Alison's Birthday (1981) Movie Script
1
(tapping on glass)
(tapping on glass continues)
- [Chrissie] All right,
fingers on the glass.
Ali?
What's the matter?
You're not scared, are you?
- I don't know.
I don't know if this is a good idea.
- Oh, it can't hurt you.
Everybody does it.
- Yeah, come on.
Mum and Dad will be home soon.
- Right.
- Now.
Is there a spirit in the room?
(Maureen chuckling)
- Maureen, look, if you don't
want to take this seriously.
- Sorry.
- Is there a spirit in the room?
If there's a spirit in the room,
please move the glass
towards the yes button.
- Oh, nothing's happening.
Can we go home now?
- Shut up, Ali.
Is there a spirit in the room?
Is there a spirit in the room?
Is there anyone there?
(haunting synth music)
If there is a spirit in the room,
please move the glass towards the yes.
Move the glass towards...
It's working.
- Hey, you two pushed it.
- No, we didn't.
Put your finger back.
Come on.
Can you tell us what your name is?
(glass scraping)
A.
(glass scraping)
L.
(glass scraping)
(glass scraping)
S.
Alison?
Your name's Alison?
(glass clinking)
You have a message for Alison.
(glass clinking)
What's the message?
(glass scraping and clinking)
Don't
go.
(glass scraping and clinking)
(glass scraping and clinking)
Birth.
Birthday?
(glass clinking)
- We don't understand.
Who is it?
(glass clattering)
Who is it?
(glass shattering)
- (demonic voice) Uh!
Alison!
- Chrissie?
- Alison!
You have to get away,
away from them
before
birthday.
They want you for Mirne.
Don't let them take you.
- Chrissie, that's not funny.
Stop it.
- Listen!
Have to listen to me.
Terrible danger.
- Who are you?
- Your father.
- What?
(wind howling softly)
- She's coming.
(wind howling softly)
Mirne's coming.
Finding me!
Uh!
(glass shattering)
(wind howling)
Get away from them!
Get away!
(Chrissie screaming)
(bookcase thudding)
(creepy synth music)
(wind howling softly)
(Maureen screaming)
(dramatic synth music)
(soft acoustic guitar music)
(upbeat synth music)
We arrived from a far away land
- Yeah, reckon I'll have this one.
- It's sort of out of
your usual line, isn't it?
Thought you were more into Benny Goodman?
- That's $7.99.
Thanks, Mr. Martin.
- Hey, well, a man has
to broaden his horizons
from time to time.
Thank you.
Save you round about that.
Bye.
(horn honking)
- Oh, it's near enough to closing time.
Might as well get out of here.
- Oh, having lunch with
Don today, are you?
- Alison?
- Yup?
Pack it in, let's call it a day.
Well, so there's another
action-packed week in the life
of a country record seller.
Have a good weekend, you too.
- You too, Maggie.
- See ya.
- See ya.
(Alison chuckling)
- 415817 is the number to call,
24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You can't ask for more than that, can you?
Right, two and a half minutes left
of this sunny Saturday
morning in southeastern
New South Wales.
The full weather details for ya
straight after the midday news.
Jenny, you were my days
Jenny, you were my nights
Jenny, you took my wrongs
And made them feel right
- [Man] Morning, my son.
- [Peter] Good day, mate.
They're all yours.
- Right.
This thing playing up again?
- Yeah, runnin' through the queues.
You have to stop it manually.
- Uh-huh.
- [Alison] Hi.
- Good day.
- Ali.
- Are we finished?
- Got another 30 seconds.
(feedback warbling)
And that's my lot for the day.
It's 15 seconds to 12.
The news coming up and Dave
Ducker to see you safely,
with any luck, sanely
through the afternoon.
Until Monday, this is Pete
Healey wishing you well.
- Thank you, Peter, and it's 12 midday.
- How many times have
I told you not to bring
that thing in here when the mic's on?
You might like the sound of feedback,
but our station manager doesn't.
- Sorry. Forgot.
- Supposed to be taking you out tonight
or something, am I?
- Or something, yeah.
- Oh, well.
Where would you like to go?
- Well, taking into account
our respective bank balances,
I thought maybe we could go to my place.
I could cook us a couple of steaks.
We could watch some television
or go cockroach hunting
or anything else exciting
that may suggest itself.
- Now that sounds like my
idea of a great night out.
You're on.
- [Lieutenant] I just want
you to tell me where you were
when your husband was murdered.
- [Woman] How many times
must I tell you, Lieutenant,
I simply do not remember.
- Got it.
- What?
- I got it all figured out.
It's the two kids.
- Hey?
- The two kids killed the old man.
- What are you talking about?
He died of a heart attack!
- Yeah, but he wouldn't of
if he'd taken the pills.
- He practically swallowed a
whole bottle before he died.
It didn't do him any good.
