Les envoûtés

James Farentino plays boozy Father Kevin Leahy. He dies during a car crash, but is given his life back to fight evil. All of this is shown before the credits even roll. Farentino is quite good in this somewhat intense role and carries the film. At the Helen Page All-Girls School unexplained fires start happening, so Leahy is brought in to investigate.

I think the biggest problem I had with this 1977 TV Movie originally shown on NBC was what it wanted to be. It obviously was inspired by William Friedkin's THE EXORCIST, but half the time it just plays itself out like a cheap knock-off. Also becomes dialogue heavy and by the end of the movie the possession angle is pretty hokey. Which is too bad, because I did enjoy Farentino's performance.

Also starring Diana Scarwid, Dinah Manoff, P.J. Soles (as students at the all-girls school) and a pre-STAR WARS Harrison Ford who plays a nutty, creepy teacher Paul Winjam. Was very interesting seeing an early film role for Ford, but at the same time it wasn't exactly a very memorable role.

"The Possessed" is better than you might expect, mainly due to the absence of gore and shocks (since this is a TV movie, they didn't even get to show any nudity). The recently deceased James Farentino plays a priest investigating strange occurrences in a girls' school in Salem, Oregon. One of the most famous things about the movie nowadays is that it was probably Harrison Ford's final role before he became known as Han Solo. But like I said, the emphasis on suspense rather than gore and special effects strengthens the movie. The last ten minutes turn out to be the really creepy part of the movie. It's definitely worth seeing if you get a chance. Also starring Joan Hackett, P.J. Soles (Norma in "Carrie") and Diana Scarwid (Christina in "Mommie Dearest").

In THE POSSESSED, Father Kevin Leahy (James Farentino) is killed in a car crash, only to be judged to have fallen from grace. Returned to life, he must seek out and fight eeevil.

Meanwhile, at the Helen Page private girl's school, in addition to the usual end of the year hijinks, strange things begin happening. Spontaneous, near-fatal fires break out.

Friends Weezie and Lane (Ann Dusenberry and Diana Scarwid) have only three weeks to go before graduation. Lane's mother, Ellen (Claudette Nevins) has taught at the school for years. Burned in one of the fires herself, Ellen fears that dark forces are at work. Willing to try anything, Ellen is referred to Leahy. Can he discover the source of the problem, before someone else is hurt or even killed?

As made-for-TV horror films go, this is one of the better ones dealing with the paranormal / supernatural. The story is interesting, using fire as a metaphor for jealous rage, which is what seems to have allowed the demonic presence to flourish. The characters are strong and the pool-side finale is magnificent! Farentino is quite believable in his rather dour role.

Co-stars Joan Hackett as headmistress, Louise Gelson, and Harrison Ford as biology teacher, Paul Winjam. Ford has one of the best, grimmest scenes in the movie! Watch for P.J. Soles in a tiny role...

This late out of the blocks made-for-t.v. rip-off of "The Exorcist" is unlucky enough to 'star' James Farentino, busy nursing his two expressions until the next mini-series comes along. What redeems this film though are a strong performance by a young Harrison Ford and a simply terrific one by Joan Hackett.Her character oozes madness, repressed sexuality and fierce intelligence, displayed with a clarity reminiscent of Anthony Perkins work in "Psycho". Rarely has insanity been so chillingly portrayed as here, despite the limitations of the format.

Along with Gargoyles, Trilogy of Terror & Don't Be Afraid of the Dark, this movie scared the crap out of me when I was a kid. The premise, though somewhat formulaic, is still quite effective in this flick. The possession scenes are great, with a particular "hell yea!" during the nail spitting sequence! THAT freaked me out. Poor Harrison Ford hides from this film like it's leprosy or something. I dunno why...it beats "The Devil's Own" ANY day!!!

J Richter