Let's Scare Jessica To Death [1971] "Review" | My Collection | Movie Overview | The Haunted Valley

[@Tchelitchew.]

Great commentary! This movie really haunted me. It has such an unsettling, moody quality. Zohra Lampert conveys anxiety and self-doubt so powerfully.

[@thehauntedvalley]

Thank you! It is soooo unsettling. I just recorded another video last week. There's so much more to say. :)

[@matthewpering8091]

I first saw it about 1977 on very late night TV. A very under rated horror movie.

[@thehauntedvalley]

I do think it translates well to television. Maybe because it's such an intimate and somewhat cozy movie. :)

[@kevinb2114]

Amazing review. You're very good at picking up on things that people might not have thought about or missed. So cool to find another huge fan of this movie who has obviously watched it a hundred times or more. I know that I went through a time when I watched it almost everyday for several months. There was also many times when I used it to help me relax and i'd end up falling asleep. lol Not a boring movie at all, but one that I just really enjoy.

[@thehauntedvalley]

Thank you! I have horror movies that I use for relaxation too. :)

[@jbikowski]

That was one of the best horror reviews I have ever listen to or read and that is saying quite a bit. I was 100% in tune with some of your thoughts about this movie and strangely enough I was listening to it in the car on the way over to the actual house. I will send you some photos

[@thehauntedvalley]

Thank you so much for such high praise! I'll have to take a look at the photos. I would love to see the house in person. :)

[@j.bikowski2497]

@@thehauntedvalley Great. I can send you a link to my folder that I made in Google Photos. My email is [e-mail]. If you send me an email to send it to I will. Thanks!

[@JanRaz1955]

J. Bikowski I love this old house..I’m to far away to go see it..my email is [e-mail]..thanks so much if you can..Janice

[@JanRaz1955]

I saw this in 1971 in the movies, I was 15...it was the talk back then..all us kids saw it.. I watch this way to much every yr. love the old house..so glad you did the review on here..I have the VHS, DVD and a magnet from a web page on this movie.. Need to buy the blue ray...again thanks for your interest in this great old flick..🎃💀

[@thehauntedvalley]

I wish I had been able to see this movie in the theater! I think you'll love the Blu-ray. There are special features! Thank you for the kind words. 😊

[@str5295]

Enjoyed your enthusiasm for this movie. 70s horror is my favorite, because it's so subtle and natural.

[@thehauntedvalley]

70s horror absolutely rules! :)

[@totallyspicoli8771]

I feel like I just met a kindred soul because I've been praising this movie & Zohra Lampert since I first saw it on TV as a little kid in the 70's. I'm hooked on your channel already.

[@thehauntedvalley]

Thank you! And your comment has reminded me that I really need to edit my next LSJTD video. It's such a compelling movie! I love your user name. Fast Times is one of my favorites. :)

[@eventsmorewithchrisg]

​@@thehauntedvalley Hi, this comment is 2 years after you posted. IDK why, but for the longest time, I thought Stephanie Powers was Abigail / Emily. If you want kind of a "musical" clone ( to a point) of Abigail, look @ the Singer for the band Black Briar whose 1st name is Zora.

[@thehauntedvalley]

@@eventsmorewithchrisg I will look her up. :) Also, I could totally see the Stephanie Powers mix up!

[@jamespenn3195]

I came across this movie a wee while back just before I found out that it was your favourite movie and haven't got round to watching it. Your short review here has inspired me to do so . I love these bizarre types of movies that leave you wondering .

[@thehauntedvalley]

This is definitely in my top movies of all time. Let me know what you think of it once you watch!

[@jamespenn3195]

@@thehauntedvalley Just watched it and I found it quite atmospheric and eerie , what was going on with those townspeople , well we found out didn't we ! Quite a creepy moment the first time Jessica was in the attic and a black shape is visible which appears to be watching her. Loved the way Zhora played the part of Jessica , almost child like at times and teetering on the edge of insanity . Definitely one I'll go back to.

[@thehauntedvalley]

I'm glad you liked it! Those attic scenes are amazing.