- Because the kid switched the pills.
Remember the missing vitamin tablets.
Then when the secretary came in,
he found the body, and he stuck-
- Can we just watch the program, please?
- I'm right, you'll see.
I'm always right.
- [Man] All you have to do
is remain perfectly calm.
(phone dial whirring)
Now why don't you go
upstairs and get some rest?
- [Woman] All right, I'll try.
(phone dial clicking)
- [Man] Goodnight, my dear.
(phone dial ticking)
(door clicking)
(phone dial ticking)
Who's there?
(phone dial ticking)
(phone ringing)
Is someone there?
- Yeah?
(woman screaming)
- [Jennifer] Alison.
- Oh, hi Auntie Jenny.
Hang on a tick.
Long distance.
Hi, how are you?
- I'm very well, dear.
And you?
- [Alison] Terrific.
How's Uncle Dean?
- Oh, he's quite well, dear.
He sends you his love.
- [Alison] Give him mine.
- I'll do that.
Alison, we wondered when
you'd be coming home.
- Home.
- Well, yes, dear.
For your birthday next week.
We thought you might be coming home.
- You know I'd love to, Aunt Jenny,
but I'd have to get time
off work and everything
and it's just-
- I know that, dear, but I
thought if they understand
how important it was, they wouldn't mind.
Well, just for a few days.
- Well, I don't really understand why
it's so important, either.
I mean, if it was my 21st
or something, but it's not.
It's just another birthday.
- Alison, I didn't want to
have to tell you this yet,
but, well, it's your Uncle Dean.
He really isn't very well.
The doctors, well, they say
he hasn't a lot of time.
- Oh, no.
- I don't want you to
worry, but you know how much
he loves you and how much your birthdays
have always meant to him, and it, well,
it might be the last
chance the family have
to be all together.
- Oh, Aunt Jenny, I'm so sorry.
I don't know what else to say.
I had no idea.
- How could you?
But do you see now why
it would mean so much
to have you home here with us?
On your birthday?
- I'll come, of course I'll come.
- Oh, that's wonderful, dear.
It'll make Uncle Dean very happy.
When can we expect you?
- Uh, as soon as I can get there.
I don't know, maybe tomorrow.
- Whenever you can.
And we'll have your old
room all ready for you.
And I'll give Uncle Dean your love.
Goodbye, dear.
She's coming.
- Problem?
- I have to go home.
It's my birthday on Wednesday
and I have to go home for it.
- You don't sound too thrilled.
- It's my 19th birthday.
- Ah.
- Well, I was sort of
warned once that I shouldn't
go home for my 19th birthday.
- Why not?
- I don't know.
- You want to tell me about it?
- Ah, couple of years back
when I was still at school
I sort of got involved
in a ouija board seance.
One of the other girls, Chrissie,
said I was in danger from
a person called Mirne.
And it was somehow connected
with my 19th birthday.
It's really freaky.
Everything went crazy.
Furniture started blowing around the room
and Chrissie kind of lunged forward
and grabbed at this pendant.
Then the bookcase fell on
her and it all stopped.
I don't remember much after that.
There were police and ambulance,
but I don't remember much about it.
- Why police and ambulance?
- Chrissie.
She was dead.
- Oh, wow.
- Oh, I know how it must sound,
but that's what happened.
I guess that's why I'm a bit uptight about
going home right now.
- Then don't.
- Oh, I owe them that much.
- Who?
- My aunt and uncle.
They've always been really good to me.
They've looked after me
all my life as if I were
their own daughter.
My mum and dad were killed in an accident
when I was a baby.
There's always been just
Aunt Jenny and Uncle Dean.
Always there when I wanted them,
never asking for anything in return.
I can hardly turn my back on them now.
- But you're still uptight about going.
- Yeah.
- Okay, how about if I come with you?
My old man lives in Sydney
and I'm overdue for holidays.
- Yeah?
That would be great.
Thanks.
What time do you think we'll get there?
- Should be there about half past four.
- Suppose you're worrying
what kind of a nut
you've got yourself involved with
after all that stuff I
laid on you last night.
- No.
- Do you believe in ghosts,
possessions, all that?
- 1 did a program on
it a couple years back.
Some of the things I
saw shook me up a bit.
Banns in some near places so on account
I decided to leave it alone after that.
I don't really know what I think about it.
- You never told me about that.
- Well, I didn't know then
that you were interested
in the subject.
- I'm not, but ever since that night
I've kind of had the
feeling that the subjects
are interested in me.
It's just up ahead where those trees are.
- Tree? What trees?
I don't see any trees.
Oh. (sighing)
- Having a little pain there?
- Oh, just a slight
touch of acute gangrene.
Nothing to worry about.
- Well, I wouldn't mention
it in front of Aunt Jenny,
not unless you want to get hit with one of
her famous medicinal potions.
