Ghostwatch
Directed by Lesley Manning
A TV reporter investigates a haunted house in this classic British “documentary”, which was originally broadcast in the UK on Halloween in 1992. As experts in the BBC studio discuss supernatural phenomena, reporter Sarah Greene waits patiently for proof of a poltergeist named Pipes, whose bad behavior grows bolder throughout the evening. GHOSTWATCH freaked out gullible viewers across the UK (no warning indicated the special was scripted), leading to controversy, lawsuits and a devoted cult following who continue to search the doc for hidden glimpses of the ghoul.
A TV reporter takes her crew to investigate a haunted house in this legendary British “documentary”.
Cast: Craig Charles, Michael Parkinson, Mike Smith, Sarah Greene
Member Reviews
Amazing, actually gave me chills.
I wasn't expecting much from a TV movie, but having listened to a bit of the recent Random Horror Podcast's episode on Ghostwatch I was ready to enjoy it if only for its "historical" importance as a revolutionary piece of meta-horror. But it definitely surpassed my expectations. It's a slow burn, for sure, but there's hardly a moment wasted in the efficient 90 minute runtime -- everything belongs, whether it moves the "plot" (such as it is) forward or helps build the growing sense of unease that eventually becomes existential dread. It's a 5 skull film for me -- I'll definitely re-watch it and recommend it -- but I'd say many horror fans will find it slow-going and underwhelming. It was far ahead of its time, but it's more than just a curio: it's a solid piece of horror filmmaking that will get under your skin and in your head . . . or in your TV!
This must have been wild to experience the night it first aired.
Compelling and almost convincing. Builds to a fever pitch but then, instead of a crescendo, things get a bit silly. Ultimately a tad disappointing, but overall really fascinating stuff!
Super fun, and fascinating history