Movie Type: Haunted House Film, Supernatural Horror
Main Cast: Terri Treas, William Katt, Scott Burkholder, Melissa Clayton, Denny Dillon
Release Year: 1991
Country: US
Run Time: 93 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Plot
After two unsuccessful attempts to turn the House horror franchise into a collection of unrelated haunted-house stories (even ditching the House moniker prior to distribution of the third film, The Horror Show), the producers opted for a direct sequel (more or less) to the first film in the series. William Katt returns briefly for the role of Roger Cobb, the former beleaguered owner of a nightmarish fixer-upper filled to the brim with obnoxious demons. His part here amounts to little more than a cameo -- early in the film, Roger is killed in a nasty auto accident during a vacation with his new wife Kelly (Kerri Treas) and their 12-year-old daughter Laurel (Melissa Clayton). Kelly and Laurel -- who is now confined to a wheelchair -- try to begin their lives again at the family's summer house. Once there, Kelly is visited by visions of horrific events (including Roger's death) which become more frequent until she is forced to seek the aid of a shaman, who helps her to interpret them. The visions include a replay of the events which led to Roger's death, indicating the crash was no accident -- and revealing the identity of the party responsible. This installment marks a slightly more effective return to the comedy-horror formula that made House a surprise hit. Basically a distaff retread of that film, House IV benefits from its strong female heroine and more emotional involvement for the leads amid the barrage of slimy effects and over-the-top humor. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
Ned Bellamy - Lee; Norman Coombes - Mr. Derrick; Carole Farquhar - Gwen; Mark Gash - Grosso; Philip Godewa - Dr. Bailey; Dabbs Greer - Dad; Ned Romero - Ezra; John Santucci - Charles; Anne Stradi - Mrs. Derrick; Rufus Swart - Ryan Usher; Romy Windsor - Molly McNulty; Kane Hodder - Talking Pizza; Paul Keith
Credit
Mona May - Costume Designer, Lewis Abernathy - Director, Harry Manfredini - Composer (Music Score), Milo Needles - Production Designer, Sean S. Cunningham - Producer, Ildiko Toth - Set Designer, Kane Hodder - Stunts, R.J. Robertson - Screen Story, Geof Miller - Screenwriter, Deirdre Higgins - Short Story Author