- Ah-ha.
- A brew for every occasion,
and an occasion for every brew.
My stomach and I did not
have any easy childhood.
- You seem to have survived all right.
- Alison!
- Hi, Aunt Jenny.
- Oh, dear.
Let me look.
Well, you haven't been eating properly.
How often have I told
you natural nutrition
is the key to good health?
Never mind.
Should get some color in those cheeks.
You must be Peter.
- Now look who we have here.
- [Alison] Hi, Uncle Dean.
(Dean laughing)
- Mmm, my dear child, you
look absolutely radiant.
And anyone who says you're
not will have to answer to me.
Country life obviously agrees with you.
- Dean, this is Alison's young man, Peter.
- Oh, nice to meet you,
young man, I'm sure.
- Hi.
- Look, Dean.
She's wearing the pendant.
I hope it's not because
you're visiting us.
- Of course not.
You know I always wear it.
- It was a gift from
her Uncle Dean, you see.
He gave it to her when
she first came to us
when she was, well, just a tiny baby.
- Come on, my dear.
Peter doesn't want to hear about all that.
Here, I'll take these.
- I know what you're thinking.
He doesn't look ill.
But he's trying hard not to show it
and he doesn't know I've told you.
Thank you for bringing Alison home, Peter.
It was really nice meeting you.
- You're welcome.
You gonna be okay?
- [Alison] Yup.
- All right then.
See you tomorrow.
- [Alison] Mmm-hmm.
- [Jennifer] Come along inside, dear.
(engine cranking)
(engine rumbling)
(horn honking)
- My god, it's the kid.
- Sure is.
Hey, can I borrow the living room sofa
for a couple of days?
- I guess so.
What is this?
A snap inspection or something?
- Well, I tried to call you last night
to let you know I was coming,
and again first thing this morning,
but you, uh, didn't seem to be home.
- No, well, uh, I guess I wasn't.
You're looking reasonably fit, anyway.
- You, too.
And still making more money than you know
what to do with judging by
that Rover in the driveway.
- Oh, that.
Just a cardboard cutout.
Came off the side of a Corn Flakes packet.
- I thought so, but I
wasn't gonna say anything
just in case you didn't
want the neighbors to know.
- I put Alison's things in her room.
- Thanks, Uncle Dean.
- Why don't you go upstairs and unpack
while I wash up down here?
I've tidied up your cupboards.
You'll find lots of space
to hang your clothes.
- Oh, I don't have that much to unpack.
I might take a walk down the backyard,
stretch my legs a bit.
- Well, don't go down
past the old stone fence.
It's terribly overgrown down there.
There are snakes and spiders
and, oh, goodness knows what.
- You know, I'm starting
to wonder what you two
are hiding down there.
- How do you mean, dear?
- Well, you used to tell
me that when I was a kid.
What sinister secret lies hidden
behind the old stone wall?
- Well, I don't know if there
are any vampires down there,
but there certainly are snakes.
Your Uncle Dean was
nearly bitten by one, oh,
just two weeks ago.
We don't want you spending your birthday
in hospital, do we?
- No, suppose not.
(birds chirping)
(soft acoustic guitar music)
(birds chirping)
(suspenseful synth music)
(birds chirping)
(door creaking)
(footsteps crunching)
(leaves rustling)
(suspenseful synth music)
(wind howling)
(creepy breathing)
(suspenseful synth music)
(creepy breathing)
(psychotic synth music)
(birds chirping)
(soft acoustic guitar music)
(footsteps crunching)
- We thought you'd gone to sleep out here.
- Oh.
- Jennifer's got your dinner on the table.
- I went down the back.
- Ooh, you shouldn't have done that.
Your aunt's right about
those snakes and crawlies.
I must go in there and clean
it up one of these days.
- 1 didn't see any snakes,
but I saw something else that
I thought was pretty strange.
- Oh? What was that?
- There's a kind of clearing with some
old stone blocks in it.
Sort of like a miniature Stonehenge.
- That's exactly what it is.
Man who built this house
was an amateur astronomer.
He was one of the first
to come up with the idea
that the ancient British monuments were
primitive observatories,
so he had that scale
model built to try out
some of his theories.
- Oh.
- Now, how about we go in and try out
some of Aunt Jenny's roast
beef and Yorkshire pudding?
- All right.
- [Jennifer] Alison, you're
wanted on the phone, dear.
Peter.
- [Alison] Oh.
- Don't be long.
Food will get cold.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- [Alison] What's up?
- Nothin'.
Just got the feeling a
might lonesome, is all.
- Yeah, me too.
- So, how are things?
- Oh, okay, I guess.
- [Peter] I guess?
- No, everything's fine.
How about you?
- Alison?
- Ah, I better go.
Mealtime.
See you tomorrow, huh?
- Okay, I'll see you tomorrow.
