A Look at Five Horror Movie Productions Said to be Cursed
The world of horror movies is as fascinating as it is terrifying, often blurring the lines between fiction and reality. Some productions have become as infamous for their eerie happenings off-screen as they are for the chills they deliver on-screen.
Here, we delve into five horror movie productions that have been shrouded in mystery and rumours of a curse.
Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
“Rosemary’s Baby,” a film that has intrigued and terrified audiences since its release in 1968, is often shrouded in mystery due to the alleged curse that befell its cast and crew. The film, directed by Roman Polanski and based on the novel by Ira Levin, tells the harrowing tale of a woman who becomes pregnant with the Antichrist. The movie’s chilling narrative and the unfortunate events that occurred during and after its production have fuelled rumours of a curse, captivating the imagination of horror enthusiasts and sceptics alike.
The so-called curse of “Rosemary’s Baby” is a tapestry of tragic events. From the untimely demise of composer Krzysztof Komeda after a tragic accident to the horrific fate of Polanski’s wife, Sharon Tate, at the hands of the Manson Family, the series of misfortunes has been both startling and sorrowful. The Dakota building, which served as the backdrop for the film, later became the site of John Lennon’s assassination, adding another layer of darkness to the film’s legacy.
Despite the rumors, “Rosemary’s Baby” remains a cinematic masterpiece, a testament to the genre’s power to explore the depths of human fear and superstition. Whether one believes in the curse or views it as a series of unfortunate coincidences, the film continues to be a subject of fascination, a classic that has left an indelible mark on the history of horror cinema.
The Exorcist (1973)
“The Exorcist,” a film that has chilled the spines of audiences since its release in 1973, is often shrouded in tales of a curse that followed its production. The movie, adapted from William Peter Blatty’s novel, was an instant hit, becoming the highest-grossing film of its time. However, it wasn’t just the terrifying content that had people talking; it was the series of unfortunate and eerie events that surrounded its creation.
From on-set injuries to a mysterious fire that left only Regan’s bedroom untouched, the incidents were numerous and unsettling. The cast and crew experienced back injuries, and there was even a tragic murder connected to an actor in the film – Paul Bateson was as an actual X-ray technician in the hospital as several scenes were shot, he’s the bearded man who appears in the scenes with Regan in the hospital. He can be spotted in the scene with Regan undergoing a carotid angiography procedure. He was arrested in March of 1979 for the murder of film critic Addison Verrill.
These occurrences have fueled the legend of “The Exorcist” curse, leading some to believe that the film was more than just a work of fiction, but a magnet for malevolent forces.
“The Exorcist” remains a masterpiece of horror cinema, its legacy enduring not just in its ability to scare but also in the conversations it continues to inspire about the nature of evil and superstition. Whether one believes in the curse or views it as a series of unfortunate events, the film’s mark on culture is undeniable.
The Omen (1976)
The Omen, a cinematic masterpiece of horror, has captivated audiences for decades with its chilling storyline and the ominous presence of young Damien. But perhaps what has intrigued fans and critics alike is the lore surrounding its production – a series of bizarre and tragic events that have led many to believe the film itself is cursed.
From lightning strikes to mysterious accidents, the production of The Omen seemed to be plagued by misfortune. Lead actor Gregory Peck and executive producer Mace Neufeld both had their planes struck by lightning, an occurrence as rare as it is frightening. The parallels between on-screen horrors and real-life tragedies, such as the unfortunate accident that befell special effects designer John Richardson and his assistant, only fuelled the rumours of a curse.
Despite these eerie coincidences, The Omen remains a cornerstone of horror cinema, its influence undiminished by time. The film’s ability to blend a compelling narrative with an atmosphere of dread is a testament to the skill of its creators. We can’t help but marvel at the enduring power of The Omen to thrill and terrify new generations of viewers.
Poltergeist (1982)
The ‘Poltergeist’ film franchise, a staple of the horror genre, has been shrouded in mystery and intrigue since its inception. The original 1982 film, produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by Tobe Hooper, became an instant classic with its chilling tale of a family haunted by malevolent spirits. However, it’s the eerie occurrences surrounding the franchise that have captivated audiences beyond the screen.
The so-called ‘Poltergeist’ curse refers to a series of tragic events that befell the cast and crew of the films, sparking rumours of a supernatural hex. From the use of real human skeletons as props to the untimely deaths of cast members, the curse has become a topic of fascination and speculation.
Among the cast members who passed away during or soon after filming were:
- Dominique Dunne, who played the older sister in the first movie, was 22 when she was murdered by her ex-boyfriend.
- Heather O’Rourke, the young star who played Carol Ann, died at just 12 years old due to medical complications.
- Julian Beck, who portrayed the malevolent spirit Kane, passed away at 60 from stomach cancer
- Will Sampson, known for his role as the benevolent Taylor, died at 53 following a heart-lung transplant.
These untimely deaths contributed to the lore of a supposed “curse” surrounding the franchise.
Despite the tragic legacy, the curse remains a blend of fact and folklore, a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring allure of the unknown. Whether one believes in the curse or not, the ‘Poltergeist’ series continues to be a touchstone of horror cinema, a franchise that has both terrified and intrigued viewers for decades.
As we delve into the mysteries of the ‘Poltergeist’ curse, we are reminded of the thin line between reality and fiction, and the profound impact that a well-told ghost story can have on our collective imagination. The ‘Poltergeist’ films, cursed or not, will forever hold a place in the annals of horror history, leaving us to ponder the strange and unexplained long after the credits roll.
The Crow (1994)
“The Crow” is a film that has become as famous for its tragic production history as for its dark, gothic atmosphere and compelling story. Based on James O’Barr’s comic book of the same name, the film tells the tale of Eric Draven, a musician who is resurrected to avenge his and his fiancée’s murders.
The production was marred by a series of accidents, the most devastating being the death of Brandon Lee, the lead actor, due to a tragic mishap involving a prop gun. The untimely death of Brandon Lee during filming cast a shadow over the movie, echoing the eerie fate of his father, Bruce Lee, and fuelling rumours of a family curse.
This incident, along with other on-set accidents and a hurricane that destroyed the set, contributed to the film’s reputation as “cursed”.
Despite these adversities, “The Crow” was completed and released to critical acclaim, becoming a cult classic that still resonates with audiences today.
These films remind us that sometimes the stories behind the camera are just as compelling and haunting as the ones on screen. Whether you believe in curses or view these incidents as tragic coincidences, there’s no denying the eerie allure that these “cursed” productions hold over fans and sceptics alike. They challenge our understanding of the supernatural and continue to captivate our imaginations, proving that sometimes, reality can be stranger than fiction.
So, do you dare to watch these films with the lights off? Or will the curse of knowledge keep you sleeping with one eye open tonight?
© Colin Lawson Books