This minor horror film apparently has a large cult following (Guillermo Del Toro is writing and producing a big budget remake with Katie Holmes and Guy Pearce) but its reputation seems inflated in comparison to the actual film. Kim Darby and Jim Hutton move into a decrepit old mansion where what appears to be a fireplace in the cellar that is blocked up but actually is holding in diabolical demons who are waiting for Darby to free them. From a distance and in the dark, the gremlins are genuinely creepy but the director John Newland makes the error of showing them in close-up where they lose their fear factor. The first 50 or so minutes are pretty lame but in the film's final 20 minute sequence, it kicks into gear and has some authentic suspense and the film's downbeat ending (which I can almost assure the remake will not retain) is a refreshing change of pace.
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