CROWHAVEN FARM (1970)
It's fitting that director Walter Grauman also spearheaded an episode of The Twilight Zone. This made-for-TV fright flick has an episodic nature, and of course, you can pinpoint the commercial breaks with 100% accuracy. That Crowhaven Farm shakes and bakes like so many of its contemporaries (I was reminded of several Dan Curtis vehicles at times) isn't a hindrance. These days, small-screen ghouls from yesteryear have a quaint charm about them. Let's ruminate over a synopsis, shall we? Ben and Maggie Porter have inherited the titular estate. Ben is gaga over the rustic bequest, while Maggie gets bad vibes from the jump. Call it an augury. Because it's a cool word.
It turns out that her apprehension is well-founded. The farmstead has a history intercut with witchcraft and vengeful spirits. There is quite a bit more to the plot, but half of the fun is not knowing where the script is going to take you next. It doesn't have a traditional three-act structure, as the running time is a swift 74 minutes. The pacing is methodical without feeling drowsy, and the atmosphere is swollen with consternation. I did get a few unintentional laughs from our leads' domestic troubles. I'll just put it this way - it was definitely 1970. Recommended for fans of the occult and arcane goings-on. Watch it as part of a double feature with The Norliss Tapes or Trilogy of Terror. Or The Crucible. Either way, you can't lose.
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