(soft acoustic music)
(clock ticking)
- I'm exhausted!
(Dean laughing)
- Of course you are.
Too old fogies like your aunt and me,
rambling on till all hours.
It's enough to exhaust anyone.
- Now you know that's not true.
I'm just tired from the
drive down, that's all.
- Still, it was naughty of
us to keep you up so late.
- It's like stepping back into time
to my childhood.
It's like you've had the whole room
wrapped up in cellophane and took it out
five minutes before I walked in.
- Well, it is your room, dear.
We thought we'd like to leave
everything just as it was,
ready for you to come home
whenever you wanted to.
And now here you are, back with us.
- I'm only here for a
couple of days, Aunt Jenny.
- I know that, dear.
I brought you a cup of herbal chocolate.
Help you sleep.
- Another one of your secret potions?
- Yes, and it's a natural
vitamin tonic as well,
so drink it up, nice and hot.
- Come along, my love.
Alison's gotta get some sleep.
- Goodnight, dear.
- Goodnight.
(acoustic guitar strumming)
(soft acoustic guitar music)
(crickets chirping)
(clock ticking)
(door creaking)
(wheels creaking)
(suspenseful synth music)
(guitar thudding)
(Alison screaming)
(Alison panic breathing)
- Grandmother Thorne,
what are you doing here?
You're not supposed to be out of bed.
Dean, take her back to her room.
It's all right, Alison, dear.
There's no need to be alarmed.
It's only Grandmother Thorne.
- Who the hell is Grandmother Thorne?
- She's your great-grandmother.
She's come out from England
to be here for your birthday.
- You never told me I
had a great-grandmother.
- I'm sure we have.
You've forgotten, that's all.
Well, she hasn't seen you since you were
just a tiny baby.
Was very silly of her
getting out of bed like that.
She's 103 years old and the trip out here
was almost too much for her.
The doctors say she has to stay in bed
for a day or two and rest.
We didn't tell you she was here.
Well, we wanted to surprise you.
- She sure did that.
- Well, I imagine she was
so excited at the thought
of seeing you, she just couldn't resist
taking a little peek.
Now, try and get a good
night's sleep, dear.
Goodnight.
- Oh, boy.
- Morning, dear.
You sleep well?
- [Alison] Yeah.
- Alison, Grandmother
Thorne asked me to say
that she was sorry about last night.
She didn't mean to frighten you.
- Oh, that's okay.
I guess I kind of overreacted a bit.
- I told her you'd understand.
She wanted me to take
you to visit in her room,
but I had to say no.
She's gotta rest and build up her strength
for your party.
Now, what would you like for breakfast?
- Oh, I'll just fix myself some
toast and have a cup of tea.
Peter will be here soon.
- Are you planning to go out then?
- Oh, we thought we might take a run up
to one of the beaches.
- Oh.
Well, we were rather hoping
you'd spend the day with us.
We haven't seen you in such a long time.
- Oh, that's right.
And there's lots to talk about.
Arrangements for the party and all that.
Well, your relatives will be coming.
Patrick, Ivy, your cousin
Richard, Aunt Marjorie.
- Auntie Iris is flying
down from Queensland.
Now you haven't seen her,
I don't know how-
(doorknocker rapping)
- That'll be Pete.
Um, look, I won't stay out late.
I'll talk to you about it tonight, okay?
- Have a nice day.
- [Peter] 103 and she's
still spritely enough to go
prowling around the house
in the middle of the night.
- Well, I wouldn't
exactly call her spritely.
She is the oldest-looking
person I've ever seen,
especially those eyes.
The way she kept staring at me,
so cold and kind of hungry.
Something else I noticed, too.
She was wearing a pendant
exactly the same as this one.
- Well, maybe they're a set.
You know, family heirlooms or something.
- Maybe.
There's something about that house, Pete.
I guess it's always been there,
but I've never really been aware of it.
Now coming back after
being away for so long,
I really feel it.
- How do you mean?
- I don't know, just something.
Last night after I finally got to sleep,
I had nightmares all through the night.
I don't remember much
about them except that
they were pretty frightening.
I remember I kept trying to wake myself up
to get away from whatever
it was, but I couldn't.
I think it was something
to do with the stones.
Down the backyard
there's this weird place,
a kind of stone circle
hidden in the trees.
Pete?
- Yeah?
- This party, will you come?
- Sure.
If you want me to.
- I want you to.
- When is it?
- Wednesday night,
starting at seven o'clock,
the exact time I was
born, so they tell me.
- Well, you've gotta give them
marks for precision, anyway.
Okay, seven o'clock Wednesday.
That should be fun.
Play spin the bottle
with great-granny and all
your old maiden aunts.
We better think about heading back.
Looks like we're gonna
get rained on before long.
- I'd rather not go home just yet.
- Well, we could always
go to my old man's place.
