts with the devil, And John Carradine.. being creepy as usual
And you got yourselves a story for a creepy, unknown, made-for-TV movie.
The acting was surprisingly well-done Especially for a made-for-TV movie. I can't really vouch for Carradine's performance, because EVERY SINGLE FILM I've seen him in He plays the same creepy man. I consider Hope Lange and Paul Burke performances to be slightly above average But in all honesty.. They could have been Oscar-Worthy and nobody would have known. Just about everyone was out-shined by Cindy Eilbacher, who played the Creepy-As-Hell Bipolar Orphan Girl.
At first I was kind of disappointed that this was not the typical haunted house flick. I was in the mood for some atmospheric horror film that didn't rely on CGI or jump scares. Most of the 'scares' are off screen. If you don't have much imagination Or hate pacing that wasn't developed for the ADHD Generation You will be disappointed. And for God sakes When will people learn to NEVER BUY A HOUSE IF JOHN CARRADINE IS INVOLVED!
The acting was surprisingly well-done Especially for a made-for-TV movie. I can't really vouch for Carradine's performance, because EVERY SINGLE FILM I've seen him in He plays the same creepy man. I consider Hope Lange and Paul Burke performances to be slightly above average But in all honesty.. They could have been Oscar-Worthy and nobody would have known. Just about everyone was out-shined by Cindy Eilbacher, who played the Creepy-As-Hell Bipolar Orphan Girl.
At first I was kind of disappointed that this was not the typical haunted house flick. I was in the mood for some atmospheric horror film that didn't rely on CGI or jump scares. Most of the 'scares' are off screen. If you don't have much imagination Or hate pacing that wasn't developed for the ADHD Generation You will be disappointed. And for God sakes When will people learn to NEVER BUY A HOUSE IF JOHN CARRADINE IS INVOLVED!
Effectively creepy
bwaynef4 December 2003
Someday, someone should write a book examining why TV movies of the late 60s and early 70s were often preoccupied with witchcraft and horror at a time when the cinema shied away from the subjects, except for B movies and the rare blockbuster ala "Rosemary's Baby." Even some of the sillier ones ("Satan's School for Girls" anyone?) worked up some genuine chills. But "Crowhaven Farm" has to be the best. From the opening scenes right through the surprising (and terrifying) climax, this little thriller puts "The Exorcist" and other, later, big-budget chillers to shame. It may have been the TV movie's lack of pretentiousness that worked to its advantage. Made quickly and economically, "Crowhaven Farm" had no time for high-fallutin' symbolic nonsense. It did what it set out to do - inspire nightmares - and did it very well.
Stay away from the farm
AAdaSC19 February 2017
Hope Lange (Maggie) and her husband Paul Burke (Ben) inherit a farm and whilst Paul loves it, Hope doesn't get the same vibe. In fact, the place terrifies her and she seems to have flashbacks to a past life. What happened in the farm in 1692 – this seems to be the key. It's a spooky film and pre-teen Cindy Eilbacher (Jennifer) really isn't the sweet child that you want around your house.
It's a supernatural tale that is a bit complicated – not sure it makes sense. I had questions at the end. The ending keeps things going but I'm not quite sure what it means. Unfortunately, the picture quality isn't good. However, the cast are all fine and there were parts of the film that I didn't second guess. Patricia Barry (Felicia) plays the friend of Hope who believes in past lives.
It's a supernatural tale that is a bit complicated – not sure it makes sense. I had questions at the end. The ending keeps things going but I'm not quite sure what it means. Unfortunately, the picture quality isn't good. However, the cast are all fine and there were parts of the film that I didn't second guess. Patricia Barry (Felicia) plays the friend of Hope who believes in past lives.
The Door Scene
missywatts1 December 2006
I asked my husband several weeks ago about this movie. I told him I knew I watched it while I was younger (I'm 43 now) and all I could remember was a scene where they took this woman out on a beautiful day and put a heavy door on her and put big heavy rocks on top of her. It scared me to death, but that is the only scene either of us could remember, but we both remember being terrified of it. I would love to see it again. We had to ask his sister who is sort of a movie buff about it. Again, the only part she knew and remembered was that door scene. To me it reminds me of the clown in the Stephen King movie "It." I can close my eyes and see that clown in the drainage ditch. I don't remember most of the movie, but that scene summoned it all up for me.
