Entertainment

'An American Haunting': More frenzied than frightening
by David Germain

The spirits make way too much noise in "An American Haunting," a supernatural tale whose overbearing clamor is redeemed to a large extent by engaging performances and fine 19th century period detail. Like its awful modern cousin, last year's "The Amityville Horror" remake, things don't go bump in the night in "American Haunting" — they go shrieking and caterwauling. Read the full review

TO SUM UP
In Tennessee during the 1800s, an unrelenting demon haunts and torments a teenage girl and her wealthy family. The story is based on the alleged only documented case in American history in which a spirit caused a person's death.

FILM FACTS ...

Freestyle Releasing

'An American Haunting'

Director: Courtney Solomon
Starring: Donald Sutherland, Sissy Spacek, Rachel Hurd Wood, James D'Arcy, Matthew Marsh
Run time: 82 minutes
Release date: May 5, 2006
Rating: PG-13 for intense terror sequences and thematic material.
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The original Bell Witch
No wonder Sissy Spacek is a little squeamish about horror movies.

On the web
Official movie site
View the trailer
Trailers require Quicktime

READ THE REVIEW

The Associated Press: C+
"The actors are the saving grace, Spacek (the combination heroine-victim-villain of another unsubtle fright flick, Carrie) a grand matriarch, Sutherland a confident man undone by powers outside his understanding, Hurd-Wood a mix of radiant approaching womanhood and animal terror."