Cry for the Strangers

CRY FOR THE STRANGERS opens with a grim, sepia-toned flashback sequence set in1937. Mysterious deaths occur -near a huge seaside house- that set up what is to come.

45 years later, in the same small town, Brad and Elaine Russell (Patrick Duffy and Cindy Pickett) move into the very same house from the opening. This doesn't seem to sit well with some folks, but other than that, all appears to be fine.

That is, until they witness the deadly outcome of what's said to be "another accident". The Russell's soon discover that whatever's going on has something to do with a local superstition.

This made-for-TV horror film is packed with foreboding weirdness and ghoulish goulash. Based on a book by John Saul, it takes full advantage of his particular style of storytelling. The supernatural factor is off the charts, and the "unexplained" thunderstorms start about every two minutes!

Actually, it's not bad at all. For lovers of spooky shenanigans and "surprise revelation" endings!...

Saw this on UK TV some years back - just as my interest in John Saul reached a peak.

Not a bad film, really - considering the TV-movie limitations imposed on it - but not so great either.

If you like John Saul give it a go - otherwise......don't bother.

"I'm A Cop, Not A Witch Doctor". ~ Chief Whalen

Dr. Brad Russell and his wife decide to movie to a nice little coastal town of Clark's Harbor. Seems like a nice place to live although some of the people aren't overly friendly it's still a seemingly alright place to live - it's beautiful and the house is nice. Soon enough one person turns up dead, then another - this happens every time a storm rolls in off the sea. There is an old Indian legend around time but as Chief Whalen says 'legends don't kill people'. Is it ghosts? Is it a crazy murderer? Or is it all a series coincidences?

Very atmospheric: storms, fog, dark nights, suspenseful moments, murder. This one is a pretty darn good TV movie. I really enjoyed it.

8/10

Patrick Duffy stars as a doctor who moves to a small town with his wife, where they experience strange events taking place and a sinister presence dwelling there. Seems like the entire town's out to get them.

It's based on a novel by John Saul, known for his mixture of mystery, horror, and diabolical genres.

Not a bad TV movie - has plenty of suspense and even some jump-out-at-you moments to keep you on the edge of your seat. The acting was a little cheesy at times, particularly that of the two children. But, the plot was well-paced and the overall movie was quite entertaining.

Grade B

Boring early 80's ghost film. In the likes of "Poltergeist" this movie tried to copy the winning elements that made the fore-mentioned film a classic in the genre.

Cheesy f/x, bad acting, and confusing scenes make this a terrible horror movie. The "strangers" appearance is a good moment as the scene is kind of creepy but then the movie fails to create scary moments. Watch "Poltergeist II" instead of this crap.

Patrick Duffy is the best thing about it no doubt about it.

2/10. At least it made a little effort.