Despite my earlier post about being the Halloween Grinch, I love a scary movie and this is the time of year to talk horror.
So, I’ve been inspired by my favourite movie podcast, Filmspotting, to list my top 5 childhood movie scares.
In no particular order, here are the top 5 movie moments which scared the pants off me as a little ‘un.
1. David’s Yellow-eyed Face in ‘American Werewolf in London’
I saw this movie on television as a child. It is one of my all-time favourites and this jump scare freaked me out no end. It’s still brilliant.
2. The Childcatcher from ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’
Now Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is not known as a horror film (Julie Andrews and horror?), but there is something awfully creepy about Sir Robert Helpmann’s Child Catcher. ***Shudder***
3. The Pool scene in ‘Poltergeist’
I’d guess I’m not alone in seeing Poltergeist at a young age, probably too young. Ah, the wonders of friend’s older siblings. There are so many creepy scenes in Poltergeist to choose from but the scene in the pool is fresh in my head.
4. Jaws from James Bond
This was scarring for another reason entirely. I saw this film with my parents at a drive-in. I was probably supposed to be asleep in the back seat, but seeing this mouth on a massive screen is engraved into my mind.
5. The Wicked Witch and the flying monkeys in the Wizard of Oz
The best witch ever on screen and her creepy henchmen. Classic scare.
Ontyre Passages
I’m with you on Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the flying monkeys. I’d also include any movie that ever included clowns. My most terrifying childhood movie memory occurred when I was around six or seven. My mother was visiting an old friend and it was getting late so they placed me in the den to watch TV, though I don’t remember the program. What I DO remember is that I drifted off to sleep and when I awoke a short while later the program had changed. It was an old movie I’d later learn was called Psycho. Yes, that Psycho. I was too terrified to move and we’re talking the days before remotes were common. It was shortly after the detective is killed on the stairs that someone wandered in to check on me. The memory is branded on my brain.
Madeleine D'Este
Wow. Traumatic. Of all films to see as a child!
Ontyre Passages
Not exactly ideal. LOL Great film, though. 🙂