This is a moderately interesting tale of a city family happening upon an old country home for sale, deciding to buy it, and taking the plunge headlong into strange occurrences and demonic possession.

This movie is of note because of an early directorial turn by Steven Spielberg. He followed up the classic “Duel” (1971), with this effort. “Duel” was definitely better but this movie is distinguished by impressive camera work and unorthodox shooting angles befitting the twisted nature of this tale of possession. Darren McGavin is also onboard, just recently removed from his performance as Kolchak from “The Night Stalker” TV movie success. He is more of a disbelieving bystander in this one rather than the beast slayer.

I must say that there is a disturbing sequence where star Sandy Dennis tries to locate the source of a baby crying, ends up in the work shed, and uncovers a pulsating (red) jar of protoplasm! That is not normal!

I guess the place wasn’t such a bargain after all.