[@sweetalice7475]

Excellent review! Thank you. I saw this movie on a television late show in the mid 1970s. I probably watched it because Zohra Lampert was in it. I had seen her in some other things and just always found her fascinating to watch. I have often since said that Let's Scare Jessica to Death was the most terrifying movie I had ever seen, surpassing even The Haunting, which up until then had held first place. I mean the original, 1963 version. I was not impressed by the 1999 film. Anyway, I found Let's Scare Jessica to Death so frightening that I had to read The Omen to wind down before I could get to sleep.

[@thehauntedvalley]

Thank you! This movie has such a pull on me. P.S. I love The Omen (book and movie) too!

[@TheHorrorMiserMontyG]

I saw this back when it first came out in theaters and I loved how the film makes the audience wonder if what Jessica witnessed was real or a figment of her imagination.

[@thehauntedvalley]

I'm jealous that you got to see it in the theater! How cool!

[@CrudUgly]

I watched it on the late night shock-theater of my local TV station sometime in the mid 70's. I was around 12 and was home alone after dark, so of course I turned all the lights off to make it spookier. After it finished I didn't dare move for a few minutes. I didn't dare turn my head. After a few minutes of the news I eventually found the courage to stand up and flip the light switch. It sticks out in my mind as freaking me out more than any other movie, ever. I don't normally leave comments on KZbin, but this caught my eye because I've mentioned it to people many times over the years. The movie left a lasting impression on me!

[@thehauntedvalley]

I've certainly had similar experiences! I used to watch scary movies in the basement because it was super dark down there, but that also posed a problem when the movie was over and I found the pitch black to be ominous and oppressive. Thank you for your comment! I love hearing about how movies affect people. :)

[@anti-satanpro-life8531]

I had more fun in the 70s and 80s than you will have in your entire life. Great 👍 review 👏

[@thehauntedvalley]

Probably true. 😂 Thank you!

[@hoibsh21]

I'd love to get the soundtrack to this movie, it's one of my faves!

[@thehauntedvalley]

It's so creepy and delicious!

[@adorephoto]

Abigail actress was a regular on the Walton's as a school teacher. Saw this late one night in the 80s on cable and it was like discovering a long lost treasure.. At its heart great spooky movies like this (or The Ring, The Others, The (original) Woman in Black, The Hunger etc) are romantic. Another great unknown gem worth checking out is Sole Survivor from 1984.

[@thehauntedvalley]

Awww, I would occasionally watch The Waltons. :) I will have to check out Sole Survivor.

[@Miniver765]

​@@thehauntedvalleyI believe she played their school teacher.

[@thehauntedvalley]

@@Miniver765 That sounds vaguely familiar. I'll have to look up some videos. :)

[@CHEFDALLION]

Great review I loved it as well great movie seen it many many times

[@thehauntedvalley]

Thank you! It's such a wonderful movie!

[@CHRISMED2]

creepy movie I saw when I was around 8 and I still remember the dark atmosphere. Kind of in the same style as Carnival of Souls especially when Abigail lurks out of the lake. Jessica talking to herself really reminded me of Eleanor from the Haunting. Plus the soundtrack was very haunting

[@thehauntedvalley]

That lake scene is chilling! I haven't seen The Haunting since it was in the theatre. I should revisit that one!

[@Mrs.DeniseBennettAhrentzen]

Please, another video!!!!

[@thehauntedvalley]

There will be more!

[@albowman5964]

Excellent commentary. This is a perfect example of low budget horror. It drips with atmosphere and sticks with you. One of my favorite films.

[@thehauntedvalley]

Thank you! I love "drips with atmosphere" because that's a perfect description for this movie. :)

[@jonathanmitchell9886]

I loved the whole cast, but especially Barton Heyman. He projected a sense of weariness and patience stretched thin that was absolutely perfect for his character. (And yes, Orville Stoeber's score is amazing.)

[@thehauntedvalley]

He did give a great portrayal of a man who had been through the mill. :)

[@seaslob2820]

It was interesting coming from her point of view. So it had a warped sense for us the viewers. Have watched it a million times. Very well acted.

