One would never believe that a made-for-TV horror movie could be any good, but this one is a nice surprise. I didn't see this as a kid, and good thing because I would of never slept again! Creepy and weird! The one down side is that it kind of falls apart towards the end. It goes from being good to being a typical cheesy horror movie. But worth seeing all the same.
62 Reviews
Wish this was on DVD
BandSAboutMovies11 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This Aaron Spelling produced TV movie originally aired on ABC on December 10, 1982. It's a star-studded affair, with Valerie Harper, Dennis Weaver and Ruth Gordon in the main roles. It's also a great example of when TV movies ruled the world.
Plus, you get Oliver Robins as one of the kids. He's the only surviving child actor from the Poltergeist films.
Phillip and Laura (Weaver and Harper) are the parents of Kevin and Mary, but they once had a daughter named Jennifer who died in a car accident. They move back north after that tragedy and the loss of Phillip's job to move in with Grandmother Bernice (Gordon), who gets along with no one.
Mary begins hearing the voice of her dead sister under her bed, which soon catches on fire. Even when her brother tries to be nice to her, Mary reacts with violence. She hides under her bed and starts chanting "Kill me" when her dead sister shows up and offers to take care of things.
Soon, everyone dies. Grandma gets frightened by Kevin's iguana and has a heart attack. Kevin falls off the roof. Phillip is electrocuted in the bathtub.
Then, we learn why. Kevin and Mary disliked their sister, thinking she was always treated better than they were. So they did an innocent prank and tied her shoes together, but after the car accident, this kept her from being able to get out of the car.
This is a fun TV movie ghost story, told well and acted decently. Director Richard Lang was all over 1970's TV, directing the pilot of Fantasy Island and the movie Night Cries.
Sadly, like so many TV movies, it's not available on DVD or streaming.
Plus, you get Oliver Robins as one of the kids. He's the only surviving child actor from the Poltergeist films.
Phillip and Laura (Weaver and Harper) are the parents of Kevin and Mary, but they once had a daughter named Jennifer who died in a car accident. They move back north after that tragedy and the loss of Phillip's job to move in with Grandmother Bernice (Gordon), who gets along with no one.
Mary begins hearing the voice of her dead sister under her bed, which soon catches on fire. Even when her brother tries to be nice to her, Mary reacts with violence. She hides under her bed and starts chanting "Kill me" when her dead sister shows up and offers to take care of things.
Soon, everyone dies. Grandma gets frightened by Kevin's iguana and has a heart attack. Kevin falls off the roof. Phillip is electrocuted in the bathtub.
Then, we learn why. Kevin and Mary disliked their sister, thinking she was always treated better than they were. So they did an innocent prank and tied her shoes together, but after the car accident, this kept her from being able to get out of the car.
This is a fun TV movie ghost story, told well and acted decently. Director Richard Lang was all over 1970's TV, directing the pilot of Fantasy Island and the movie Night Cries.
Sadly, like so many TV movies, it's not available on DVD or streaming.
Suspenseful and interesting horror thriller with intriguing events , twists and turns
ma-cortes23 February 2022
A family is moving to grandmother's home for a while . The daddy , Phillip (Dennis Weaver) is angry and not good fun. The mummy , Laura (Valerie Harper) is worried about living with her own mother (Ruth Gordon) , but she hopes that this will be the opportunity to forget Jennifer's death , a former daughter who died at a car crash . There are also two children, the sensitive Mary (Robin Ignico), who has suffered from the most terrible recurring nightmare caused for a previous accident , and naughty little boy Kevin (Oliver Robins), who enjoys scaring his sister. As soon son they arrive at house , strange events occuring , bizarre appearances and creepy happenings . Later on , the mother makes a tortuous discovery, as the cherubic daughter harbors a sinister desire . Mary is right !. A hidden shame out in the open and the most terrifying rock-bottom a girl ever hit !.
Acceptable frightening movie , though it is more a psychological terror than a pure horror movie ; however , resulting to be some claustrrophobic . A Fairly TV Horror-Mystery-Thriller with several eerie events and plot twists . It turs out to be a decent shocker movie in The Bad Seed (1956) style , the latter is the main representation in the ¨bad little child¨ sub-genre about kiddies with their own evil purposes . Main and support cast are pretty good . Dennis Weaver and Valerie Harper as the parents give splendid interpretations . While the children played by Robin Ignico , Kristin Cumming , Oliver Robins are frankly well , in spite of being newcomers and their short age . Along with the elderly Ruth Gordon who shows her usual seniority and professionality.
It contains a thrilling and suspenseful musical score by prestigious and prolific Dominic Frontiere . Being produced by two known magnates of the American television : Aaron Spelling and Douglas S. Cramer . The motion picture was professionally directed by Richard Lang , though has some flaws and gaps . He was a good craftsman who used to work for TV , directing episodes of famous television series , such as : Beverly Hills, 90210 , Melrose Place , Burke Law , True Blue , Perry Mason , Strike Force , Kung Fu , Fantasy Island , Charlie's Angels , Matt Houston , Harry O , Julia , and occasionally for cinema , such as : The Mountain Men and Blood, Black and White. Rating : 5.5/10. Acceptable and passable.
