Drama,Horror,Thriller
United States of America
Ghost Story is a 1981 supernatural horror film based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Peter Straub. The film follows the Chowder Society, a group of wealthy elderly men living in a small New England town, who for decades have been haunted by a dark secret from their past. The group consists of Ricky Hawthorne (Fred Astaire), Sears James (John Houseman), Dr. John Jaffrey (Melvyn Douglas), and Edward Wanderley (Douglas Fairbanks Jr.).
The film begins with the sudden death of one of Edward Wanderley's twin sons, Don. The death is ruled as a bizarre accident, but strange occurrences begin to happen around the town, including the appearance of a mysterious woman. The Chowder Society begins to see a pattern of escalating horror, and the group realizes that their shared secret from 50 years ago may be the cause of the terrifying events.
Flashbacks to their younger years reveal that the group was involved in the death of a young woman named Eva Galli, who was accidentally killed during a ritual in which they attempted to conjure the spirits of the dead. The group had made a pact never to speak of the incident again, but as the strange events in the town continue, they must reckon with the ghostly consequences of their past actions.
As the ghostly apparitions become more intense and aggressive, the Chowder Society is forced to confront their guilt and ultimately face the vengeful spirit of Eva Galli. Ghost Story features a talented cast of veteran actors, including Fred Astaire in a rare non-dancing role, and was directed by John Irvin. The film's eerie score was composed by Philippe Sarde and adds to the creepy and unsettling atmosphere of the story. Overall, Ghost Story is a chilling tale of supernatural revenge that will leave viewers spooked long after the credits roll.