Early 70's TV-horror craftsmanship
Coventry31 January 2010
Maggie Porter inherits Crowhaven Farm and instantly feels that something isn't quite right with the place. We, the viewers, know for a fact there's something wrong, because her uncle who initially inherited the place blew up in a mysterious car accident on his way up there; like it was the farm's way of telling that they want Maggie. She feels as if she's been to Crowhaven Farm before, like she lived a previous life there and quickly begins to suffer from visions of tableaux occurring in the 17th Century. Stories told by an elderly neighbor, about the farm's history as the gathering place where a witch coven committed some macabre executions, confirm Maggie's anxiety. Maggie and her husband Ben then adopt the cherubic Jennifer and everything seems to go a little better from then onwards. Ben sells a couple of his painting and Maggie suddenly becomes pregnant, even though they weren't able to conceive a child before. But there's more to Jennifer than meets the eye, as she carries on her shoulder the mark of the devil. "Crowhaven Farm" is a fairly atmospheric early 70's TV-thriller, with slow-brooding suspense and a lot of emphasis on character development instead of action. The mood and plot are somewhat similar to "Rosemary's Baby", but the setting is suitably replaced towards Massachusetts with also some clear references to the morbid New England history pages like Salem. The sets are costumes are convincing enough and in the cast we have genre veteran John Carradine who walks around half of the film carrying a rotten door with him. There are a couple of strange and implausible twists near the finale and the ending is somewhat disappointing (at least to me personally it was), but nevertheless this is a fine example of early 70's TV-horror craftsmanship
Unintentionally funny FARM
NwsHound6 February 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I just dug out a 20-year-old tape of CROWHAVEN FARM and re-watched it. I must say it hasn't aged well (the movie, that is, not the tape cassette).
Hope Lange glides through the proceedings like a Stepford wife, her motivations vague and her emotions muted. About an hour through the movie she gives birth to a baby (trauma-free, while asleep!) and becomes the most inattentive mother imaginable, carrying it around like a doll for the rest of the running time.
The only really effective sequence in the movie is a scene in which Lange hears crying at night and follows the sound into the woods. This has an eeriness that the rest of the film lacks.
Like many others posting here, I had fond, frightened memories of this TV movie. I think perhaps CROWHAVEN FARM fares better as a haze of 1970s reminiscence. A 21st century viewing will show that this farm has definitely crossed into camp ground.
Hope Lange glides through the proceedings like a Stepford wife, her motivations vague and her emotions muted. About an hour through the movie she gives birth to a baby (trauma-free, while asleep!) and becomes the most inattentive mother imaginable, carrying it around like a doll for the rest of the running time.
The only really effective sequence in the movie is a scene in which Lange hears crying at night and follows the sound into the woods. This has an eeriness that the rest of the film lacks.
Like many others posting here, I had fond, frightened memories of this TV movie. I think perhaps CROWHAVEN FARM fares better as a haze of 1970s reminiscence. A 21st century viewing will show that this farm has definitely crossed into camp ground.
When will this movie be released on DVD?
christiconley7 January 2006
I too saw this movie when I was very very young. I remember it scared the heck out of me! The most memorable thing for me was the door being placed on her and the stones on top of that door. I would love to see it released on DVD. Or even on TV again. I remember feeling the terror Hope Lange's character felt trying to get people to listen to her. Lets face it John Carradine is a classic classic actor. Right up there with Lon Chaney, Bela Lugosi, Christopher Lee, Vincent Price. Would love to see this movie released on DVD or shown on TV as they show some of the old HAMMER movies. (Frankenstein/Dracula Movies)These movies they make now may have great special effects and graphics but some of them are so gruesome it makes me ill. I prefer the older movies from when I was younger where your imagination works harder just seems more frightening that way. Does anyone else agree? I guess you would have to be closer to my age to understand what I am trying to say.
Cindy Eilbacher and John Carradine
kevinolzak19 July 2017
1970's "Crowhaven Farm" was among the earliest TV movies that left its mark on impressionable viewers of those many decades ago. The prolific Aaron Spelling never lost his knack for producing entertaining television, and with the small screen unable to serve up much in the way of blood or violence, subtlety was the way they had to go. A tale of witchcraft in Massachusetts seems like old hat today, but in the wake of Roman Polanski's "Rosemary's Baby" it wasn't as overexposed as it is 50 years later. Hope Lange was clearly cast against type as Maggie Carey Porter, whose presence at rural Crowhaven Farm incites memories long suppressed from a past life, sparking great success for her artist husband Ben (Paul Burke) but dire consequences for herself. The two stars are easily overshadowed by the supporting cast, in particular 12 year old Cindy Eilbacher, alternately angelic yet strangely knowing, even alluring little girl taking more than a liking to the oblivious Ben. Cindy's career was just as busy as elder sister Lisa, both of whom appeared in another TV movie of great creepy repute, 1974's "Bad Ronald." Also on hand, all too briefly unfortunately, is veteran scene stealer John Carradine, in typical form playing handyman Nate Cheever, like the girl a not so innocent presence going about his daily duties with some fiendish purpose in mind (Aaron Spelling had first used the actor on his 1959 Western series JOHNNY RINGO). It may be more effective for those nostalgically inclined, but still holds up as one of the better examples of TV terror from its first and greatest decade.
