When Michael Calls
When Michael Calls is a 1972 American made-for-television horror-thriller film directed by Philip Leacock and starring Elizabeth Ashley, Ben Gazzara and Michael Douglas.[1] It was adapted from John Farris' 1967 novel of the same name.
| When Michael Calls | |
|---|---|
| Based on | When Michael Calls by John Farris |
| Written by | James Bridges |
| Directed by | Philip Leacock |
| Starring | Ben Gazzara Elizabeth Ashley Michael Douglas |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Executive producer | Edgar J. Scherick |
| Producer | Gil Shiva |
| Cinematography | Reg Morris Donald Wilder |
| Editor | P.A. James |
| Running time | 73 minutes |
| Production companies | 20th Century Fox Television Palomar Pictures |
| Release | |
| Original network | ABC |
| Original release | February 5, 1972 |
Plot
Helen Connelly is a woman whose nephew Michael died 15 years earlier. She is separated from her husband, Doremus. She is close to Michael's brother, Craig. When mysterious happenings began taking place and she begins receiving phone calls from the supposedly dead Michael, Helen begins to wonder if Michael is really dead or if she is losing touch with reality. Filmed in October - November 1971.
Cast
- Ben Gazzara as Doremus Connelly
- Elizabeth Ashley as Helen Connelly
- Michael Douglas as Craig
- Marian Waldman as Elsa Britton
- Karen Pearson as Peggy Connelly
- Larry Reynolds as Dr. Britton
- Al Waxman as Sheriff Hap Washbrook
- Alan McRae as Harry Randall
- Chris Pellett as Peter
- Steve Weston as Enoch Mills
- Robert Warner as Sam
- John Bethune as Quinlan
- William Osler as Prof. Swen
- Michèle Chicoine as Amy
Release
The television film was first broadcast as an ABC Movie of the Week on February 5, 1972.[2]
Home media
The film has been released on VHS and DVD by various small labels. It also appears under the title Shattered Silence.