The Changeling

The Changeling

Peter Medak

(1980)

After a tragic event happens, composer John Russell moves to Seattle to try to overcome it and build a new and peaceful life in a lonely big house that has been uninhabited for many years. But, soon after, the obscure history of such an old mansion and his own past begin to haunt him.

Cast

George C. ScottJohn Russell: George C. Scott
Trish Van DevereClaire Norman: Trish Van Devere
Melvyn DouglasSenator Carmichael: Melvyn Douglas
John ColicosCaptain DeWitt: John Colicos
Barry MorseParapsychologist: Barry Morse

Crew

DirectorPeter Medak
Wardrobe DesignerAlbert Wolsky
CastingGeri Windsor
ProducerJoel B. Michaels
Executive ProducerMario Kassar
Executive ProducerAndrew G. Vajna
Director of PhotographyJohn Coquillon
ProducerGarth Drabinsky
Production DesignTrevor Williams
ScreenplayDiana Maddox

Synopsis

The Changeling follows composer John Russell, who moves into a large, historic mansion after a personal tragedy. He soon experiences strange occurrences that suggest the house is haunted by a child’s spirit. As he investigates, he uncovers a dark secret involving murder and political corruption, leading to a chilling confrontation with the past.

Fun Facts

The film is loosely based on real events reported by writer Russell Hunter. Its famous séance scene and the bouncing ball sequence are considered some of the most effective moments in supernatural horror. It relies more on atmosphere than gore.

Production Context

Directed by Peter Medak and starring George C. Scott, the film was shot in Canada and the United States. The production focused on creating a classic haunted house atmosphere, using sound design and subtle visual effects to build tension.

Reception

The Changeling was well received by critics and audiences, praised for its suspenseful storytelling and performance by George C. Scott. It remains a respected entry in the haunted house genre.

Add your contribution

Share something specific: a detail, a story, or something most fans wouldn’t know.

0 / 150 characters

Be the first to leave a contribution!

YouTube Curated Selection

George C. Scott and Trish Van Devere Interview (November 9, 1974)

George C. Scott and Trish Van Devere Interview (November 9, 1974)

The true story behind "The changeling".

The true story behind "The changeling".

The Changeling (P. Medak, 1980) - Interview With Art Director Reuben Freed

The Changeling (P. Medak, 1980) - Interview With Art Director Reuben Freed

A horrifying scene in The Changeling, 1980 #séance #hauntedhouse #film

A horrifying scene in The Changeling, 1980 #séance #hauntedhouse #film

"Best scene from..." THE CHANGELING

"Best scene from..." THE CHANGELING

Changeling (1980) - He was Shocked | Movie Scene

Changeling (1980) - He was Shocked | Movie Scene

The Changeling - Seance scene [ASMR]

The Changeling - Seance scene [ASMR]

The Changeling: 40 Years of Terror (Short Documentary)

The Changeling: 40 Years of Terror (Short Documentary)

The Changeling (1980) ORIGINAL TRAILER [HD 1080p]

The Changeling (1980) ORIGINAL TRAILER [HD 1080p]

No results found.

Streaming Availability (US)
Prime Video:addon (HD)Watch
Apple TV:rent (hd)Watch
Prime Video:addon (sd)Watch
Prime Video:addon (sd)Watch
Prime Video:addon (sd)Watch
Tubi:free (hd)Watch
Apple TV:addon (hd)Watch
Apple TV:addon (hd)Watch
Apple TV:buy (sd)Watch
Apple TV:buy (hd)Watch
Prime Video:buy (hd)Watch
Tubi:free (hd)Watch
Prime Video:buy (sd)Watch
Prime Video:rent (hd)Watch
Prime Video:rent (sd)Watch
Prime Video:addon (HD)Watch
Prime Video:addon (HD)Watch
Prime Video:addon (HD)Watch
Loading Reddit posts...
AI Suggested Movies
PoltergeistPoltergeist
(1982-06-04)