Maggie's Farm
wes-connors10 February 2013
Under tragic circumstances, legal secretary turned housewife Hope Lange (as Margaret "Maggie" Porter) inherits "Crowhaven Farm" in Massachusetts. With a name like that, you know there is going to be trouble. As their seven-year marriage is strained over an inability to have children, Ms. Lange and her artist husband Paul Burke (as Ben Porter) decide to move to the spookily named place and start fresh. Right away, Lange has feelings indicating reincarnation is afoot. She learns a coven of Pilgrims once gathered there and wants to move out, but Mr. Burke convinces her they should say. His painting career will soon thrive. Meanwhile, Lange has taken a secretarial job with suave Lloyd Bochner (as Kevin Pierce), which makes Burke jealous...
Things get even more creepy after the couple take in pretty pre-teen Cindy Eilbacher (as Jennifer Lewis). If you've been paying attention, you'll recall the manipulative young blonde caused the original inheritor to expire earlier in the running time. She has a toothy shoulder scar and is eager to jump into bed with "adopted" father Burke. Even with weird handyman John Carradine (as Nate Cheever) lurking around, young Eilbacher steals the film. Milton Selzer (as Doctor Terminer) is also dead on. The ghostly possibility of witches continue, along with the possibility that Lange may be pregnant. Unfortunately, it all ends up making little sense; probably, ABC-TV sent the script back asking, "Please add the quirky 'Movie of the Week' ending."
***** Crowhaven Farm (11/24/70) Walter Grauman ~ Hope Lange, Paul Burke, Cindy Eilbacher, Milton Selzer
Things get even more creepy after the couple take in pretty pre-teen Cindy Eilbacher (as Jennifer Lewis). If you've been paying attention, you'll recall the manipulative young blonde caused the original inheritor to expire earlier in the running time. She has a toothy shoulder scar and is eager to jump into bed with "adopted" father Burke. Even with weird handyman John Carradine (as Nate Cheever) lurking around, young Eilbacher steals the film. Milton Selzer (as Doctor Terminer) is also dead on. The ghostly possibility of witches continue, along with the possibility that Lange may be pregnant. Unfortunately, it all ends up making little sense; probably, ABC-TV sent the script back asking, "Please add the quirky 'Movie of the Week' ending."
***** Crowhaven Farm (11/24/70) Walter Grauman ~ Hope Lange, Paul Burke, Cindy Eilbacher, Milton Selzer
A great, creepy classic from the seventies
bob wolf12 April 2001
Early on in Crowhaven Farm, Maggie Porter is awakened from a deep sleep by the sounds of a little girl crying. The eerie sounds are coming from off in the forest somewhere. Concerned that someone, namely a child, might be hurt, Maggie makes her way out into the night in the direction of the sound. As she treks into the dark forest, the crying suddenly turns into a demonic cackle. The haunting laughter engulfs Maggie and she collapses in fright.
Working with a limited budget and the content-expurgate restrictions placed on made-for-television fare, director Walter Grauman is still able to construct a frightening movie in Crowhaven Farm. He does it by simply letting the viewers imagination fill in the blanks. The strange noises in the forest, the blurred images of pilgrims torturing a mother-to-be off in a nearby clearing. What do they mean? Grauman shows the audience something, fleetingly, and then forces them to use their own imagination to fill in what is missing. That is where the true horror lies within Crowhaven Farm.
When the original inheritor dies in a strange car accident, a young couple, Maggie(Lange) and Ben(Burke) inherit a large farm and hundreds of acres of forest land. Dogged by marital problems the couple are determined to make a fresh start in the new setting. Maggie senses something odd early on and her first inclination is to leave but Ben talks her out of it. The inclination turns out to be correct as Maggie begins hearing strange noises and seeing odd visions of people dressed in Seventeenth-century garb. When a young girl(Eilbacher) drifts into their life things quickly move from bizarre to down right terrifying. Maggie soon discovers a parallel between her problem and a two-hundred year old coven of witches who may have committed sacrifices on the very farm land she inhabits.
Crowhaven Farm elicits some great performances from its cast. Hope Lange is especially great. She offers a performance very reminiscent of Mia Farrow's panicky turn in Rosemary's Baby, as the woman who discovers all is not what it may seem. Cindy Eilbacher, Paul Burke and TV-movie regular Loyd Bochner are also very good in their roles. I particularly enjoyed John Carradine as the handyman.
Crowhaven Farm has the distinction of being one of those made-for-television films that stay with you long after you've seen it. Like Duel and Dark Night Of The Scarecrow, Farm represents what can be achieved with a little budget and a whole lot of imagination. I highly recommend this film, if you can find it. As of yet, the film has never been released to video.
Working with a limited budget and the content-expurgate restrictions placed on made-for-television fare, director Walter Grauman is still able to construct a frightening movie in Crowhaven Farm. He does it by simply letting the viewers imagination fill in the blanks. The strange noises in the forest, the blurred images of pilgrims torturing a mother-to-be off in a nearby clearing. What do they mean? Grauman shows the audience something, fleetingly, and then forces them to use their own imagination to fill in what is missing. That is where the true horror lies within Crowhaven Farm.
