"The Possessed" has a priest sent on a mission to destroy evil arriving at an all girls' college where a series of inexplicable fires are occurring, some of which have injured the students. As time rolls on, it becomes clear that everything at the school is not as copacetic as it seems.What is it about '70s television horror films that is so endearing? I really don't know. I didn't even grow up in the era, but I still find a certain sort of charm and unique attention to detail in them that theatrical films of the era didn't always offer, and "The Possessed" is another example to be added to this list.Often viewed as a TV riff on "The Exorcist," "The Possessed" is actually incredibly different, specifically in its explicitness, as well as its treatment of evil. As Father Leahy tells one of the female students in the film, sometimes evil just appears without any rhyme or reason, and to think that our actions are what bring it about is not only inaccurate, but foolish.It is this approach that the film takes which is certainly unusual— the very nature of the evil forces in question are incredibly vague, and remain so. These forces are visually represented (or rather, manifested) through the random fires that are occurring on the school campus, and the treatment of these scenes is surprisingly unnerving and bizarre. There are also some unusual meditations on student-teacher relationships and the sexualized politics of academia that sometimes take center stage as the film's central drama— however, they may or may not be inconsequential to the supernatural events occurring at the school.The film was shot at Reed College in Portland, Oregon— an area I grew up near— and there is a hazy, foggy look to the entire film that is effective and establishes an appropriate level of gloom. The film's conclusion is a bit brisk (perhaps too brisk), but for a television film from the '70s, is entirely forgivable. Overall, a noble and understated effort that captures the charm of '70s television films while reaching considerable heights on the creep-o-meter. Also worth checking out for its top-notch cast— Joan Hackett, Claudette Nevins, and James Farentino head the cast. Also some great early performances from P.J. Soles (who filmed "Halloween" the following year), Diana Scarwid, and Harrison Ford, who, three weeks after "The Possessed"'s air date, would only forever be known as Han Solo. 8/10.

The Possessed (1977) *** (out of 4) Father Kevin Leahy (James Farentino) is in an automobile accident when he is pronounced dead on the scene. In the limbo he hears a voice telling him to return to life and seek out the Evil in the world. Soon afterwards he ends up at a girl's boarding school in Salen, Oregon where mysterious fires have been breaking out. The head mistress (Joan Hackett), her sister (Claudette Nevins) and her younger daughter (Ann Dusenberry) all seem to have some sort of connection.THE POSSESSED is without question one of the better made-for-television horror movies ever made. It's kind of funny that Warner now handles the release of the picture since it was released the same year as their disastrous EXORCIST II. There's no question that this movie was probably inspired by THE EXORCIST but everything wrong with that film's sequel is certainly improved on here. There's no doubt that I went into the movie not sure what to expect but I walked away with an extremely good film that manages to feature great performances and a pretty good story.The performances are certainly a major plus because there's quite a bit of character development here. Farentino is wonderful as the Father who finds himself trying to figure out exactly why he was brought back to life and who is behind these Satanic fires. Nevins is also excellent in her role as the mother and Dusenberry is also good. The supporting cast includes Dinah Manoff, P.J. Soles and Diana Scarwid. The biggest name is Harrison Ford who is excellent in a small role as a professor. The film also benefits from some nice cinematography and an extremely effective music score.Another thing that really works for the movie is its pacing by director Jerry Thorpe. He certainly knows how to keep the film moving and manages to make the story quite interesting and makes it hold your attention even without the big-budget special effects. The ending itself is quite good, although there's no question that they were going for the same feel as THE EXORCIST. THE POSSESSED isn't a masterpiece but it's about as good as a film like this can get.

Lost-his-faith priest Kevin Leahy (James Farentino) dies in a car accident. He is admonished by God for having lost his faith and returned to Earth on a mission to seek out evil. He quickly finds it at an all girls school run by siblings Ellen (Claudette Nevins) and Louise (Joan Hackett). Fires have been starting with seemingly no source and it appears to actually be targeting the girls. This TV movie plays like a pilot for THE EXORCIST: THE SERIES, but WB Television never went any further with it. Farentino is good in the lead role and you'll notice some familiar faces among the students including P.J. Soles, Dinah Manoff, and Ann Dusenberry. Perhaps the biggest draw for folks is a pre-STAR WARS Harrison Ford as the girls' biology teacher. The fire bits are pretty spooky, as is the performance of the possessed person (I won't spoil it) during the last ten minutes. The end gets down to the EXORCIST-lite moments, including the possessed person puking up nails (!) on the priest.

Along with Gargoyles, Trilogy of Terror & Don't Be Afraid of the Dark, this movie scared the crap out of me when I was a kid. The premise, though somewhat formulaic, is still quite effective in this flick. The possession scenes are great, with a particular "hell yea!" during the nail spitting sequence! THAT freaked me out. Poor Harrison Ford hides from this film like it's leprosy or something. I dunno why...it beats "The Devil's Own" ANY day!!!J Richter