Unusual Facts About the Movie Poltergeist

The classic 1982 film Poltsergeist has a rich history and is known for its eerie and suspenseful plot. But delving deeper into the making of the film reveals some intriguing and sometimes alarming facts that may not be widely known. This article will explore these lesser-known aspects of the movie, along with some interesting facts and trivia.

About the Cast and Crew

The Poltergeist cast includes several memorable and talented actors, with some tragic stories behind them. The original film featured three child actors portraying the Freeling family's children: Carol Anne, Robbie, and Dana. However, the death of two of these actors just a few years after the film’s release is a haunting reminder of the real-world impact of the movie.

Dominique Dunne: Dana's Tragic Story

Dominique Dunne, who played the character of Dana, tragically met a gruesome end. Shortly after the first film's debut in June 1982, Dunne was murdered by her ex-boyfriend. He chocked her and left her in a coma, leading to her eventual death. John Sweeney, her ex-boyfriend, served a short prison sentence of three years and later changed his name. His former name became synonymous with the brutal murder of his daughter. Dunne's father continued to campaign for justice until his own death in 2009.

The painful story of Dominique Dunne reflects the somber reality behind the fictional drama of Poltergeist.

Heather O'Rourke: A Tragic Loss

Heather O'Rourke, the actress who played Carol Anne, tragically passed away before the release of Poltsergeist III in 1988. This young actress, just 12 years old, died from a combination of congenital stenosis of the intestine and septic shock. Her life was cut short by complications from Crohn’s disease and giardiasis she had contracted from her family home.

Interestingly, Heather O'Rourke's casting in the original film was somewhat of a fluke. Original considerations included Drew Barrymore for the role of Carol Anne, but eventually, Steven Spielberg chose her for the iconic role of E.T.

A Behind-the-Scenes Story

The story of Poltergeist filmmaking is as fascinating as the film itself. Writer and director Steven Spielberg played a significant role in bringing this movie to life. He spotted Heather O'Rourke eating in the MGM commissary and decided to cast her in the role of Carol Anne, a decision that would secure her place in film history.

Another trivia point is that both Spielberg's E.T. (1982) and Poltergeist were film sensations that opened on the same day. Both movies were massive hits, showcasing Spielberg's exceptional talent in a range of genres.

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Key Takeaways:

Heather O'Rourke tragically passed away before Poltsergeist III was released in 1988. John Sweeney, the former boyfriend of Dominique Dunne, served a 3-year prison sentence for her murder. Steven Spielberg first spotted Heather O'Rourke while eating in the MGM commissary and cast her in Poltergeist. E.T. and Poltergeist were both major hits that opened on the same day in 1982.

Keywords: Poltergeist, Drew Barrymore, Heather O'Rourke