When the original inheritor dies in a strange car accident, a young couple, Maggie(Lange) and Ben(Burke) inherit a large farm and hundreds of acres of forest land. Dogged by marital problems the couple are determined to make a fresh start in the new setting. Maggie senses something odd early on and her first inclination is to leave but Ben talks her out of it. The inclination turns out to be correct as Maggie begins hearing strange noises and seeing odd visions of people dressed in Seventeenth-century garb. When a young girl(Eilbacher) drifts into their life things quickly move from bizarre to down right terrifying. Maggie soon discovers a parallel between her problem and a two-hundred year old coven of witches who may have committed sacrifices on the very farm land she inhabits.
Crowhaven Farm elicits some great performances from its cast. Hope Lange is especially great. She offers a performance very reminiscent of Mia Farrow's panicky turn in Rosemary's Baby, as the woman who discovers all is not what it may seem. Cindy Eilbacher, Paul Burke and TV-movie regular Loyd Bochner are also very good in their roles. I particularly enjoyed John Carradine as the handyman.
Crowhaven Farm has the distinction of being one of those made-for-television films that stay with you long after you've seen it. Like Duel and Dark Night Of The Scarecrow, Farm represents what can be achieved with a little budget and a whole lot of imagination. I highly recommend this film, if you can find it. As of yet, the film has never been released to video.
I know why you'll never see this movie again
wmav0114 January 2006
To begin with, I'm just like everyone else who has posted a comment here. I remember seeing this movie as a kid (In 1970 I was 12), and it did scare the crap out of me too. Fast forward 20 years and I took a film class while in college (career change). A young girl in my class did this whole presentation for an assignment on inappropriate relationship in films. She was a flake, and went on about inappropriate scenes involving adult males and underage females. Perfectly innocent scenes to most people, but offensive to her. One other example I remember was the scene in "Little Miss Marker" where the kid invites him (Walter Matthau) to sleep with her. But one of the film clips she presented was from Crowhaven Farm. God knows how or where she got it, but it's the scene with Cindy Elibacher and Paul Burke in bed together. As I remember, Cindy Elibacher was being seductive in a childish way. I don't remember enough of the movie as to why they were in bed together, but it did appear that Cindy Elibacher's character was behaving seductively for some reason in the story line. At this point in time we are in the midst of a hysteria, whereby a scene like this on prime time TV would be construed as veiled child porn. I know you'll never see this movie on DVD. Comments?
Slowhaven Farm
saint_brett24 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Crowhaven Farm.
Sounds like a nice place for a little retreat where all guests are welcome. Let me guess, it will be about a coven of witches, correct?
A will is read out and the Crowhaven Farm is left to Larry Tate. He races upstate only to burn up in a fire from gawking at Little Miss Longlegs, who appears out of nowhere like a roadside attraction. Guess you won't be inheriting the farm now, huh Mr. Tate?
So Petula Clark and Barry Manilow fill Larry's shoes and are second in line to the heir of Crowhaven Farm.
After only an hour on the property Clark's already demented and has visions of the prohibition era.
Is it safe to say that this Caradine fella made more movies than Christopher Lee? What wasn't he in?
Not making much sense, a housewarming party is thrown and a bunch of unwelcome nosey parkers invite themselves in yakking a bunch of lore about witch trials in their cloistered little world.
Indecisive, demented, and controled by her jealous husband, Clark takes a job typewriting for a local legal firm to support her husband's hidden secret habits.
Another suitor comes between them which irks Manilow's short streak.
This movie reminds me of "Black Noon" a little. Remember children, if you didn't already know, "Black Noon" was filmed before "The Wicker Man." And it is my professional opinion that "The Wicker Man" copied "Black Noon's" ending with that whole human cookout in the wood experiment.
So Little Miss Longlegs is traded to Clark & Manilow in exchange for a painting and she's also now the property of Crowhaven Farm.
But no doubt she's an informer, with sinister intentions, as she killed Larry Tate earlier in the movie with a wink and a smile. Infiltrating the farm, Little Miss longlegs starts to weave her mysterious influence on Clark and Manilow who are oblivious to her devious scheming.
45-minutes in and not much has happened so far. Little Miss Longlegs slept in the husband's bed. Clark took offence at a gate busted off its hinges. Then discovers that Little Miss Longlegs is the offspring of satan. She also finds out that she's pregnant and gives birth only 3 days later. Little Miss Longlegs corners Clark and bargins for her husband's hand in marriage to save herself then the husband becomes demented and shoots some playboy and then sacrifices himself at an altar table.
By rights there should probably have been a sequel as her son, no doubt, was most likely the spawn of The 666 Beast?