Acceptable frightening movie , though it is more a psychological terror than a pure horror movie ; however , resulting to be some claustrrophobic . A Fairly TV Horror-Mystery-Thriller with several eerie events and plot twists . It turs out to be a decent shocker movie in The Bad Seed (1956) style , the latter is the main representation in the ¨bad little child¨ sub-genre about kiddies with their own evil purposes . Main and support cast are pretty good . Dennis Weaver and Valerie Harper as the parents give splendid interpretations . While the children played by Robin Ignico , Kristin Cumming , Oliver Robins are frankly well , in spite of being newcomers and their short age . Along with the elderly Ruth Gordon who shows her usual seniority and professionality.
It contains a thrilling and suspenseful musical score by prestigious and prolific Dominic Frontiere . Being produced by two known magnates of the American television : Aaron Spelling and Douglas S. Cramer . The motion picture was professionally directed by Richard Lang , though has some flaws and gaps . He was a good craftsman who used to work for TV , directing episodes of famous television series , such as : Beverly Hills, 90210 , Melrose Place , Burke Law , True Blue , Perry Mason , Strike Force , Kung Fu , Fantasy Island , Charlie's Angels , Matt Houston , Harry O , Julia , and occasionally for cinema , such as : The Mountain Men and Blood, Black and White. Rating : 5.5/10. Acceptable and passable.
SEEK THIS OUT AND WATCH IT!!
patrickstibbs23 July 2002
I recently heard about this movie and found a 'collector's copy' (read: bootleg) on e-bay(it's a made-for-tv film that was never released on video). To say this movie is scary, creepy and one of the best tv movies ever made is a complete understatement. After watching it, I was stunned and totally freaked out. Dennis Weaver and Valerie Harper are amazing as the parents of a little girl who keeps seeing the ghost of her dead sister, killed a year earlier in a mysterious accident (I guarantee you M. Night Shumaylan used this film as an inspiration for THE SIXTH SENSE). The scene where Weaver and Harper confront/attack each other over the death of their child is frightening and heartbreaking. That scene alone should have netted both of them an emmy, especially Harper. She's brilliant.
Frightening, eerie, creepy, and very ballsy for a tv movie from 1982 (produced by Aaron Spelling!). Current television MOW writers should hang their heads in shame when they compare the current disease-of-the-week drivel they churn out with this classic ghost story (written by actor Ned Wynn, son of actor Keenan Wynn). Whoever owns the rights to this (I'm assuming ABC) please get it out on DVD or else I'M gonna start bootlegging it! The public has GOT to get this!
Frightening, eerie, creepy, and very ballsy for a tv movie from 1982 (produced by Aaron Spelling!). Current television MOW writers should hang their heads in shame when they compare the current disease-of-the-week drivel they churn out with this classic ghost story (written by actor Ned Wynn, son of actor Keenan Wynn). Whoever owns the rights to this (I'm assuming ABC) please get it out on DVD or else I'M gonna start bootlegging it! The public has GOT to get this!
Good made for TV horror
The_Void15 April 2007
What we have here is a made for TV horror movie from the eighties. There was some pretty good stuff made for the box during the 1970's, and it would seem that tradition was carried on, at least until the early part of the eighties, as Don't Go to Sleep is one of the best made for television horror films that I've seen. Naturally, given the fact that this film was made for television, it's not as graphic as most of the horror output in the eighties, and the obvious budget limitations mean that this can sometimes feel like a TV serial rather than a proper film, but still Richard Lang's film gets it's point across and manages to be entertaining for it's duration. The plot follows a family that move into a new home in the country after a terrible car accident that left one of the daughters dead. However, the remaining daughter soon begins hearing things at the new house, and it's not long before she's 'in league' with her dead sister and carrying out her revenge - by picking off members of her own family one by one!
The film's main influences would appear to be the classic films, The Bad Seed and Psycho. Both of these films are massive favourites of mine, and while this one is nowhere near as good as either, the way that the plot takes influence from both is good in that it uses the influence well to come up with a somewhat 'new' story. The characters aren't too badly drawn considering that this is a TV movie, and the director ensures that the family members do somewhat reflect real life, although it could be said that the characters are clichéd. The film features some decent performances from the central cast. Robin Ignico is the standout in her role as the demented daughter, and receives good support from Dennis Weaver in the role of her father; although for me, Ruth Gordon was ineffective as the mother. The film succeeds overall due to the fact that it's always a lot of fun to watch, and thankfully it all boils down to a satisfying conclusion that justifies watching the film. Overall, compared to other horror films; this one isn't brilliant, but it's a cut above a lot of direct to TV stuff.
The film's main influences would appear to be the classic films, The Bad Seed and Psycho. Both of these films are massive favourites of mine, and while this one is nowhere near as good as either, the way that the plot takes influence from both is good in that it uses the influence well to come up with a somewhat 'new' story. The characters aren't too badly drawn considering that this is a TV movie, and the director ensures that the family members do somewhat reflect real life, although it could be said that the characters are clichéd. The film features some decent performances from the central cast. Robin Ignico is the standout in her role as the demented daughter, and receives good support from Dennis Weaver in the role of her father; although for me, Ruth Gordon was ineffective as the mother. The film succeeds overall due to the fact that it's always a lot of fun to watch, and thankfully it all boils down to a satisfying conclusion that justifies watching the film. Overall, compared to other horror films; this one isn't brilliant, but it's a cut above a lot of direct to TV stuff.
A Fairly Interesting TV Horror-Thriller
Rainey-Dawn5 December 2016
This one isn't too bad. About the first half of the film felt more like a film that is directed a little more for younger audiences than the last half of the film where it seems a bit more geared for adult audiences. It starts out kinda creepy but cutesy and ends up on the frightful side.
