The Force of Evil

Taken for what it is, a 1977 TV movie, "Force of Evil" is above average entertainment. I'm not going to kid you though, believability is not one of it's strong points. Lloyd Bridges plays a doctor, and while Lloyd Bridges may not be able to tell when someone is dead, a doctor definitely should. The entire last half of the film pivots on this point, and drags everything down a notch. The acting is scattered, although William Watson is memorable as the villain "Teddy Jakes". There are definitely some scenes, such as the mom and daughter discussions on the houseboat, that I could have lived without. I actually rate this less than IMDBs 7.7. To me it's a 6.0 at best, because it seriously challenges believability. - MERK

This was actually a pilot for the short lived, but very effective "Quinn Martin's Tales of the Unexpected." It's sad that no one seems to rebroadcast this series. William Conrad provided the narration for the movie pilot and the series. The series had one of the creepiest and visually scary introductions that I ever have seen. It puts you in mind of the intro for the 80s version of the Twilight Zone series.

You could pretty much sum this movie up as a supernatural version of Cape Fear. The actor who played the angry ex-con was an effective character actor who did a lot of work during the 70s. He showed up a lot on shows such as Cannon as a heavy. Bridges and the rest of the cast do good jobs as the family living in fear of this man with a serious grudge. I hope Sci-Fi or someone will reshow both this movie and the series.

I still remember this creepy movie. It was creepy in a subtle sort of way like most episodes of Kolchak, The Night Stalker. I wasn't very sophisticated as a child but I think this must have been something for me to remember it all these years later. If anyone knows where you can get it on VHS, I would be interested in seeing if it were still as disturbing after all these years.

This was produced back in the late 70's, back when they still made suspense movies for TV that were entertaining (remember the 90-min. ABC movies of the early 70's? This film is in a similar vein but better). Like others have said, this is one that you remember all through the years if you originally saw it as a kid or teen. It had some pretty memorable shock scenes for it's time and especially for television. It also features very good performances from the actors: Lloyd Bridges, William Watson as the bitter ex-con Teddy Jakes, and veteran character actor John Anderson as Lloyd's brother & sheriff trying to find ways to catch Jakes before he hurts Bridge's family. I found this on VHS back in the early 90's but I'm sure it's out of print now - I'm glad I picked it up when it was available because it's almost as good now as it was 27 years ago. Hopefully, a re-make of this will be produced at some point down the road, although the plot is quite similar to "Cape Fear".

Dr. Yale Carrington (Lloyd Bridges), his wife Maggie (Pat Crowley), and their daughter, Cindy (Eve Plumb), begin being stalked by chronic gum-chewing Rapist / murderer, Teddy Jakes (William Watson). After seven years, Jakes has gotten out of prison, where Dr. Carrington helped to put him. Jakes is now hellbent to avenge this delay in his pursuit of the criminal lifestyle.

Of course, the law can't touch him, and the Carringtons must find a way to survive. Ominous acts start right away, making it all too clear that Jakes is serious. He also makes sure to do little things that are creepy, but not illegal. As Jakes' attacks escalate, can anything be done to stop this madman?

A made-for-TV remake of CAPE FEAR (with some added twists and turns), THE FORCE OF EVIL has loads of suspense, along with an effective atmosphere of lurking dread. It always feels like Jakes could strike at any moment! Jakes himself is pretty scary, in a ruthless, unpredictable way. Watson plays him with gleeful menace. Bridges plays the everyman, pushed to do whatever it takes to protect his family and himself. Originally a part of the TALES OF THE UNEXPECTED series.

EXTRA POINTS FOR: The "special delivery" scene!

Eve Plumb fans rejoice! She's in more than a few scenes, and she's good!...