Crowhaven Farm is not recommended as a Halloween movie.
Sounds like a nice place for a little retreat where all guests are welcome. Let me guess, it will be about a coven of witches, correct?
A will is read out and the Crowhaven Farm is left to Larry Tate. He races upstate only to burn up in a fire from gawking at Little Miss Longlegs, who appears out of nowhere like a roadside attraction. Guess you won't be inheriting the farm now, huh Mr. Tate?
So Petula Clark and Barry Manilow fill Larry's shoes and are second in line to the heir of Crowhaven Farm.
After only an hour on the property Clark's already demented and has visions of the prohibition era.
Is it safe to say that this Caradine fella made more movies than Christopher Lee? What wasn't he in?
Not making much sense, a housewarming party is thrown and a bunch of unwelcome nosey parkers invite themselves in yakking a bunch of lore about witch trials in their cloistered little world.
Indecisive, demented, and controled by her jealous husband, Clark takes a job typewriting for a local legal firm to support her husband's hidden secret habits.
Another suitor comes between them which irks Manilow's short streak.
This movie reminds me of "Black Noon" a little. Remember children, if you didn't already know, "Black Noon" was filmed before "The Wicker Man." And it is my professional opinion that "The Wicker Man" copied "Black Noon's" ending with that whole human cookout in the wood experiment.
So Little Miss Longlegs is traded to Clark & Manilow in exchange for a painting and she's also now the property of Crowhaven Farm.
But no doubt she's an informer, with sinister intentions, as she killed Larry Tate earlier in the movie with a wink and a smile. Infiltrating the farm, Little Miss longlegs starts to weave her mysterious influence on Clark and Manilow who are oblivious to her devious scheming.
45-minutes in and not much has happened so far. Little Miss Longlegs slept in the husband's bed. Clark took offence at a gate busted off its hinges. Then discovers that Little Miss Longlegs is the offspring of satan. She also finds out that she's pregnant and gives birth only 3 days later. Little Miss Longlegs corners Clark and bargins for her husband's hand in marriage to save herself then the husband becomes demented and shoots some playboy and then sacrifices himself at an altar table.
By rights there should probably have been a sequel as her son, no doubt, was most likely the spawn of The 666 Beast?
Crowhaven Farm is not recommended as a Halloween movie.
WOW i thought i was the only one!
catmacabre13 August 2001
I saw this movie as a child...i have always had a thing for witches..and there were many witchcraft related movies in the late 1960s /early 70s...i can not BELIEVE there are others who remember/ love this movie as i do! What i wouldnt do..for a VHS copy of the movie. That little girl was so beautiful and EERIE! Her eyes had that fairie-ish pale blue color...she was like a living (but evil) doll!I love that scene where "Maggie" runs into the night to hear voices on the wind...you can truly feel the spirit of ancient folk magic...in this dark and highly atmospheric movie! Anyone got a copy?
Well made and interesting t.v. movie
Prichards1234527 May 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Crowhaven Farm is one of a small batch of legendary horror t.v. movies from the 1970s. Unable to use gore they had use suggestion instead, and creepily made their way into imaginative t.v. viewers' hearts.
I was too young to see this movie when it was first shown (if, indeed, it was ever shown in the UK) but I finally managed to catch it and it holds up fairly well, being an atmospheric if not always logical tale of witchcraft and revenge.
Hope Lange is very good as the wife trying to keep her marriage going, only to find she has inherited an ancient farm that has a sinister history. In truth it isn't very clear if the townsfolk have simply hung around from the 17th century biding their time, are ghosts, descendants of the original witches, or psychic possession cases. It simply does not matter much, at the end of the day.
Others from the same cloth include The Nightstalker, Duel, Don't Be Afraid of The Dark, A Cold Night's Death and Haunts of The Very Rich. Perhaps most of these movies have stood the test of time better than Crowhaven Farm, but that's not to denigrate it any way. The film develops sedately and effectively; the ending may not make a lot of sense but overall this is a watchable and interesting t.v. film.
I was too young to see this movie when it was first shown (if, indeed, it was ever shown in the UK) but I finally managed to catch it and it holds up fairly well, being an atmospheric if not always logical tale of witchcraft and revenge.
Hope Lange is very good as the wife trying to keep her marriage going, only to find she has inherited an ancient farm that has a sinister history. In truth it isn't very clear if the townsfolk have simply hung around from the 17th century biding their time, are ghosts, descendants of the original witches, or psychic possession cases. It simply does not matter much, at the end of the day.
Others from the same cloth include The Nightstalker, Duel, Don't Be Afraid of The Dark, A Cold Night's Death and Haunts of The Very Rich. Perhaps most of these movies have stood the test of time better than Crowhaven Farm, but that's not to denigrate it any way. The film develops sedately and effectively; the ending may not make a lot of sense but overall this is a watchable and interesting t.v. film.
