Don't Be Afraid of the Dark

Kim Darby and Jim Hutton star in this original 1973 TV horror movie as young newlyweds Sally and Alex Farnham, whose renovations of an old home unwittingly unleash a small swarm of mumbling demons. These proto-gremlins (played by little people in furry jumpsuits and rubber masks) harass and torment Sally and start killing off others while remaining unseen to her husband and friends, who begin to think she's going crazy. The scary critters are a little clownish, to be honest, especially when they climb around oversized props in their cut-rate costumes, yet there is a definite creep factor here as whispering voices hiss, “We want you, Sally. It's your spirit we need.” Directed by John Newland, Don't Be Afraid of the Dark made a strong impression on viewers when it aired, including filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, who wrote and produced a 2010 theatrical remake. So consider this a minor classic of TV horror with strong nostalgia appeal and possible renewed interest from younger followers of the genre. Part of the Warner Archive collection, this is a DVD-R special edition with audio commentary by three fans. Recommended. (S. Axmaker)