My question is: If the older daughter can come back as a ghost for revenge then why not the other dead family members? They had very good reasons to come back for revenge too on _______ (I can't give it away can I?!) I'll confess that parts of the beginning of the film had me scrolling through it (fast-forwarding at times) because it was the "family stuff" going on the screen that was a bit boring to watch for me. Maybe it's just my current mood that had me bored with those scenes. BUT I did watch the last half of the film more intently because that's when it became more interesting to me.
I for one can sleep easily after this film - but it might give others a terrible scare with that ending.
6.5/10
My question is: If the older daughter can come back as a ghost for revenge then why not the other dead family members? They had very good reasons to come back for revenge too on _______ (I can't give it away can I?!) I'll confess that parts of the beginning of the film had me scrolling through it (fast-forwarding at times) because it was the "family stuff" going on the screen that was a bit boring to watch for me. Maybe it's just my current mood that had me bored with those scenes. BUT I did watch the last half of the film more intently because that's when it became more interesting to me.
I for one can sleep easily after this film - but it might give others a terrible scare with that ending.
6.5/10
Hi, Mommy
claudio_carvalho12 November 2022
Phillip (Dennis Weaver), his wife Laura (Valerie Harper) and his children Kevin (Oliver Robins) and Mary (Robin Ignico) travel to a large house in a small town where Phillip found a job. They meet with his mother-in-law Bernice (Ruth Gordon) that will live with them. The family is trying to overcome the loss of their daughter and sister Jennifer (Kristin Cumming), who died in a car accident. Soon, Mary overhears sounds in her room and has an accident with fire in her bed. Then she meets the ghost of Jennifer in her room that gives bad advises to her. While Mary has sessions with the psychologist Dr. Cole (Robert Webber), her grandmother, her brother and her father die in accidents. Is Mary with sanity problem or there is an evil entity in the house?
"Don't Go to Sleep" is a scary film for TV with magnificent performance of the girl Robin Ignico. The screenplay of the creepy and ambiguous story is very well-written and leaves doubts to the viewer. The fire in Mary's room might have been an accident by Kelvin with his Benson burner since he is shy when his father is firefighting. The viewer does not see who the killer of Bernice, Kevin and Phillip is. Even the conclusion is not clear whether it was a nightmare. My vote is seven.
Title (Brazil): "Não Adormeça" ("Don't Sleep")
"Don't Go to Sleep" is a scary film for TV with magnificent performance of the girl Robin Ignico. The screenplay of the creepy and ambiguous story is very well-written and leaves doubts to the viewer. The fire in Mary's room might have been an accident by Kelvin with his Benson burner since he is shy when his father is firefighting. The viewer does not see who the killer of Bernice, Kevin and Phillip is. Even the conclusion is not clear whether it was a nightmare. My vote is seven.
Title (Brazil): "Não Adormeça" ("Don't Sleep")
This was a dumb, awesome movie
myselfandyou239 March 2007
This was a tacky tacky film. But it takes place in my house (well, now it's my house) so its interesting to watch it. My house looks exactly the same save for the tree in the front yard. The bedroom of the little girl in this movie is actually my bedroom now. I find it funny that this movie was supposed to take place in Northern California when in reality, the house is in West Los Angeles, the Brentwood Area of Los Angeles to be exact. I didn't find this movie to be all that suspenseful, and I thought the plot made absolutely no sense whatsoever. This was a TV movie, so I wasn't expecting emmy-award winning quality, but at least the story could've had some thought to it. The end scene is absurd, and makes no sense. I thought it was funny that while I was watching this movie, there happened to be a scene which took place in the room I happened to be in while watching the movie. When Rhoda falls down the stairs, it makes me laugh, because my mother did the same thing on the same flight of stairs.
Very good for a TV movie
jdollak22 April 2008
I've rated this movie higher than I would if it were theatrically released. One of the biggest problems with nearly every TV movie is pacing. Arranging the story so there is enough suspense to keep an audience through commercials tends to create awkward pacing, and this movie is no exception. But the movie has enough of a story to keep things moving forward. Direction is largely competent, except for a very poor opening credits sequence. Script is also acceptable. Characters are not especially likable, but in a story like this, that doesn't matter much.
There are two scenes that especially stuck in my memory as a child; the first being the frisbee scene. The second was the pizza cutter. Given the lack of real menace in the movie, the direction was surprisingly effective in making things creepy.
I only wish that made-for-TV productions kept this sort of sensibility.
Entirely worth tracking down for aficionados of early 80s horror.
There are two scenes that especially stuck in my memory as a child; the first being the frisbee scene. The second was the pizza cutter. Given the lack of real menace in the movie, the direction was surprisingly effective in making things creepy.
I only wish that made-for-TV productions kept this sort of sensibility.
Entirely worth tracking down for aficionados of early 80s horror.
Creepy when I was a kid, but didn't hold to the test of time
hershiser220 July 2002
I searched and searched for this movie for years and finally found it. What once scared the crap out of me made me laugh. The acting is terrible, for one, and the film itself is very dated. It does have a good basis for a story, but it simply doesn't hold to the test of time. If you saw this one when you were younger, just remember it. Don't try to find it and ruin what you remember.
don't expect too much...
mcfly-3126 July 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Aaron Spelling, wanting to cash in on the slasher craze of the 80s, developed this passable little thriller concerning a family moving into a new home following the death of their eldest daughter. The surviving younger sister begins experiencing visitations from the dead one, and various tragedies occur around the house. Is it a creepy entity at work, or someone else?