[@thehauntedvalley]

Yes! So many things were possible in this movie!

[@seaslob2820]

@@thehauntedvalley Are you going review Phantasm? Your reviews are great! Big fan. My bloody Valentine is another.

[@thehauntedvalley]

@@seaslob2820 Thank you! I'm glad you like them. I will add Phantasm and and My Bloody Valentine to my list of possible reviews. :)

[@seaslob2820]

@@thehauntedvalley THV, I have a good feel what you like. As a 70s horror buff I have some great suggestions. You would LOVE Warlock Moon. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYjVZI2Io52bqbc

[@seaslob2820]

It was with Lisa Waters from Eight is Enough and the dude from Hill Street Blues. Before they were known. Came out at the same time as Texas Chainsaw Massacre so it flew under the radar. It is a gem!

[@cindymcdaniel1788]

Love your review! I've been obsessed with this movie for decades. It leaves so many questions unanswered. How did the photo of the Bishops get back into the attic after they sold it to the antique dealer? I could talk to you about this movie for days!

[@thehauntedvalley]

Thank you! I should have another video up soon. I recorded it almost two months ago and haven't edited it yet! I think that Abigail stole the photo after killing the antique dealer. But I love that we don't know for sure. :)

[@cindymcdaniel1788]

@@thehauntedvalley awesome, I look forward to your next video about LSJTD. Makes sense that Abigail would have stolen the photo and put it back where it had come from. Thanks!

[@mtrimm1]

I showed this to my daughter, way back when, and she's on board with me about how great this movie is.

[@thehauntedvalley]

Very cool! :)

[@allovervancouver2456]

I hope you had a nice Christmas, Erin! We watched "Let's Scare Jessica to Death" in our home and I see why you love it. It's great! For an "old" movie, it really holds up today. It's well-made technically and the writing and acting are excellent and very mature. I felt like they were really trying to make a serious film here instead of just the usual popcorn scare movie. We also recently watched Ti West's "X" and "Pearl". It's obvious to me that director Ti West was influenced and inspired by "Let's Scare Jessica to Death" in some of the scenes, beats and story elements. Thanks for the recommendation, Erin. We love scary movies in our house.

[@thehauntedvalley]

Hi! Glad you enjoyed the movie. It will always be a favorite for me. I'm looking forward to watching "Pearl" soon. I bought it the day it released, but haven't had time to watch. Sorry it took so long to reply. The last few months have been a bit stressful.

[@lunarvision]

Love, love, LOVE this movie! LSJtD is an unsung gem of dreamy, cult 70’a horror. Excellent acting and sound design. Love the Fall feel too! I also recommend The Witch Who Came from the Sea. Let me know what you think of that one.

[@thehauntedvalley]

I will look for that movie!

[@thehauntedvalley]

Found the movie. Watched it this afternoon. Holy shit. Video likely.

[@lunarvision]

@@thehauntedvalley And not two years too soon, ha ha 😉 It’s an interesting low key cult movie w/ a unique California nautical sleaze vibe. Let me know when you make your video, or if you’d like any input.

[@marcelofrancosfr]

I loved this movie! It’s so simple, but so intense!

[@thehauntedvalley]

I agree! It would actually make a fun weekend filming project because it is so simple. :)

[@azulero73]

Great review - subscribed! That fact about internal monologue being so uncommon freaks me out too

[@thehauntedvalley]

Thank you! Nice to meet you. :)

[@juliandavidac]

I just watched, youtube suggest your video, so i went to see the movie first and then coming back here again lol thanks i love it!!

[@thehauntedvalley]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@pop_o_matic]

I just did an early fall trip to Old Saybrook, Essex, Chester and East Haddam to see all the original locations. I highly recommend checking those out in person. Its very surreal. Especially the house. One mistake in the film that is fun to catch. In the scene where Emily is playing the song and Duncan brings out his upright bass, you can see a cameraman’s pant leg edge in on the left side of the screen.

[@thehauntedvalley]

That sounds wonderful! Fall would be the perfect time to go on a location tour. Maybe someday. :) I will look for that accidental leg shot.

