The Haunting of Harrington House

Last updated
The Haunting of Harrington House
GenreMystery
Written by Chris Manheim
Directed by Murray Golden
Starring Dominique Dunne
Roscoe Lee Brown
Edie Adams
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
ProducersDiane Asselin
Paul Asselin
Running time60 minutes
Original release
Network CBS
ReleaseSeptember 8, 1981 (1981-09-08)

The Haunting of Harrington House is a made for TV film and the second installment of the anthology series CBS Children's Mystery Theatre, that aired on September 8, 1981. [1] [2] [3] It is directed by Murray Golden. [4] It stars Dominique Dunne and Roscoe Lee Browne.

Contents

Plot

Polly Ames is a fourteen year old girl returning to her father’s hotel, Harrington House, after some time away. Upon arriving home, her father, Walter, tells her that strange events have been occurring, resulting in a loss of clientele. Due to the declining business, he may be forced to sell the hotel. Polly, who is an avid photographer, decides to investigate the mysterious events.

Polly meets a tenant, Diogenes Chase (D.C.), who offers to help her find the source of the disturbances. As a former teacher, D.C. encourages her to follow the clues, and use her problem solving skills.

While investigating, Polly finds a loose clothing button next to the scene of one of the disturbances. She deduces that it may be a clue and keeps it. Later, when alone, she is approached by a mysterious figure in a black dress that demands the button be returned. Polly is overwhelmed and faints.

Cast

Production

The episode was filmed in a Los Angeles mansion. The mansion required several alterations, as well as lighting and camera techniques, to attain the mysterious atmosphere the director wanted. [7]

Dominique Dunne, who plays a photographer in the film, had also worked professionally as a photographer in the past. [8] Similarly, Vito Scotti, who plays the illusionist Roselli, had also worked as a professional illusionist. [3]

The Haunting of Harrington House was the second of five installments of The CBS Children’s Mystery Theatre. It was preceded by The Clue According To SHERLOCK HOLMES . The intent of the series was to teach children problem solving skills, specifically, the use of deductive reasoning. [9] [10]

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References

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  5. "The Murder of Dominique Dunne". Killer Queens: A True Crime Podcast. 2021-10-30. Retrieved 2023-11-23.
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  9. Finance, United States Congress House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Consumer Protection, and (1983). Children and Television: Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Consumer Protection, and Finance of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of Representatives, Ninety-eighth Congress, First Session, March 16, 1983. U.S. Government Printing Office.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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