Suitably eerie 70's witchcraft horror.
HumanoidOfFlesh6 January 2010
After their relatives die in a car explosion Ben and Maggie Porter inherit Crowhaven Farm in Massachusetts.Ben is an unsuccessful artist,while Maggie has been unable to conceive a child.But soon after arriving Maggie starts to be haunted by strange visions and dreams.She learns about Crowhaven Farm's past and how a witch was killed there by puritans in the 17th Century.Maggie then discovers that she is now pregnant,but at the same time the mysterious happenings surrounding them begin to increase."Crowhaven Farm" is often regarded as one of the scariest horror movies of early 70's.It's obviously influenced by Roman Polanski's "Rosemary's Baby"(cabal of Satanists/witches,the wife becomes mysteriously pregnant).It seems also that the farm is haunted by the witch,who seeks revenge on her ancestors in the vein of "The City of the Dead".The action is slow,but there are some creepy scenes including one here Hope Lange is drawn out into the woods by sounds of crying that suddenly turn into hideous laughter.
Hard To Understand
rjmarzano30 April 2006
This movie is based on witchcraft and satanism I guess but it presents it in a way that is hard to understand at times.
Somehow the main character betrayed the other witches although I'm not exactly sure how and it's not clear that she herself really was a witch. In fact she says she doesn't want to get involved with any 'traffic' involving the evil one but then she changes her mind.
But what they fail to mention is that she makes those decisions while being tortured.
Also some people get killed but I thought they were also part of the conspiracy against this lady. I guess they got double crossed also.
There's also a cute little girl who is main villain which doesn't really work too well at times. I just can't picture this kid forcing people to sell their souls.
Still it is thought provoking as far as making people think about good and evil, reincarnation, making a pact with the devil, etc..
It is true that those satanic creatures exist in another dimension. They can cause people to see and experience things that other people aren't aware of.
Yes it is possible to sell your soul and do other things involving satanism. This activity has implications across future and even past lifetimes since it exists outside of time. There is no time in that other dimension.
Jeff Marzano
Recommended further viewing:
Brides Of Blood / Beast Of Blood Horror Hotel IT ! (The Terror FromBeyond Space) Invasion Of The Saucer Men Not Of This Earth (original) Phantasm The Blob (with Steve McQueen) The Brain That Wouldn't Die The Flesh Eaters The Fly / The Return Of The Fly / The Curse Of The Fly The Four Skulls Of Jonathan Drake The Hideous Sun Demon The Hypnotic Eye The Incredible Shrinking Man The Indestructible Man The Manster The Thing (from another world) The Thing That Couldn't Die The Twilight Zone Collections
Somehow the main character betrayed the other witches although I'm not exactly sure how and it's not clear that she herself really was a witch. In fact she says she doesn't want to get involved with any 'traffic' involving the evil one but then she changes her mind.
But what they fail to mention is that she makes those decisions while being tortured.
Also some people get killed but I thought they were also part of the conspiracy against this lady. I guess they got double crossed also.
There's also a cute little girl who is main villain which doesn't really work too well at times. I just can't picture this kid forcing people to sell their souls.
Still it is thought provoking as far as making people think about good and evil, reincarnation, making a pact with the devil, etc..
It is true that those satanic creatures exist in another dimension. They can cause people to see and experience things that other people aren't aware of.
Yes it is possible to sell your soul and do other things involving satanism. This activity has implications across future and even past lifetimes since it exists outside of time. There is no time in that other dimension.
Jeff Marzano
Recommended further viewing:
Brides Of Blood / Beast Of Blood Horror Hotel IT ! (The Terror FromBeyond Space) Invasion Of The Saucer Men Not Of This Earth (original) Phantasm The Blob (with Steve McQueen) The Brain That Wouldn't Die The Flesh Eaters The Fly / The Return Of The Fly / The Curse Of The Fly The Four Skulls Of Jonathan Drake The Hideous Sun Demon The Hypnotic Eye The Incredible Shrinking Man The Indestructible Man The Manster The Thing (from another world) The Thing That Couldn't Die The Twilight Zone Collections
They Sure Don't Make 'em Like This Anymore!
atomic_age572 May 2007
While Crowhaven Farm was not the BEST made-for-TV chiller of its era, it does rank up there with the dozen or so that tend to stand out in the minds of baby boomers raised during TV's golden age. Forget the special effects that seem so essential to the success of today's horror movies; this one forces you to rely strictly on your imagination (remember that thing in your head???) to understand its premise. This movie was made in 1970, during the final season of "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir", and, like several typecast actresses of the period, Hope Lange attempted to "break away" from her sitcom character much like Elizabeth Montgomery did in "The Victim" (remember THAT one???) and did it quite effectively. Crowhaven Farm is simply chilling, with the grainy film grade and squealing violins in the soundtrack adding to the unsettling feel of the film. This genre of film will probably never see a comeback, due to the all the computer-technology wars in horror films made today, but at least we'll always have them to look back on. EIGHT STARS.