Most of the people that know this film (myself included) are going on their memories of it as children. Unfortunately, this muddles a modern day reception of it, as for the first time in 20 years, I viewed it last night. After a frustratingly redundant opening (girl screams in the night, annoyed dad comes running in), it finally drags into the plot. You really realize how underdeveloped the story is and how much more effective it could've been if put into better hands.
OK, SPOILER TIME...
More pressing issues arise, such as: is it really the dead sister, or a hallucination causing the younger sister to act out? If not, why is the dead sister --- who is seen in flashback teasing the living one --- so hell-bent on being "together" with her? What is her motivation for killing off the whole family? What's with the foreboding house address including "666" when it's never fully utilized? Is the final shot really the dead kid, or another delusion of the schizo daughter's imagination? The unanswered questions make for a great deal of aggrevation.
The cast works well, but what would you expect from Weaver and Harper? Though Weaver's mixture of the boozin'/grieving/giggling father is a bit uneven, and Harper pretty much takes a backseat to the kids. Especially Ignico, who basically has to carry the whole thing. Her scenes with the pyschologist have a pleasant humor, as she smart-mouths her way through them.
In the end, this is nothing more than a batch of bizarre, bloodless scenes trying to carry a ghostly throwback-type spook show. Pieces of it work at times, but on the whole, it's lacking. And the shock ending (complete with freeze frame on "Executive Producer Aaron Spelling") was a little too easy, though the back lighting made for a good final jolt.
Most of the people that know this film (myself included) are going on their memories of it as children. Unfortunately, this muddles a modern day reception of it, as for the first time in 20 years, I viewed it last night. After a frustratingly redundant opening (girl screams in the night, annoyed dad comes running in), it finally drags into the plot. You really realize how underdeveloped the story is and how much more effective it could've been if put into better hands.
OK, SPOILER TIME...
More pressing issues arise, such as: is it really the dead sister, or a hallucination causing the younger sister to act out? If not, why is the dead sister --- who is seen in flashback teasing the living one --- so hell-bent on being "together" with her? What is her motivation for killing off the whole family? What's with the foreboding house address including "666" when it's never fully utilized? Is the final shot really the dead kid, or another delusion of the schizo daughter's imagination? The unanswered questions make for a great deal of aggrevation.
The cast works well, but what would you expect from Weaver and Harper? Though Weaver's mixture of the boozin'/grieving/giggling father is a bit uneven, and Harper pretty much takes a backseat to the kids. Especially Ignico, who basically has to carry the whole thing. Her scenes with the pyschologist have a pleasant humor, as she smart-mouths her way through them.
In the end, this is nothing more than a batch of bizarre, bloodless scenes trying to carry a ghostly throwback-type spook show. Pieces of it work at times, but on the whole, it's lacking. And the shock ending (complete with freeze frame on "Executive Producer Aaron Spelling") was a little too easy, though the back lighting made for a good final jolt.
This movie grabs you and doesn't let go...
ivony23 May 2003
I was quite young when I first saw this movie and it left a lasting impression on me to say the very least. Because of how young I was, I had a very difficult time remembering the title, but the movie itself stayed with me well into adulthood. I could only remember bits and pieces: a family of five gets into a car accident, the oldest sister does not survive, and a creepy scene with a pizza cutter running along the banister. That was about it but it was enough.
Finally, I found the title of this movie (Oddly enough by searching for "death by pizza cutter" as a joke on google.com) and couldn't believe after all this time I had found it!
Although this movie is obviously early 80's, the story, acting, and general creepiness has been able to withstand the test of time. Sure, there are moments of cheesiness, but that's a given for most horror/thriller movies and really only adds to the fun in watching one. I simply cannot believe this was a made for tv movie, and it's disgusting that few movies now can live up to a small flick from the 80's. There has been only one movie that was released relatively recently that came close to inspiring that same fear: Intensity.
Gore and violence is not really a part of this movie. It captivates through suggestion at times, and the building up of fear and through the playing of psychological games. Honestly, this movie was INCREDIBLE. If you have the chance, SEE IT! Try not to think in terms of modern filmmaking capabilities and rather see this movie for what it was and continues to be: a creepy, thrilling horror movie. I guarantee, once this movie gets you into its clutches, it will refuse to let go. Undoubtedly 10 out of 10 stars...an incredible rating for a MFTV movie...especially one from the 80's.
Finally, I found the title of this movie (Oddly enough by searching for "death by pizza cutter" as a joke on google.com) and couldn't believe after all this time I had found it!
Although this movie is obviously early 80's, the story, acting, and general creepiness has been able to withstand the test of time. Sure, there are moments of cheesiness, but that's a given for most horror/thriller movies and really only adds to the fun in watching one. I simply cannot believe this was a made for tv movie, and it's disgusting that few movies now can live up to a small flick from the 80's. There has been only one movie that was released relatively recently that came close to inspiring that same fear: Intensity.
Gore and violence is not really a part of this movie. It captivates through suggestion at times, and the building up of fear and through the playing of psychological games. Honestly, this movie was INCREDIBLE. If you have the chance, SEE IT! Try not to think in terms of modern filmmaking capabilities and rather see this movie for what it was and continues to be: a creepy, thrilling horror movie. I guarantee, once this movie gets you into its clutches, it will refuse to let go. Undoubtedly 10 out of 10 stars...an incredible rating for a MFTV movie...especially one from the 80's.
