The Curse (1987 film)

Lore & Background

The film was developed under working titles The Landing and The Farm. David Keith, originally hired to star in another Trans World film, lobbied to direct The Curse after that project was delayed. He relocated production to a property he owned in East Tennessee, where principal photography began on September 29, 1986. Six weeks of location work in Tellico Plains and South Knoxville were followed by studio interiors in Rome, Italy. Many crew members were Italians billed under American names, and Keith used an interpreter to communicate with them.

Reader's Guide

The Curse is notable as David Keith's directorial debut and for its connection to Lucio Fulci, who contributed uncredited direction. The film spawned three narratively unrelated sequels distributed by Trans World and Epic Pictures under the Curse name. Wil Wheaton has alleged that during production he and his sister Amy were subjected to abuse and exploitation, including long work hours, unsafe conditions, and inappropriate touching; however, Amy Wheaton and their mother gave a less dramatic account to the Knoxville News Sentinel shortly after the scene in question. The film's budget was reported inconsistently, ranging from $600,000 to $4 million.

Did You Know?

• Wil Wheaton was offered $100,000 to star, and Kathleen Jordon Gregory played his on-screen sibling Alice.
• The film was shot in East Tennessee and Rome, Italy, with many Italian crew members billed under American names.
• Actor Treat Williams was reportedly set to co-star but does not appear in the final film.
• David Keith's own father, mother, and aunt appear briefly in the movie.