E is for...

The late 1970's were full of horror films that were reportedly based on true stories. Films like The Amityville Horror, exploited the exaggerated events (or flat out lies) told by families that lived in haunted houses. Who doesn't love a good ghost story, especially if it really happened? One of the strangest claims to earn a movie adaptation is the story of Carla Moran, a woman who claimed to be repeatedly raped....by a ghost.

For the movie, Moran is played by Barbara Hershey. The character is a young mother who seems to be randomly attacked one night. Though there is physical evidence, Moran's charges go unheeded. She can not identify the assailant, and people begin writing her off as crazy. The attacks continue, growing more violent each time. Moran is finally approached by paranormal researchers who take her seriously. The ending of the film is pretty over the top (obviously a film invention rather than actual occurrence.)

Like any movie involving rape, The Entity can be a little rough to sit through. It is creepy, to be sure, probably more so for women. The film essentially rests on Hershey's acting ability; luckily an actress of her caliber is quite capable of supporting the weight. The film even features some effects work by Stan Winston who would go on to great fame with the Terminator films, and a number of others. The word "fun" doesn't spring to mind with this film, however, it will send a shiver down your spine.

Posted in: Barbara Hershey,Entity,Horror,Horror A To Z