The 1982 Movie Poltergeist Used Real skeletons as – TYMOFF

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The 1982 Movie Poltergeist: A Chilling Tale of Real Skeletons

The 1982 horror classic “Poltergeist” is renowned for its chilling storyline and special effects. However, what if I told you that the terror extended beyond the screen and into reality? Yes, it is true. The film used real human skeletons as props.

In this article, we are going to discuss all about “The 1982 Movie Poltergeist Used Real skeletons as – TYMOFF”

The Story Behind the Skeletons

In one of the most memorable scenes of “Poltergeist”, the Freeling family house goes absolutely insane. Diane Freeling, played by JoBeth Williams, is sent for a dip in the family’s swimming pool, now filled with mud and rain. As she soon realizes, it is also packed full of corpses.

The 1982 Movie Poltergeist Used Real skeletons as - TYMOFF

The skeletons used in this scene were not props but actual human skeletons. According to crew members, these skeletons were purchased from a medical supply company. The reason behind this eerie choice? It was cheaper than creating fake skeletons or purchasing pre-made skeleton replicas.

The Ethical Debate

The use of real skeletons in “Poltergeist” raised ethical questions about the treatment of human remains in the entertainment industry. While financial and artistic factors drove the decision, the ethical concerns are valid. 

Using real skeletons in films was common in the past, but it is hard to imagine such a practice being acceptable today.

The Poltergeist Curse

The use of real skeletons is often cited by proponents of the so-called “Poltergeist curse”. This alleged curse suggests that those involved with the franchise ended up marked by dark forces. While this is likely just a spooky legend, it adds another layer of intrigue to the film’s history.

The “Poltergeist Curse” is a rumored curse associated with the Poltergeist film series, which is believed to have affected the cast and crew of the films. The curse is linked to the deaths of two young cast members in the six years between the releases of the first and third films.

Dominique Dunne, who portrayed Dana Freeling in the first Poltergeist film, was murdered by her ex-boyfriend. Heather O’Rourke, who played Carol Anne Freeling throughout the series, passed away at the age of 12 due to complications from an undiagnosed intestinal abnormality.

The curse is often attributed to using real human skeletons as props in the first film. However, many cast and crew members, including Zelda Rubinstein, who played the psychic friend Tangina, have dismissed the claims of a curse.

While the “Poltergeist Curse” makes for a chilling tale, it is important to remember that it is more likely a combination of tragic coincidences rather than a supernatural curse.

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Conclusion

The 1982 movie “Poltergeist” indeed utilized real skeletons as props, a fact confirmed by various reliable sources and historical production practices. This chilling detail adds a layer of real-life horror to the film, making it a truly unforgettable piece of cinema history.

So, next time you watch “Poltergeist”, remember: the skeletons that terrified the Freelings were once real people, adding a whole new level of fright to this classic horror film.

People May Ask

What is the 1982 movie “Poltergeist” about?

“Poltergeist” is a horror film about a suburban family whose home is haunted by malevolent ghosts that abduct their young daughter.

Is it true that real skeletons were used in the movie “Poltergeist”?

Yes, it is true. The film used real human skeletons as props in one of its scenes.

Why were real skeletons used in the movie “Poltergeist”?

The skeletons were purchased from a medical supply company. It was cheaper to use real skeletons than to create fake ones or purchase pre-made skeleton replicas.

What is the “Poltergeist Curse”?

The “Poltergeist Curse” is a rumoured curse associated with the Poltergeist film series. It is believed to have affected the cast and crew of the films due to the deaths of two young cast members in the six years between the releases of the first and third films.

Who were the directors and producers of “Poltergeist”?

The film was directed by Tobe Hooper and produced by Steven Spielberg.

What are some memorable scenes from “Poltergeist”?

One of the most memorable scenes is when the Freeling family’s house goes insane, and Diane Freeling ends up in the family’s swimming pool, which is filled with mud, rain, and corpses.