Standard Witchcraft Film - But Worth Watching
Rainey-Dawn3 December 2016
A childless couple in a strained marriage inherits the Crowhaven Farm. They move there and wife begins to see things in visions - things past that has happened on the farm - this adds to the stain in the marriage. The wife talks to a doctor believes a lot of the problems are that the couple is childless. One day, the doctor sends an ill woman over with her niece - the woman is looking for someone to care for her 10 year old nice since she is dying... long story short the married couple ends up with the 10 year old, the wife is still willing to do anything to have her own child and more strange things being to happen. What is going on at Crowhaven Farm?
It's a pretty standard witchcraft film of the time era but worth watching if you are into these types of films.
7/10
It's a pretty standard witchcraft film of the time era but worth watching if you are into these types of films.
7/10
Stayed with me for years
aguablancaranch3 April 2008
I saw this movie when I was a kid and I never forgot about it! I have looked for it for years in stores, online, etc. I have never even met anyone who had heard of it until I got here and had a brainstorm. This movie was so well done, no special effects really, but like the other comments, the scene with the door and the rocks and that evil, evil teenage girl stayed with me for 30 years! This movie is a classic.
I also remember vividly, the policeman in the park at the end of the movie who looked like Hope's husband. I think back now and I realize it was a perfect set up for a sequel-in the days when there were no sequels!
I'm so glad other people have good memories of the horror films of the 60's, 70's. I sure enjoyed them
I also remember vividly, the policeman in the park at the end of the movie who looked like Hope's husband. I think back now and I realize it was a perfect set up for a sequel-in the days when there were no sequels!
I'm so glad other people have good memories of the horror films of the 60's, 70's. I sure enjoyed them
Maggie & Ben's Life Is About To Change... A Creepy TV Movie...
P3n-E-W1s320 April 2020
For a TV movie, this is a creepy little tale. Lack of budget in TV movies was more of an incitement, rather than a hindrance. It forced the companies and writers to enrich the storyline with imagination and twists to maintain the viewers' interest. There's also a plethora of talent. Not all the best actors are movie stars. That is the case with this film.
There are a nice few twists in the tale, such as it not being the fated couple who originally inherit the farm. I can tell you this as it's not too pivotal in the story and it's right at the start. It goes to show the writer John McGreevey liked to add little details. The original heir, Henry Pearson, who has big ideas on running the farm, doesn't make it to the property... he's killed in an accident on the journey. This passes the land and buildings onto the next cousin, Maggie Carey Porter.
The neighbours and townsfolk instantly welcome Maggie, and her husband Ben, into their fold. Their lives swiftly become a blur of parties and celebrations as they become the talk of the town. Life, for them, blossoms into idyllic perfection.
Once settled and comfortable, the couple aid a neighbour. They open hearts and home to her daughter, Jennifer. No sooner has she moved in than things take a cannily insidious twist. Jennifer has an unhealthy attraction to Ben. Which makes uncomfortable viewing. However, it's only the start of the enigma of Crowhaven.
Walter Grauman handles the direction well enough. It is your usual television fare. A few lighting effects and camera angles wouldn't have gone amiss. He uses a couple of point of view shots, looking from the ground upwards. That works well. However, a tad more imagination would have empowered the atmosphere greater. The pace is also pedestrian. It's like a promenade through a park. Sometimes he ambles, other times he strolls. A mix of tempos would have helped to build and create stronger tension and atmosphere. It's the power of the story that carries the emotion most.
I cannot fault the acting. If you look at the cast list, you'll see some familiar names. If you don't recognise the name, then you'll probably know the faces - unless you're too young, in which case let me state this is a very good cast. Even John Carradine, who has hammed it up in other films, does a good job with his character. Though it's Cindy Eilbacher as Jennifer who stands out, especially in her scenes with Paul Burke as Ben Porter.
All the cast give their best and it shows as you never disbelieve them or the story. In all honesty, it's the story and the cast that make this movie worth watching and enjoyable to watch.
On that note, I would gladly recommend this film to all lovers of horror and the supernatural. Though if you're a gorehound, you must find another film for your fix. There's no blood in this one. This was the perfect starter film for my Friday Night is Fright Night Filmfest. It set me up perfectly for a darker slice of the macabre.
Ratings: Story 1.5 : Direction 1.25 : Pace 1 : Acting 1.25 : Enjoyment 1.25 : Total 6.25 / 10
Journey over to my Absolute Horror list and see where I've ranked this witchy tale.
Take Care and Stay Well.
There are a nice few twists in the tale, such as it not being the fated couple who originally inherit the farm. I can tell you this as it's not too pivotal in the story and it's right at the start. It goes to show the writer John McGreevey liked to add little details. The original heir, Henry Pearson, who has big ideas on running the farm, doesn't make it to the property... he's killed in an accident on the journey. This passes the land and buildings onto the next cousin, Maggie Carey Porter.