This TV Movie is scarier than the remake of "The Grudge". Surprisingly creepy and really scary
David_Habert5 March 2009
Warning: Spoilers
During the early 80s, I stumbled on this movie purely by accident. (I'm glad I did) I don't usually find many movies that "scare" me, but there are exceptions "In Possession", "The Grudge" (Japanese version), "Ghostwatch" and finally "Don't go to sleep".
The story centres on a family who a year before has a car accident as the father has had one too many drinks and their eldest daughter gets killed due to a prank done on her by her younger siblings. The family move in with their grandmother so they can look after her. (Played by Ruth Gordon)
She then later comes back as a ghost and haunts the younger sister who after a while becomes friends when Jennifer the older sister reveals herself to her, but this friendship becomes sinister when the sisters (mostly Jennifer who is out for revenge) decides to kill off other members of their family.
The grandmother gets killed when the brother puts his pet Lizard under her sheets, scaring her to death. The second member is the brother (played by Oliver Robins from Poltergeist), he gets killed when he is trying to retrieve a Frisbee which gets stuck on the roof of the house, while he is climbing on the roof gets knocked off when an invisible force opens the window. The third member who gets killed is the father, (played by Dennis Weaver) while he is taking a bath and a radio falls into it.
Later on, because the younger sister is labelled mentally unstable, she is sent to a lunatic asylum and Jennifer leaves her behind. Later on while her mother is sleeping, (played by Valerie Harper) Jennifer appears in front with a very evil grin on her face. When her mother screams, the movie ends.
Although this was a very low budget TV movie, the storyline is the main theme which makes this film creepy and very scary. Don't underestimate it, although very similar to "The Grudge". "The Grudge" concentrated more on special effects in order to make it scary. Don't go to sleep concentrated more on the story. This is a brilliant ghost story and I recommend you see it.
I must congratulate the entire cast and the director and I wish ABC would release it because it is very rare movie to find and if you do find a copy, you're extremely lucky.
The story centres on a family who a year before has a car accident as the father has had one too many drinks and their eldest daughter gets killed due to a prank done on her by her younger siblings. The family move in with their grandmother so they can look after her. (Played by Ruth Gordon)
She then later comes back as a ghost and haunts the younger sister who after a while becomes friends when Jennifer the older sister reveals herself to her, but this friendship becomes sinister when the sisters (mostly Jennifer who is out for revenge) decides to kill off other members of their family.
The grandmother gets killed when the brother puts his pet Lizard under her sheets, scaring her to death. The second member is the brother (played by Oliver Robins from Poltergeist), he gets killed when he is trying to retrieve a Frisbee which gets stuck on the roof of the house, while he is climbing on the roof gets knocked off when an invisible force opens the window. The third member who gets killed is the father, (played by Dennis Weaver) while he is taking a bath and a radio falls into it.
Later on, because the younger sister is labelled mentally unstable, she is sent to a lunatic asylum and Jennifer leaves her behind. Later on while her mother is sleeping, (played by Valerie Harper) Jennifer appears in front with a very evil grin on her face. When her mother screams, the movie ends.
Although this was a very low budget TV movie, the storyline is the main theme which makes this film creepy and very scary. Don't underestimate it, although very similar to "The Grudge". "The Grudge" concentrated more on special effects in order to make it scary. Don't go to sleep concentrated more on the story. This is a brilliant ghost story and I recommend you see it.
I must congratulate the entire cast and the director and I wish ABC would release it because it is very rare movie to find and if you do find a copy, you're extremely lucky.
Not scary at all, unless your under the age of 10 !
carey656727 May 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I watched this film with my girlfriend, thinking it would be really exciting and scary after reading all the positive reviews on here. After sitting though this for 90 minutes, it turned out to be a real dull experience for both of us. I really wanted to like the film but I just couldn't. The film lacked any real eeriness or shocking scenes. The house was not creepy to create an environment of fear and all the attempts at any chills or horror where all standard stuff. Dennis Weaver played the husband and father to his wife and children, his character came across as a weak and pathetic individual who was unable to take charge or do anything except winge and whine like a girl and drink alcohol. He wasn't the take charge kind of Father of Husband. He reminded me of his Character "David Mann" in his most famous film "Duel" as a weak businessman that was having marital problems and being stalked by a truck on the road. He could not carry this film or get me interested in caring for his character.
The scene with the giant green lizard was hilarious and just stupid; you could see this thing travelling through the house with the camera behind it, being carried to a bedroom by someone and then crawling on a bed with silly terrifying music in a bid to build up the scene. It is then seen slowly crawling under the covers with its webbed feet on the sleeping grandma's pyjamas and crawls up to her neck. Oh my goodness, it gives her a heart attack and next thing we see her in a stretcher! The psychiatrist scenes are flat and uninteresting. Robert Webber is very wooden with his acting and seems very miscast and the script lacks any clever psychological mind games between the sister and psychiatrist. The film plods along with various cast members being killed and hurt in accidents. All scenes are very standard and nothing is scary. The final scene that everyone seems to think is terrifying is just a joke! Shiver me timbers what was that! A 10 second scene with an apparition appearing in a bedroom and then the credits start rolling, if you're under 10 years old you might have been shivering with fear but not as an adult. Stay away from this one!