There won't be anyone there.
- Okay.
Silver girl
There was love, there was pain
And I'll never be the same again
(music stops abruptly)
- [Peter] You have something
against my choice of music?
- [Alison] No, I just feel like listening
to the rain for awhile.
- [Peter] Ah, well, why not?
(rain pattering)
- I know it's something we
haven't talked about much,
the way we feel about each other.
Well, I guess there
hasn't been any real need.
But just for the record, in
case you've ever been wondering,
well, I guess I'm kind
of in love with you.
- You are now?
I guess I'm kind of the same.
- Your dad's not likely to walk in, is he?
- Ah, he's pretty broadminded.
Besides, he said he'd like to meet you.
- Yeah, I'd like to meet him, too,
but I prefer it to be a time when I was
dressed and vertical.
- Don't worry.
He's got a competition
shoot on at the pistol club.
He won't be home for hours.
- Oh, that's what I wanted to hear.
(birds chirping)
(Peter sighing)
- Hi.
- [Alison] Hmm.
- It's getting late.
(Alison sighing)
You don't have to go back, do you?
- Ah, it's only a couple more days.
I guess I can handle it.
Come on.
See you later.
(kiss smacking)
Pete, can we go out
again somewhere tomorrow?
- Sure.
We could go for a run up
the mountains, if you like.
- They're not gonna like it.
I can't stay in there all day.
Nights are bad enough.
Will you listen to me?
I sound like a frightened kid.
I wish I could figure out
exactly what it is I'm scared of.
Pete, I'll be glad when Wednesday's over.
- I'll pick you up about
half past eight, okay?
- Okay.
- I wonder if I could have
a word with you, Peter.
- Sure.
- Naturally, it's about Alison.
Her Aunt Jennifer and I
haven't seen her for some time,
and, oh, we're looking forward very much
to having her with us these few days.
I mean, it's only natural
that we'd like her
to spend a little more time at home.
- Well, that's really
up to Alison, isn't it?
- Well, yes, of course,
but we thought perhaps
if you could stay away just a few days,
at least until after Wednesday.
- Sorry, but we've already
made arrangements for tomorrow
and for Wednesday.
- You can't have.
Wednesday's the party.
- I know.
Alison's invited me.
- Well, she had no right to do that.
- It is her party.
- It's a family party.
Just members of the family, that's all.
I'm afraid you won't be able to come.
- Unless Alison says
otherwise, I'll be there.
- Now listen to me, boy.
You're meddling in something
you can't begin to understand.
My advice to you is stay
well away from this house
and from Alison.
- Why?
Because he's my friend, that's why,
and I want him to be here!
- But Alison, you're being very silly.
Now you know that we planned
for just a family party.
Well, no outsiders, just family.
- Besides, it's hardly
fair to your friend.
I mean, you can't expect
him to enjoy himself.
He simply won't fit in.
He doesn't know anybody.
- He knows me!
- [Jennifer] But dear, there aren't
- I'm sorry, Aunt Jenny!
I've invited him, he's
accepted, and that's it!
Now I'm going to bed.
Goodnight.
- Just a minute, young one.
- Oh, listen, Dean, it's
quite obvious that Alison
has made up her mind.
I think we should just, well,
leave it for the moment.
Now Alison, you're not going to bed
without something to eat.
- I'm not hungry.
- Well, at least let
me give you your tonic.
There you are.
There.
There, now try and get
a good night's sleep.
Alison, don't worry.
Everything will be all right.
- The situation with the
boy's become impossible.
Something has to be done.
- Oh, it already has been.
And don't worry, everything
will be all right.
- Good.
(crickets chirping)
(suspenseful synth music)
(Alison moaning)
(group chanting)
(Alison moaning)
(group chanting)
(shimmering synth music)
(Alison moaning)
(flames crackling)
(Alison moaning)
(flames crackling)
(Alison moaning)
- Mirne.
(group chanting)
Mirne.
(group chanting)
Come now angel of the darkest night.
Mistress of the great old ones.
I beg thee come to us.
I, thy humble servant, Isobel Thorne,
offer thee my body.
Come, mistress Mirne.
(group chanting)
Come to me.
Possess me.
(man chanting)
Possess me!
Possess me!
Possess me!
Possess me!
(shimmering synth music)
(wind howling)
(flames crackling)
- [Man] Hail, Mirne.
- [Group] Hail, Mirne.
Hail, Mirne.
Hail, Mirne.
Hail, Mirne.
Hail, Mirne.
Hail, Mirne!
Hail, Mirne!
Hail, Mirne!
Hail, Mirne!
Hail, Mirne!
Hail, Mirne!
(wind howling)
(synth music)
(woman laughing)
(Alison screaming)
(Alison panicking)
(Alison whimpering)
(crickets chirping)
(doorknocker rapping)
- Yes?