The neighbours and townsfolk instantly welcome Maggie, and her husband Ben, into their fold. Their lives swiftly become a blur of parties and celebrations as they become the talk of the town. Life, for them, blossoms into idyllic perfection.
Once settled and comfortable, the couple aid a neighbour. They open hearts and home to her daughter, Jennifer. No sooner has she moved in than things take a cannily insidious twist. Jennifer has an unhealthy attraction to Ben. Which makes uncomfortable viewing. However, it's only the start of the enigma of Crowhaven.
Walter Grauman handles the direction well enough. It is your usual television fare. A few lighting effects and camera angles wouldn't have gone amiss. He uses a couple of point of view shots, looking from the ground upwards. That works well. However, a tad more imagination would have empowered the atmosphere greater. The pace is also pedestrian. It's like a promenade through a park. Sometimes he ambles, other times he strolls. A mix of tempos would have helped to build and create stronger tension and atmosphere. It's the power of the story that carries the emotion most.
I cannot fault the acting. If you look at the cast list, you'll see some familiar names. If you don't recognise the name, then you'll probably know the faces - unless you're too young, in which case let me state this is a very good cast. Even John Carradine, who has hammed it up in other films, does a good job with his character. Though it's Cindy Eilbacher as Jennifer who stands out, especially in her scenes with Paul Burke as Ben Porter.
All the cast give their best and it shows as you never disbelieve them or the story. In all honesty, it's the story and the cast that make this movie worth watching and enjoyable to watch.
On that note, I would gladly recommend this film to all lovers of horror and the supernatural. Though if you're a gorehound, you must find another film for your fix. There's no blood in this one. This was the perfect starter film for my Friday Night is Fright Night Filmfest. It set me up perfectly for a darker slice of the macabre.
Ratings: Story 1.5 : Direction 1.25 : Pace 1 : Acting 1.25 : Enjoyment 1.25 : Total 6.25 / 10
Journey over to my Absolute Horror list and see where I've ranked this witchy tale.
Take Care and Stay Well.
great television movie - anyone have it on tape?
hepplewhite212-dm0217 March 2004
I agree with everyone below who remembers this movie from their childhood as being very scary. There are a couple of vivid images - and story lines - that have stayed with me these 30-odd years. I've sometimes wondered if this is where Sting got the idea for the darker connotations of the song title "I'll Be Watching You"! Whew. The whole Salem thing; the whole story line in Salem; and the whole story line in the present, and how they inter-link. The resolution still chills me, even as I write this. Hope Lange of course is great in it; her husband and the girl on the road. Chilling performances. DOES ANYONE HAVE THIS ON TAPE / KNOW HOW TO GET IT ON TAPE?
Spooky tale with the Separatists from Hell
Wuchakk12 March 2022
A troubled couple from Manhattan (Hope Lange & Paul Burke) inherits a farmhouse in Massachusetts, which the wife curiously finds familiar. Sins of centuries past come to the fore as strange things start happening. Cindy Eilbacher is on hand as a nice orphaned girl that stays with the couple.
"Crowhaven Farm" (1970) is a well-done mystery/horror that was originally released to television. While it's not specifically about the infamous Salem Witch Trials, that piece of history is mentioned and I'd watch this low-key production any day over the grossly melodramatic "The Crucible" (1996).
If you're in the mood for a streamlined flick along the lines of "The Amityville Horror" (1979) and "Bay Cove" (1987), it fills the bill despite its modest origins. It's superior to the dull "The Messengers" (2007).
The film runs 1 hour, 14 minutes, and was shot at Paramount Studios and Bronson Caves (which is just down from the iconic Hollywood Sign), Los Angeles.
GRADE: B-/B (6.5/10)
"Crowhaven Farm" (1970) is a well-done mystery/horror that was originally released to television. While it's not specifically about the infamous Salem Witch Trials, that piece of history is mentioned and I'd watch this low-key production any day over the grossly melodramatic "The Crucible" (1996).
If you're in the mood for a streamlined flick along the lines of "The Amityville Horror" (1979) and "Bay Cove" (1987), it fills the bill despite its modest origins. It's superior to the dull "The Messengers" (2007).
The film runs 1 hour, 14 minutes, and was shot at Paramount Studios and Bronson Caves (which is just down from the iconic Hollywood Sign), Los Angeles.
GRADE: B-/B (6.5/10)
while Paul Burke and John Carradines acting is good, Hope Lange's performance is lacking
quinndesilets2 January 2021
While I quite enjoyed the movie and it's story I found Hope Lange's somewhat poor performance quite distracting from the movie. While her performance varies, I can find it that she doesn't put much expression or emotion in her words or her face; and she can walk rather robticly. But I would recommend the movie!
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