The scene with the giant green lizard was hilarious and just stupid; you could see this thing travelling through the house with the camera behind it, being carried to a bedroom by someone and then crawling on a bed with silly terrifying music in a bid to build up the scene. It is then seen slowly crawling under the covers with its webbed feet on the sleeping grandma's pyjamas and crawls up to her neck. Oh my goodness, it gives her a heart attack and next thing we see her in a stretcher! The psychiatrist scenes are flat and uninteresting. Robert Webber is very wooden with his acting and seems very miscast and the script lacks any clever psychological mind games between the sister and psychiatrist. The film plods along with various cast members being killed and hurt in accidents. All scenes are very standard and nothing is scary. The final scene that everyone seems to think is terrifying is just a joke! Shiver me timbers what was that! A 10 second scene with an apparition appearing in a bedroom and then the credits start rolling, if you're under 10 years old you might have been shivering with fear but not as an adult. Stay away from this one!
The TV movie that frightened me when I was small
Playa997820 July 2001
I've seen this eerie film back in 1986 at my aunt's house. It was unexpected at the time, I was looking for a family movie, and it turned out to be a spooky shocker. It took place in December of 1982 where a girl named Mary survived an auto accident along with her family...her sister Jennifer did not make it. Jump a year later which was initiated from the opening, poor Mary seems to be having nitemares of her deceased sister Jennifer. She even hears Jennifer calling her name through the dark. Soon enough, the late Jennifer appears under Mary's bed. The dead sister makes nocturnal visits and Mary is astounded. Later, weird sudden deaths occur in the family(I will not say the specifics). Mary may be responsible...but is Jennifer making her do it? The movie takes a number of turns toward the climax and closing credits. For years I was appalled by this movie, merely because I did not understand it. I last saw this film in 1998 on the late night movie and appreciated it even better for the slick direction and execution of the actors. It holds an intense atmosphere, because of its disguise as wonderland with Alice(Jennifer) lurking around in it. This is a well-done TV movie and should be watched if possible. Home video rental is nearly hopeless, with this film being out of production for more than a decade. Good luck.
Tasteless, hysterical TV-made thriller
moonspinner5530 July 2017
Dennis Weaver and Valerie Harper are well-cast as bickering marrieds with two kids who move into a new house apparently haunted by the ghost of Jennifer, their deceased eldest child--whom only the younger daughter can see or hear. This Aaron Spelling-produced TV movie is pitched way over the top. Between Weaver whining about his reputation at his new job and crusty curmudgeon Ruth Gordon as Harper's mother (who moves in along with the family), it's doubtful any spirit would want to attach itself to this noisy brood. Hectic supernatural thriller picks off its cast unsympathetically, while director Richard Lang shows no talent for handling child actors. Derivative teleplay by Ned Wynn (actor Keenan's son) is full of familiar elements, tastelessly rendered.
An all around good and effective story
OOlada7712 May 2002
Warning: Spoilers
***SPOILERS*** ***SPOILERS*** The first time I remember seeing this movie was when i was probably about 7 or 8, and I enjoyed it then as much as i do now. Alot of people remember only small pieces (and some have a hard time remembering the title) of this film cause it has'nt been on tv in a long long time and finding a copy is somewhat hard to do, though I got lucky. After viewing this film for the first time in about 13 years I found myself not at all disappointed by it and was happy to find that even after all these years this movie still had the effects of creepyness to it to me as it did when i was a kid.
*Warning spoilers ahead* After the death of thier oldest daughter Jennifer(the scene most remember, little bratty brother from the poltergeist movies tieing her shoes laces and then the car crashing, everyone getting out accept the oldest daughter whom met her fate in an exploding car)The family has moved to a new house hoping to start over thier lives, Gramma also moves in with them. Mary the middle child begins hearing strange sounds, the errie voice of her dead sister calling out to her at night. After many nights, mary finally conforts the voice underbed and finds her sisters ghost smiling. She befriends her sisters ghost, happy to see her agian, but her sister wants more then friendship, she wants revenge! First gramma (the lizard under her sheets scene and scaring her into a heart attack) and then her little borther (good'ol push off the roof did him in good). then daddy in the bath-tub with a radio. Mary attempts to then kill her mother with a pizza cutter, but she manages to escape, and mary is locked up....Returning home with a nurse, mary's mother thinks the nightmare is over.....but guess who is at the end of the bed,"Hi mommy"... smilling and winking... This was a made for Tv movie and a very well made one at that, if you see it at a rental store RENT IT, you see it for sale...BUY IT! you will not be sorry you did. 10 out of 10 stars
*Warning spoilers ahead* After the death of thier oldest daughter Jennifer(the scene most remember, little bratty brother from the poltergeist movies tieing her shoes laces and then the car crashing, everyone getting out accept the oldest daughter whom met her fate in an exploding car)The family has moved to a new house hoping to start over thier lives, Gramma also moves in with them. Mary the middle child begins hearing strange sounds, the errie voice of her dead sister calling out to her at night. After many nights, mary finally conforts the voice underbed and finds her sisters ghost smiling. She befriends her sisters ghost, happy to see her agian, but her sister wants more then friendship, she wants revenge! First gramma (the lizard under her sheets scene and scaring her into a heart attack) and then her little borther (good'ol push off the roof did him in good). then daddy in the bath-tub with a radio. Mary attempts to then kill her mother with a pizza cutter, but she manages to escape, and mary is locked up....Returning home with a nurse, mary's mother thinks the nightmare is over.....but guess who is at the end of the bed,"Hi mommy"... smilling and winking... This was a made for Tv movie and a very well made one at that, if you see it at a rental store RENT IT, you see it for sale...BUY IT! you will not be sorry you did. 10 out of 10 stars