[@billjoe39]

If one likes 'minor key' musical pieces from this film, then "Full Circle' aka 'the Haunting Of Julia' ( colin townes) and 'candyman' ( phillip glass) might be of interest, films where, like "jessica' our heroine encounters either real or imagined spectres

[@thehauntedvalley]

Noted! I love minor key songs much more than major key songs.

[@seaslob2820]

Saw this late 70s on either Fright Night or Chiller Theater. One of the best. Good review

[@thehauntedvalley]

thank you!

[@seaslob2820]

She was so vunerable and they were gaslighting her the entire time. There was a weird sexual tension between Jessica and the vampire.

[@thehauntedvalley]

There's definitely a sexual element to their relationship!

[@billjoe39]

@@thehauntedvalley on the blu ray special features, movie historian Tom Newman (?) suggests a 'Teorama' type plot ,where the antagonist seduces each character in turn, upsetting the household in the process

[@DavidMacDowellBlue]

I agree with you about the covers, although at least the photo of the Mute Girl does indeed the feeling of the film quite well.

[@thehauntedvalley]

Good point! :)

[@FrightfullyForgotten]

Jealous of that VHS tape!!! You're right though it looks nothing like the actor, but still prefer that cover than the DVD where it looks like they are trying to milk the "Exorcism of....." trend of the time. This movie is a great example of how to make an effective thought provoking movie on a low budget. We recently covered it on our channel as well. Enjoyed hearing your take on this classic, cheers.

[@thehauntedvalley]

I've been meaning to make a video about my treasured VHS tapes. I've got some interesting ones! Now that you mention it, the DVD totally does have a cut and paste "Exorcism of..." cover! P.S. I will check out your channel when I get a chance.

[@FrightfullyForgotten]

@@thehauntedvalley Thanks 😉

[@melloyello4404]

I SAW IT IN 1978,IT ORIGIONALLY WAS A SHORT STORY PUT OUT IN A MAGAZINE

[@thehauntedvalley]

Very cool!

[@cindymcdaniel1788]

Tell us more?

[@truthfilter]

off topic but i would love to be lucky enough to find myself a lovely woman like you that loves movies :D great review of an excellent movie, all the best from across the pond and happily subscribing!!!

[@thehauntedvalley]

Aww, thank you! :)

[@horror-metal-mike4320]

Very cool review. I have Let's Scare Jessica to Death on vhs and DVD. It use to be my favorite vampire movie, that and Salems Lot by Stephen King. I liked Let's Scare Jessica To Death so much that I bought a 1972 Cadillac Fleetwood Hearse. That was back iin 2001 when I was in my twenties. I wish I would have kept it, but I sold it.

[@thehauntedvalley]

You mentioned two of the greatest vampire movies! I really wanted a hearse at one point. :)

[@horror-metal-mike4320]

@@thehauntedvalley I really wanted a 1959 Cadillac Miller Meteror hearse, but that year Hearse is hard to find and very expensive if you find one. They are so much fun to drive. I drove mine from Deland, Florida back to Fayetteville, North Carolina, where I'm from.

[@azulero73]

The use of sound as well. It’s so unnerving … and super weird in the way only 70s horror movies can do. Oh and I will never, ever visit Connecticut in Autumn after this movie.

[@thehauntedvalley]

Fair enough. Other seasons are acceptable though? :-D

[@Mrs.DeniseBennettAhrentzen]

I tried finding it. Could you please help me?

[@thehauntedvalley]

My other video is called More Thoughts on Let's Scare Jessica to Death. :)

[@MimRoberts]

Get on with it woman!😊

[@thehauntedvalley]

I know, I know. :-D

[@chrismineo1788]

Did she say she paid thousands for a VHs tape?

[@thehauntedvalley]

Early 2000's as in the time I finally tracked down and purchased the VHS tape. I don't remember the exact year.

[@J35h13]

Her mannerisms remind me of my aunt.

[@thehauntedvalley]

Hopefully that's a good thing. :)

[@MimRoberts]

Everyone has interal monologue they lying to you pretty girl

[@thehauntedvalley]

It does seem unbelievable!