Ghost Story

Last night I had the chance to revisit a horror film that I hadn't seen in 30 plus years and that I really enjoyed in my youth, 1981's Ghost Story. Do the chills still hold up? Here's my thoughts.

Four lifelong friends, screen legends Fred Astaire, John Houseman, Melvyn Douglas, and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., gather once a month for brandy, cigars, and to see who can tell the scariest ghost story. These men also are harboring a horrible secret from their past that still haunts them all. Many strange happenings begin to occur, including the mysterious death of Douglas' son, Craig Wasson, as the groups past demons begin to repay them, and Douglas' other son, also played by Wasson, a visit.

This is a fun and chilling movie. It's a real treat to see these four legends share screen time. It reminds me a lot of the old school horror films when they would get Vincent Price, Christopher Lee, and Peter Cushing together. This would be the last film for all of them except Houseman. Wasson is also good, as is Alice Krige as a mysterious woman who ties into all of the men's lives.

Based off the novel by Peter Straub, Ghost Story is old school horror, expertly directed by John Irvin with the right amount of chills and suspense.

It's available on dvd and blu ray.