The Changeling (1980)

Following the death of his wife (Jean Marsh) and daughter (Michelle Martin), a composer (George C. Scott) relocates from New York to Seattle, Washington. But the old house he's moved into seems to be haunted and as the composer investigates the unexplained phenomena, a horrible history is uncovered. Directed by Peter Medak (THE RULING CLASS), this is a first rate ghost story. Based on events that reputedly occurred at the Henry Treat Rogers mansion in Denver, Colorado. Medak and his screenwriters have concocted with the most minimal of special effects, a crackerjack psychological horror movie that feels possible rather than fantastic. Its genuine sense of horror comes not from jumps and scares but a sense of dread. It's almost old fashioned in its storytelling, rich in suggestion and atmosphere. The film didn't exactly rock the box office or critics when first released but in the ensuing years, it's developed into a true cult classic. With Trish Van Devere, Melvyn Douglas, Madeleine Sherwood, John Colicos, Roberta Maxwell and Barry Morse.