Horror History: Ding-Dong, You’re Dead! HOUSE Was Released on This Day in 1986

  |  
Feb 28, 2021

One of the best horror-comedies of the 1980s is celebrating its anniversary today. House, directed by Steve Miner from a screenplay penned by Fred Dekker and Ethan Wiley, sported awesome practical effects, genuine scares, and genuine heart. If it’s been a while, or if you’ve never experienced the poignant thrills of House, give the trailer and synopsis a spin below.

Synopsis:
A Vietnam vet turned horror novelist returns to his boyhood home to find that it has been invaded by ghosts and ghouls.

House stars William Katt, Kay Lenz, and George Wendt.

Trivia:
Kane Hodder, who was the stunt coordinator for the film, is known to horror fans as the actor who played icon Jason Voorhees more than anyone else, four films total. Director Steve Miner also directed Friday the 13th – Part II (1981). (Source)

Like several horror films of the 1970s, 80s, and early 90s, one of the major themes of this film is the mental trauma of the Vietnam War that is re-lived and dreamt of by its protagonist. This can largely be attributed to the recognition of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in 1980 by the American Psychiatric Association and an increased popular understanding throughout those decades of PTSD symptoms, e.g. nightmares, flashbacks, etc., as well as an increasing number of Vietnam veterans who committed suicide as a result of their wartime experiences. Thus in many ways, films like House reflect a change in the national consciousness as war ceased being depicted as a glorious event and began to be seen as a harrowing and traumatic experience. (Source)

The next-door neighbor, Harold, is played by George Wendt who is best known for his role as Norm on Cheers (1982). House II: The Second Story (1987) features an appearance by John Ratzenberger who played Norm’s best friend Cliff. (Source)

Are you a fan of House? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! You can also carry on the convo with me personally on Twitter @josh_millican.

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