Fun junk
aliceboy25 September 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I am constantly amazed at how many people confuse their childhood enthusiasm for something with its legitimate value. I LOVE the 'Planet of the Apes' movies...but I don't think they're at all 'good.' I'll watch them time and again, and subject friends and family to them, but I'd never suggest they're decent films! So, it seems, is the case with 'Don't Go to Sleep.' Almost all the comments here are positive...no, not just 'positive': glowing! There are reviews here calling this the 'best horror movie ever made.' Really. Just look. It is not. It is not even a good horror movie. However, it is a LOT of fun to watch. 'Don't Go to Sleep' follows a family into a new home and life after the elder sister has died in (we find out later) a fiery car accident (a la 'Simpsons'). Now, the younger sister is haunted by the 'ghost' of her dead sibling, and this leads her to pick off every member of the family in a series of deftly orchestrated accidents until only her mother (Valerie Harper) remains. My wife, like so many writers here, saw this movie when she was young and it stayed with her (mainly, I suspect, because of the bad little girls), so I bought a copy of it for her. We've watched it over and over, to the point that I can recite lines from it verbatim (a house favourite: 'I'm ALWAYS nice'). She takes offense to my low assessment of this movie, even though she doesn't place it quite as highly as some IMDb reviewers. This was made for TV in the early '80s...and it really looks it. Think 'Tales from the Darkside' with the same degree of guest talent (in addition to Harper, we get the delightful Ruth Gordon and the baffling Dennis Weaver) and slightly higher production value, but the same corny kind of writing. A perfect example of how ridiculous this movie can be: the family moves into a house with the number 13666. You KNOW some bad stuff is going to go down if you move into a house with such a SPOOOOKY number, right? Truly, this is made-for-TV garbage, and how it escaped the attentions of the MST3K gang is beyond me. But, if you are able to watch it, do it with friends and make your own running commentary...because that's all this is good for. But at least it's not '"Manos"...'
TV's Horror Classic
Mark-12911 September 2005
This film made such an impression on me that I can even remember our local TV critic saying that he had not seen it, but, ABC was particularly impressed with the final product, handing out rubber lizards with review tapes.
This intriguing nugget only spiked my interest and believe me, this film is the real deal.
Ned Wynn wrote a screenplay that was ready for major film production. The dialog and story is filled with pathos and heartbreaking family conflicts. Wrapped around this is a ghostly tale of madness and revenge.
A top-notch cast, including Ruth Gordon, Dennis Weaver and Valerie Harper, seemingly inspired by the strong story give heartfelt and sometimes painfully real performances, but it is the acting of young Robin Ignico as Mary, who really carries the film with a bravura performance, especially in the closing act. Kudos should also go to Kristen Cumming as Jennifer. Perhaps the scariest ghost ever on television The story follows the horrifying breakdown of a family through the apparent ghostly manipulations of a recently deceased daughter, who's tragic death demands revenge.
The story pulls no punches with suspense and shocks, with the ghostly Jennifer's startling first appearance and the final scene being highlights. Smartly, the script allows for both a mundane or supernatural explanation. Take your pick, but you don't have to ask what I think.
A true classic that should have been released on video a long time ago.
This intriguing nugget only spiked my interest and believe me, this film is the real deal.
Ned Wynn wrote a screenplay that was ready for major film production. The dialog and story is filled with pathos and heartbreaking family conflicts. Wrapped around this is a ghostly tale of madness and revenge.
A top-notch cast, including Ruth Gordon, Dennis Weaver and Valerie Harper, seemingly inspired by the strong story give heartfelt and sometimes painfully real performances, but it is the acting of young Robin Ignico as Mary, who really carries the film with a bravura performance, especially in the closing act. Kudos should also go to Kristen Cumming as Jennifer. Perhaps the scariest ghost ever on television The story follows the horrifying breakdown of a family through the apparent ghostly manipulations of a recently deceased daughter, who's tragic death demands revenge.
The story pulls no punches with suspense and shocks, with the ghostly Jennifer's startling first appearance and the final scene being highlights. Smartly, the script allows for both a mundane or supernatural explanation. Take your pick, but you don't have to ask what I think.
A true classic that should have been released on video a long time ago.
Unbelievably badly made
boydwalters28 August 2017
Sorry, I only got about a quarter of the way through this heap of garbage, but don't go moaning about not being able to judge a film before seeing it through to the end ... Mostly I agree with that, if a film is at least offering something ... This has obviously been churned out by some writer and director that don't give a damn or have any talent ... And it was edited by some hack with a chainsaw ... Yes this film may be useful to a class teaching editing, as a joke on how not to do things, but as anything else it is a waste of time... Get a life, even housework is better than watching this piece of rubbish
"Mary! Marrryyyyy! Mmmarrryyyyy!"...
azathothpwiggins13 August 2018
Phillip and Laura (Dennis Weaver and Valerie Harper) and the kids, Kevin and Mary (Oliver Robins and Robin Ignico) are moving in to their new house. Surprise! Laura's peevish mother, Bernice (Ruth Gordon) has beat them there, and is already moving her belongings in, much to Phillip's exasperation!
Bernice brings more than just inconvenience along with her. She puts up pictures of Jennifer (Kristin Cumming), her older granddaughter who was lost in an accident. In no time, Mary is visited by a mysterious presence, while woo-woo music plays. Then, a near tragic "accident" occurs. This is only the beginning.
Has Jennifer returned from the grave?
If this apparent specter is to be believed, then Jennifer was one wicked child! Can death be far off? Nope. In this movie's case, it's true that no one is safe!
