The Amityville Horror was supposed to be a true story. It was already a hot bestseller freaking people out when the movie arrived in July of 1979.
Just a few years after the cultural phenomenon of The Exorcist, which was loosely based on a true story, AH alleged a real-life haunted house tale of the poor Lutz family. Uneasy Americans wanted to believe it. It might somehow explain some of the discontent with their own lives in a stagnant, late-1970s America. But it was all a con job.
Still, as a fictional haunted house story, The Amityville Horror is a humdinger. It’s compelling because it feels real, so the book still sells and the movie, 45 years later, is one of the best horror films of the decade. Led by James Brolin’s memorable performance, it also ranks as one of the best haunted house movies in film history.
Halloween Every Night offers a few facts to ponder late at night when a creaking sound comes from down the darkened hallway. It’s probably not too late to call your realtor.
Visuals by Liesel Barkei / Text by Liesel Barkei and Shawn Price
