Cathy's Curse
A possessed child terrorizes her family in a cult horror film.
Cathy's Curse is a 1977 supernatural horror film co-written, produced, and directed by Eddy Matalon. The film follows a young girl possessed by the spirit of her deceased aunt. Though critically panned upon release as derivative of The Exorcist, The Omen, and Carrie, it has since gained a cult following, with some considering it 'so bad it's good'.
Quick Facts
- Director
- Eddy Matalon
- Producer
- Nicole Boisvert; Eddy Matalon
- Writer
- Eddy Matalon
- Myra Clément
- Alain Sens-Cazenave
- Starring
- Alan Scarfe
- Beverly Murray
- Randi Allen
- Music
- Didier Vasseur
- Cinematography
- Jean-Jacques Tarbès
- Editing
- Laurent Quaglio
- Pierre Rose
- Micheline Thouin
- Studio
- Les Productions Agora, Maki Films
Facts from the source article.
Plot
In 1947, Robert Gimble flees with his young daughter Laura after his wife leaves with their son George. Their car crashes into a snowbank, and both die in the fire. Thirty years later, George returns to the family home with his wife Vivian, who is depressed after a miscarriage, and their eight-year-old daughter Cathy. Cathy finds an old doll and a portrait of her aunt Laura in the attic. A psychic neighbor has a vision of Laura and her father's death. Cathy's behavior becomes cruel and telekinetic. Her nanny Mary dies after falling from a window. The psychic later visits and sees a disfigured vision of herself. Cathy attempts suicide by drowning but is saved by George. George dismisses Vivian's fears of possession. Vivian finds his corpse and then Cathy, covered in burn scars, who reveals herself as Laura. George returns to find Cathy and Vivian facing off, with the doll impaled by glass between them.
Production
Cathy's Curse was the first English-language feature by French director Eddy Matalon, who had previously directed music videos for Brigitte Bardot and erotic films under the name Jack Angel. Filmed on location in Westmount and Montreal, Quebec, the title role was the sole acting role of child actress Randi Allen. In a 2015 interview, Allen stated she and her brother Bryce appeared in the movie to support their single mother.
Release
The film premiered in Montreal on July 29, 1977. A French-dubbed version was released in Quebec as Cauchemares. It received regional Canadian releases in Vancouver on November 11, 1977, and Ottawa on November 18, 1977. 21st Century Film Corporation distributed it in the United States in 1980. The film grossed $1,261,228 in theatrical rentals between Canada and the U.S. Critics were negative: Barry Westgate of the Edmonton Journal called it lacking cohesion, Noel Taylor of the Ottawa Citizen deemed it a 'ho-hum shocker' compared to The Omen and The Exorcist, and Louis B. Hobson of the Calgary Albertan noted plagiarism from The Exorcist and The Bad Seed. TV Guide called it a 'dull Canadian Exorcist-inspired horror film'. Red Letter Media featured it in a 2017 episode of 'Best of the Worst'. Severin Films released it on Blu-ray in April 2017 with both the 88-minute U.S. cut and a 91-minute director's cut.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who stars in Cathy's Curse?
Cathy's Curse stars Alan Scarfe, Beverly Murray and Randi Allen.
Who composed the music for Cathy's Curse?
The music for Cathy's Curse was composed by Didier Vasseur.
Who wrote Cathy's Curse?
Cathy's Curse was written by Eddy Matalon, Myra Clément and Alain Sens-Cazenave.
Who distributed Cathy's Curse?
Cathy's Curse was distributed by Cinépix Film Properties.
More in Horror Films About Child Villains
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