31 Films for Halloween, #13: Ghost Story (1981)

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 Ghost Story (1981) is the perfect "comfort horror."

Almost no one is ever in any danger, other than four guys who probably aren't going to live another four years anyway. Alice Krige is krige-creeping ALL over the screen.

It's got one of the most powerful ensemble of venerable male actors you could imagine: Fred Astaire, John Houseman, Melvyn Douglas, and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. (and was the final theatrical feature film for those last three).

These are not your usual group of Stupid Youngsters who can be lured into a deathtrap by a fake Dick Dastardly sign.

It doesn't make TOO much sense, but ... it's a ghost story, exactly like it says on the tin. It's a story of a vengeful ghost and if her methods and priorities and powers don't make sense to you, well, you're ALIVE, so they wouldn't.

Despite special effects of what I will kindly call "varying quality", it's a perfect horror movie to cozy on the couch for. 

For good or for ill, I guarantee you will remember what happens to this guy and it is NOT on your bingo card for this slow, snowy New England flick.

It is eminently quotable and highly rewatchable.  You may spend the rest of your life trying to find an excuse to say, "Dance with me, you little toad."  

But it'll be worth it.

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