Let's Scare Jessica to Death (What Killed Sam Dorker?) poster & wallpaper

Alan Manson, Barton Heyman, Gretchen Corbett

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54% liked it

1,395 ratings

PG-13, 1 hr. 29 min.

Directed by: John D. Hancock

Release Date: August 6, 1971

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DVD Release Date: August 29, 2006

Stats: 156 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (156)

  • stopitgoaway
    July 14, 2009
    stopitgoaway
    Let's Scare Jessica to Death is one of the forerunners of the 'films that need a decent release' crowd. The film is notoriously difficult to track down and just about every cult horror fan in existence that hasn't seen it wants to. I'm pleased to say that I finally got myself a c...( read more)opy...but unfortunately, it seems I'd set my expectations too high and Let's Scare Jessica to Death has turned out to be a little disappointing for me. But that's not to say I disliked it! The atmosphere in this film is superb, and massively helps the story along with it's themes of insanity in a sinister rural setting. The film follows a woman named Jessica who has recently been released from a mental hospital. Along with her husband and a friend of theirs, they move into a rickety old farmhouse, and meet a hippie chick squatter who has taken it upon herself to stay in the formally abandoned farmhouse. However, all is not well for Jessica as she's hearing voices again, and as if this isn't bad enough on it's own - there may be more to the young girl that the trio have decided to let stay with them.

    The film appears to have been marketed more towards the 'zombie fan' end of the horror market judging by the front cover, but actually Let's Scare Jessica to Death is a psychological horror film. The way that Jessica hears voices in her head helps to create tension, and this in turn is helped by Zohra Lampert in the title role. Her acting isn't brilliant, but she has an aura of naivety about her, which helps when it comes to the vulnerable, insane side of her character. The plot is always slow moving and relaxed, and this allows the film to aptly put across the plight of the main character. There isn't much gore in the film at all, which is likely to disappoint fans of the more visceral side of horror. It's clear that Let's Scare Jessica to Death is somewhat overly ambitious with its plotting, as I often got the idea that the film is trying to be more intelligent that the screenplay allows. But even so, Let's Scare Jessica to Death is a creepy gem and one that will certainly appeal to fans of the less gore focused horror movies.
  • flixsterman
    January 31, 2009
    flixsterman
    Cheaply gothic and, at times, surprisingly creepy. Still, a film that has not held up well through the test of time.
  • YosemiteSamFan
    July 1, 2007
    YosemiteSamFan
    A spooky-as-heck ghost movie set at an isolated country farmhouse in the early 70's - which has some seriously eerie atmosphere.

    Jessica, just released from a mental hospital, goes to live out in the country with her caring husband and his buddy. They befriend a strange woman ...( read more)living in their old house and invite her to stay. It's very hippyish, and typical of the early 70's.

    Jessica starts seeing and hearing weird things: ghosts in the graveyard, dead bodies and something under the water of the lake. She thinks the old men in the nearby town are undead.

    Things get worse when she is convinced those she lives with are attempting to harm her. She becomes very paranoid and tries to flee and defend herself. The movie is told mostly from Jessica's perspective, and it's a very creepy series of events, leaving us wondering if Jessica is insane, if these manifestations are real, or if those around her are trying to scare her to death.

    It sometimes gives me shivers thinking about the things in this movie.
  • thefog1331
    June 30, 2007
    thefog1331
    Interesting twist on the ghost story but it's horribly dated and the acting is painful to watch.
  • threefolddado
    July 17, 2008
    threefolddado
    Off beat and moody. Check this out if your in the mood for a 70's mind trip mixed with some truly scary moments.
  • SageSlowdive
    October 21, 2009
    SageSlowdive
    A truly terrifying movie.
  • ShellyLuca
    September 19, 2009
    ShellyLuca
    Great gothic 70's movie, is a forgotten gem of its kind. Very creepy atmosphere and creepy actors.
    Is all 70's delight with low budget realistic effects because they are real....70's scary music, faces and story. A blast from the past that makes you feel weird again.
  • ksbl
    July 24, 2009
    ksbl
    Not as good as i thought it would be but quite original
  • phaedravc
    February 24, 2009
    phaedravc
    Such an imaginative plot and gritty, real-life feel to the filming.
  • WitchfulThinking
    December 30, 2008
    WitchfulThinking
    The most imaginative plot for any horror film ever.

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  • jacksmak11
    February 3, 2008
    jacksmak11
    if you are used to spooky little girls,blood splattered bodies piling up or actors who look like guess jeans models,(not that there is anything wrong with that).you won't like this movie.
    i hated the ending,but for godssake,it's 37 yrs. old!.
    i thought it was a nice change of pace and i've seen much worse.
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