DON'T GO TO SLEEP is a spook-tacular, made-for-TV movie full of possible possession, ghostly goings on, and insanity. Beneath the supernatural trappings, it's also a story of guilt, remorse, and haunting memories. How does anyone move on from a tragic loss, while believing they're somehow responsible for it?
For a TV movie, this is very grim stuff! Weaver and Harper play the shattered parents well, and Ms. Gordon adds her signature gusto -with extra vinegar!- to her character. Robin Ignico is believable, and Oliver Robins pretty much reprises his POLTERGEIST role.
EXTRA CREDIT FOR: The "watermelon" and "Bathtub-blackout / pizza cutter" scenes. P.S.- Do not miss the epilogue!...
Bernice brings more than just inconvenience along with her. She puts up pictures of Jennifer (Kristin Cumming), her older granddaughter who was lost in an accident. In no time, Mary is visited by a mysterious presence, while woo-woo music plays. Then, a near tragic "accident" occurs. This is only the beginning.
Has Jennifer returned from the grave?
If this apparent specter is to be believed, then Jennifer was one wicked child! Can death be far off? Nope. In this movie's case, it's true that no one is safe!
DON'T GO TO SLEEP is a spook-tacular, made-for-TV movie full of possible possession, ghostly goings on, and insanity. Beneath the supernatural trappings, it's also a story of guilt, remorse, and haunting memories. How does anyone move on from a tragic loss, while believing they're somehow responsible for it?
For a TV movie, this is very grim stuff! Weaver and Harper play the shattered parents well, and Ms. Gordon adds her signature gusto -with extra vinegar!- to her character. Robin Ignico is believable, and Oliver Robins pretty much reprises his POLTERGEIST role.
EXTRA CREDIT FOR: The "watermelon" and "Bathtub-blackout / pizza cutter" scenes. P.S.- Do not miss the epilogue!...
Another suckie made for TV movie
mm-399 July 2004
Warning: Spoilers
Spoilers Made for TV movies, unless the movie is cable, is usually low budget, quickly made, lacks imagination, and very formulated. Fires never have smoke, cars always explode when on fire, and people behave very irrationally. I remember watching this film, with my best friend at the time Dwight, and found it interesting for a 13 year old. If anyone, has a vindictive evil sister, this film would make sense. A prank goes bad, as always in these revenge horror film, but this time the, twisted, sister gets here misdirected revenge from beyond the grave. Not bad for TV, but would I watch it again? No. Except for HBO and Showtime, I barley watch made for TV movies. I guess Denis Weaver could not figure out this murder. How stupid was the younger daughter in this film? As dumb as one can get for a made for TV movie. 5 out of 10
You can't sleep after seeing this made-for-tv classic!
energi3 August 2001
Almost twenty-years later, "Don't Go to Sleep" still haunts me. It is a classic of the made-for-tv thriller genre from the late-70s and early 80s on par with the Charles Durning horror "Dark Night of the Scarecrow", the Parker Stevenson thriller "This House Possessed" and the Donna Mills/Patty Duke campy "Curse of the Black Widow". The most memorable character in "Don't Go To Sleep" is that of Ruth Gordon... but I'll always remember the pool scene. Those who have seen this movie know what I am talking about. Creepy. This is what made-for-tv horror was all about before the Los Angeles Olympics, "The Love Boat", and the laughable Susan Lucci made-for-tv thriller "Invitation to Hell".
Weird and boring
nightroses23 February 2021
The first time I watched this film "Don't go to sleep" I was just a kid. I can only remember the girl with the pizza cutter! Now I recently decided to look at it for a second time as an adult. Looking at it differently, I can honestly say this wasn't scary, spooky or even horror. The whole story was just off. The parents were annoying, and the grandmother was just a vile human being for smoking in bed and in the house. The way she treated her grandkids was terrible, as she favoured Jennifer and Kevin, but she ignored Mary. The film was awful and in bad taste.
Ghost story stands the test of time
daryavaush6 October 2012
I remember watching "Don't Go to Sleep" on television when it first came out in 1982. At the time, I was in my teens, able to remember much of the movie, for this is one of those that stays with you over the years, even if you cannot remember the title of it.
A young girl dies in a car accident and seeks revenge on her family by using her sister as a medium for the ghostly activity. One by one, the family members get knocked off through mysterious circumstances.
Dennis Weaver (Duel) and Valerie Harper star as the parents who are having marital troubles, as well as troubled relationships with their surviving children, Mary (Robin Ignico) and Kevin (Oliver Robins). The young siblings always seem to be fighting, yet there is one seeming comfort for Mary: the ghost of her dead sister, Jennifer (Kristin Cumming).
The story is tightly written, unwinds nicely over the stretch of 93 minutes that keeps the viewer sitting on the edge of the seat. As a psychological study, it is brilliant; as a horror story, it is genius with a subtle touch. A must see for any fan of ghost stories.
A young girl dies in a car accident and seeks revenge on her family by using her sister as a medium for the ghostly activity. One by one, the family members get knocked off through mysterious circumstances.
Dennis Weaver (Duel) and Valerie Harper star as the parents who are having marital troubles, as well as troubled relationships with their surviving children, Mary (Robin Ignico) and Kevin (Oliver Robins). The young siblings always seem to be fighting, yet there is one seeming comfort for Mary: the ghost of her dead sister, Jennifer (Kristin Cumming).
The story is tightly written, unwinds nicely over the stretch of 93 minutes that keeps the viewer sitting on the edge of the seat. As a psychological study, it is brilliant; as a horror story, it is genius with a subtle touch. A must see for any fan of ghost stories.
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