There is something about autumn that lends itself extremely well to suspense films: the chill in the air, decaying leaves swirling in the wind, the days shortening and darkness rising a bit more quickly every evening. Enter Halloween, a sometimes sweet and sometimes scary day, with schoolchildren and masks and vulnerability everywhere -- the perfect time for a ghost story.Lady in White encompasses each of these elements. Set in 1962, young Frankie Scarletti (Lukas Haas) is locked in a school cloakroom on Halloween, where he witnesses a young female ghost reliving the night she was murdered there. Thus begins a series of events that lead him to discover the ethereal Lady in White as a very real murderer chases him down.
Frankie is a believable boy in a realistic family and that is what makes this story engrossing and spine-tingling. Children must learn who they can trust. Parents don’t always know best. Siblings can be obnoxious one moment and helpful the next. And trying to do the right thing is not always an easy task.
If one is willing to suspend belief, Lady in White is atmospheric and compelling. And perfect for fall viewing.
Toto, LADY IN WHITE is also one of my favorite autumn movies, reminding me in some ways of the closing scenes in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. Both films perfectly capture a small town atmosphere and feature children placed in frightening situations on Halloween—being chased in the woods in MOCKINGBIRD or trapped alone in a cloakroom alone at night in LADY IN WHITE. It’s not hard to guess the murderer in LADY IN WHITE, but that’s a minor flaw in an otherwise engaging blend of childhood nostalgia and ghost story. I also love the film’s use of Bing Crosby’s version of “Did You Ever See a Dream Walking.” Thanks, Toto, for reminding me about this autumn treat!
ReplyDeleteToto, I have never seen this film, but you make it sound quite appealing. I like Lukas Haas; he's an exceptional actor and was even good in 1988, when he would've been about 11 or 12. Autumn is my favorite season, so any movie set during that time is something to watch! I think John Carpenter's HALLOWEEN is a good autumn movie. Carpenter knew enough to film a ton of leaves, gather them up after each take, and blow them around again in the subsequent scene! I thank you for an intriguing and superbly crafted write-up. Terrific job!
ReplyDeleteI happened upon this gem on cable years ago and thought wow! It has has 2 great character actors Alex Rocco & Len Cariou in key roles.
ReplyDeleteToto,I think you said yesterday you were worried about following that day's Halloween blog. Well, you had no need to worry. You summed up beautifully this haunting little movie, which is a favorite of mine too. I can hear the leaves rustle and the wind sighing. Now I have to get this movie again somehow. This is an October must!
ReplyDeleteToto,wonderful review..iam going to have to add this to my must see list..
ReplyDeleteNice review,Toto!! I have seen this film many times. I like a good traditional ghost story. So many ghosts movies have weird and strange plots, but not this one.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen this one, Toto, but I suspect your post may be better than the film! Just kidding, my way of saying your post was beautifully written...
ReplyDeleteFeel free to join me and the Lady in White community on my FB page.
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