- [Peter] I'm here to pick up Ali.
She's expecting me.
- Oh, she hasn't come down yet.
I imagine she's still asleep.
- I'll wait.
- You better come in then.
It's Peter come to see Alison.
- Oh, uh.
Well, I'm sorry, she's still asleep.
I'll go and wake her.
- Pete?
- Ali, what's the matter?
- Dear now!
- Here.
- Let me see.
Dean, take her back to her room.
- I can manage.
- This way.
I wouldn't worry too much.
Mild case of nervous
exhaustion, that's all.
Most important thing is to make sure
she stays in bed and
rests for a day or two.
- Oh, thank you, Doctor.
I'll see she does it.
- Well, I'll be off then.
- Thank you.
- I'll see you out.
Thanks again, Doctor.
- Let me know if you
have anymore problems.
- Yes, of course.
- Excuse me.
Doctor?
- [Doctor] Yes?
- This might sound a bit strange,
but, well, just suppose that
whatever's wrong with Ali
isn't nervous exhaustion.
What else could it be?
- There's no point in supposing.
I assure you that's what it is.
- Look, she's not a nervous
person, not normally.
It's only since she's been in that house
that she's been under pressure.
- What exactly are you suggesting?
- I'm not sure.
That's why I'm asking you.
- I think you're letting your imagination
get the better of you.
She'll be all right in a couple of days.
(Peter sighing)
- You heard what Dr. Lyle said.
She needs to rest.
I'm sure she'll call you
when she's feeling better.
- [Peter] What about the party?
- In view of Alison's illness,
it will of course have to be canceled.
Now if you'll excuse me.
(door clicking)
(phone dial whirring)
- Yes, I'm trying to
find the telephone number
for a Dr. Lyle.
He's not listed in the directory
and I don't know the address.
I thought it might've
been in your listing.
Thanks.
What, no listing at all?
Thanks for your trouble.
(phone dial whirring)
Hello, Mrs. Finlay.
It's Pete Healey here.
Yeah, I was wondering if
I could speak to Alison.
- I'm afraid not, Peter.
She's still asleep.
But when she wakes I'll
tell her you called.
- Okay, thanks.
(Peter sighing)
(engine rumbling)
(buggy creaking)
(suspenseful music)
(footsteps crunching)
(suspenseful music)
(handle thudding)
(suspenseful music)
(Alison moaning)
- Ali.
Ali!
It's okay, hon.
It's only me.
- Pete.
- You all right?
- I think so.
It's just,
oh, wow.
- What?
- I was having the
granddaddy of all nightmares.
Same as before, only this
time I can remember it.
There were a whole lot of people chanting
some sort of black magic ceremony.
And Aunt Jenny and Uncle Dean
and Grandma Thorne were there,
and I was there, too, only it wasn't me.
And it's all mixed up.
Oh, Pete, what is happening to me?
- Nothing, baby, nothing.
It's only a dream.
It can't hurt ya.
Just a dream.
- I'm glad to see you.
Do they know you're here?
Afraid they don't approve of you.
- Yeah, well, that works both ways.
- Oh, they're good people, Pete.
It's just that they're locked into this
little gingerbread
house fantasy of theirs.
They can't accept the fact that
I'm not part of it anymore.
Trying like mad to pretend
I'm still eight years old,
especially Uncle Dean.
And I guess it doesn't make it any easier
to have you knocking on the
door every five minutes.
- Maybe.
I'm starting to wonder if it
isn't something more than that.
- How do you mean?
- I'm not sure yet.
I think I'll have a look around.
- What for?
- If I knew that, I wouldn't have to look.
Where do your aunt and uncle sleep?
I don't want to go bumping into them.
- Ah, the other side of the stairs.
- Okay, I won't be long.
You take it easy.
(suspenseful music)
(crickets chirping)
(suspenseful music)
(door creaking)
(suspenseful music)
(clock ticking)
(dramatic music)
Come on, I'm getting you out of here.
- What's the matter?
- There's something pretty
weird going on in this place,
and I've got a feeling
it's not a good place
for you to be right now.
Come on, get your things together.
You all right?
- Yeah, I think so.
- Look, I'll do that.
You get dressed.
(creepy synth music)
- [Jennifer] Go back to bed, Alison.
- I'm sorry, Aunt Jenny.
I don't want to stay here anymore.
I'll call you in the morning
and let you know what I'm doing.
- Go back to bed, Alison.
- Come on.
Would you mind moving aside
and letting us through?
In case you haven't
realized, Ali is over 18.
That means you can't tell her what to do
and you can't make her
stay here against her will.
Let us through.
- Excuse me.
(creepy synth music)
- Pete!
(Alison screaming)
- Jenny!
(hand smacking)
- I want you to listen to me, Alison.
Listen to me very closely.
You hear my voice.
Only my voice.
