This was a made-for-TV movie from 1982. I saw it originally during some broadcast in the 80s, and I remembered specific sequences. I saw it with one of my sisters, who also remembered it.
It was a memorable movie. Under a modern eye, it doesn't stand up quite as well, but there are a few interesting ideas that the movie presents.
First, the negative. I'm going to ignore issues of dialogue or acting, or budget, since these things were made quickly and cheaply. They also needed to adhere to standards that aren't as flexible as theatrical movies. The only problem is that the structure of the story isn't quite right. The action starts off pretty well, but it has a problem with the flow slowing down closer to the 2/3rds point. There's also a terrible long sequence of exposition that serves almost like a closing explanation.
But there's also some really great ideas in this. There are images that are wonderfully memorable, and are directed just the right way. The shots that stuck in my mind have a pizza cutter being run up a stairwell, and cutting a phone cord. There's a kid being scared into falling off a roof. Strangely, I don't remember one of the best shots - a girl screaming as her bed is on fire. Combine these with a memorable creepy last shot, and everything is in place.
I believe that with a bit of work, this could become a much more solid horror movie. As a made-for-TV project, it's effective, just not as brilliant as it could be.
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