And you know that what I'm
about to tell you is the truth.
- I don't know what we would've done
if Dr. Lyle hadn't been here.
It seems he's something of an expert
on nerve pressure points.
He managed to subdue the young man
before any real harm was done.
- I think he's waking up.
- Where's Ali?
- Your name Peter Healey?
- Where is she?
- You wanna tell us how you
come to be on these premises?
- Not particularly.
- Now don't get smart with me, son.
According to Mrs. Finlay,
you've broken into the premises
and attempted forcibly to
abduct a young woman member
of the household.
- The young woman is a friend of mine,
and these people were
holding her against her will.
I was just trying to help
her get away from them!
- It's ridiculous, Sergeant.
This young man has been pestering my niece
day and night since she came here.
- [Dean] Apparently
he's a former boyfriend,
but he refuses to accept the
fact that she doesn't want
anything more to do with him.
- Look, all you have to do is ask Al.
She'll tell you what really happened.
- I'd rather she wasn't disturbed.
- Surprise, surprise.
They don't want you to talk to her.
I wonder why.
- As I was about to say, I'd
rather she wasn't disturbed,
but it does seem as
though it's the only way
to settle this matter, so I
suggest we get it over with.
- [Dean] She's in her room.
- Alison.
Will you tell the Sergeant
as briefly as you can
what happened last night?
- I woke up and he was
standing beside the bed.
He threatened to kill me
if I didn't go with him.
- What?
Ali, what's the matter with you?
- Have you ever had anything
to do with him before tonight?
- I went out with him a couple of times.
I realized the sort of person he was.
He frightened me.
I asked him to leave me
alone, but he wouldn't.
- [Sergeant] I see, and you've
done nothing to give him
the impression that
you are being held here
against your will?
That you needed help?
- No.
- All right. Thank you, miss.
I don't think we need
trouble you any further.
- Oh, now hold on.
Look it, can't you see
they've done something to her?
Look, she's drugged or something.
- Outside.
- I'm telling you the truth.
You wanna see what sort of place this is.
Take a look in the old lady's room.
See for yourself the sort
they've got in there.
- Sergeant, my husband's
grandmother is a very old lady.
A trifle eccentric.
She plays with tarot cards
and astrology charts,
but it's all perfectly harmless.
But if you'd like to see for yourself.
- No, your niece told
me all I need to know.
Come on.
Just get a few more particulars from you.
We'll take him down and charge him.
- Yes, certainly.
- Sergeant, if you don't need me,
I'd like to stay with Alison for awhile.
- Yes, of course, Mrs. Finlay.
We'll call you when we need you.
- Thank you.
They're charging him.
- Good.
- That should put an
end to his interfering.
- Not necessarily.
He'll most likely be out
on bail in the morning.
We'd better have someone keep
an eye on him just in case.
- All right.
- It's after midnight.
It's Wednesday now.
Alison's birthday.
-So itis.
Only a few more hours left to go.
You know, Jeremy, Dean and I have become
rather fond of Alison.
In a way I'm almost sorry.
- You surprise me, Jennifer.
That kind of sentimentality's
extremely inappropriate
to someone in your position
with your responsibilities.
- I didn't-
- You know as well as
I do she has a destiny
and she must fulfill it.
Nothing must be allowed
to stand in the way.
- I know that.
- Mirne has been waiting
a long time for Alison.
- [Peter] Thanks for coming down,
bailing me out and everything.
- That's okay.
But do me a favor.
Don't go wandering too far away.
I've got quite an investment
in you at the moment.
- Don't worry.
- And sometime when you feel in the mood,
you might like to tell me what
really happened last night.
- Yeah, I will.
Thanks again.
- Want a lift?
- No, I've gotta go and
see a friend of mine.
Car's just across the road.
- Well, keep out of trouble.
- I'll try.
See you tonight.
(traffic humming)
(suspenseful synth music)
(bell ringing)
(door clicking)
- Pete!
- [Peter] How are ya, Sal?
- Wonderful.
Oh, what have you been doing?
Must be, what, two years?
Oh, come on in.
It's really terrific to see you.
Coffee?
- Now to that I would not say no.
- Sit down.
- I see you're still pretty
heavily into things occult.
- No, don't take too
much notice of the decor.
It's just to impress the customers.
- The what?
- I've gone commercial.
I do charts.
- With astrology?
- Yeah.
- Uh-huh.
What about all that other
stuff you used to be into?
Witchcraft, seances and all that?
- Oh, no.
Got out of that scene
when I started to realize
just what sort of things
I was playing around with.
Dangerous games, those.
- [Peter] Mmm.
- Got a problem, Pete?
- Yeah.
- [Sally] Something I can help with?
- I was kind of hoping.
That mean anything to you?
- Yeah, I've got a feeling
I've seen it somewhere.
Offhand I can't remember where.
Must be a pretty obscure
one or I'd know it.
Any clues?
- Well, I don't know if
there's a connection,
but there's a name.
Something like Mirne.
- Mirne?
Yeah, rings a bell.
Yeah, Celtic, I think.
Yeah, here it is. Mirne.
M-I-R-N-E.
In ancient Celtic mythology,
a powerful female demon,
worshiped by Celtic magicians,
later by some Druid sects.
Said to dwell within stone.
Her color blue, her ritual number 19.
That's all.
Hey, come on.
What's this all about?
- Wish I knew.
If you've got time, I'll
tell you the whole story.
As much of it as I know.
And see if it makes any sense to you.
(suspenseful synth music)
- I agree with you, Pete.
I don't like the sound of it.
I think you better get
your friend out of there.
- I tried last night, remember?
Didn't get very far.
Besides, the way she is now,
I doubt if she'd come with me.
Somehow they've managed
to turn her against me.
- From your description,
I'd say that's just
some form of hypnosis.
Probably only temporary.
- Hypnosis?
I don't think you can hypnotize
a person against their will.
- You can if you go
about it the right way.
That's not important.
What worries me is, well,
let's assume these people
are members of some modern-day
Mirne worshiping cult.
The most important number
in all of their ceremonies
would be Mirne's ritual number, 19.
Look at Alison.
According to what you've told me,
at seven o'clock tonight, which
is the 19th hour of the day,
she'll be exactly 19 years old.
And I wouldn't mind betting
it goes further than that.
The ancient Celtic magicians
had a complex star calendar
as the basis for their ceremonies.
Looking on that calendar,
today is the 19th day of their year.
So you see, to them Alison
would be a very special person.
And tonight, a very special night.
What are you gonna do?
- Get her out of there.
I'll bring a shotgun if I have to.
- Well, hold on.
Before you do that, let's
find out everything we can
about them and about Alison.
What do you know about her
background, her real parents?
- Nothing.
I don't think she knows
much about them herself.
- One thing we do know about
her birth is the time of it.
How about checking
newspaper files for the days
immediately following?
If there's a birth notice,
there's the name of the parents,
maybe an address.
- How is that gonna help?
- Maybe it won't, but it's worth a look.
While you're doing that,
I'll check through everything
in the house, see if I
can find out anything
about the Mirne cults
surviving into modern times.
- Okay, I'll get back to you.
Sal? Thanks.
(door clicking)
(soft acoustic guitar music)
(pages rustling)
- Oh, I'm sorry.
We can't give out that
sort of information.
Not without authorization.
- Whose authorization?
- The person concerned.
In this case, Ms. Baker or her parents.
- Look, her parents were
killed nearly 20 years ago
in a car accident.
And Ms. Baker, well, if
she's who I think she is,
well, she's a friend of mine.
That's what I want to find out.
Whether she really is the same person.
- Well, I'm sorry.
- Okay, look.
If I give you a description of my friend
and you check it against your records,
all you'll have to do is say yes or no.
You won't be giving me any
information I don't already have.
Please?
(woman sighing)
(papers rustling)
- All right, describe her.
- Um, she's got brown hair and hazel eyes.
- Don't know much about babies, do you?
They're all born with blue eyes
and hair coloring usually changes
after the first couple of months.
- What else is there?
- You tell me.
- She's sort of got a red mark
in the middle of her back,
but I don't know if, I forgot
the most obvious thing.
The girl I'm looking for
was born at exactly 7:00pm.
- Check.
- Look, um, suppose a
person or a group of people
wanted to get hold of a baby that was born
at a specific time.
Well, how would they go about it?
- By get a hold, do you mean steal?
- Yeah.
- Well, for starters
they'd need to have someone
working on the inside.
Someone with access to
records of all the hospitals
in the area, and access
to maternity wards.
- Uh-huh.
Like a doctor.
- [Dean] Hello?
Yes, he's here.
Jeremy, it's for you.
Michael.
- Well, what's happening?
- [Michael] He spent an hour going through
old newspaper files.
Now he's at the hospital asking questions.
- I see.
Very well, he's had his chance,
and we're at the stage
now where we can't afford
to risk any further interference.
Kill him.
- All right.
I'll call the others.
(phone dial whirring)
(sirens wailing)
(engine cranking)
(engine revving)
(upbeat acoustic music)
(engine rumbling)
(upbeat acoustic music)
(tires squealing)
(engine rumbling)
(upbeat acoustic music)
(tires squealing)
(suspenseful music)
(birds chirping)
(creepy synth music)
(dramatic synth music)
(groovy synth music)
(dramatic synth music)
(Peter screaming)
- Hold him.
(shirt ripping)
(suspenseful music)
- Just before you do that,
there's something I think you oughta know.
- Oh?
- I know all about Alison.
Your doctor allowed taking
her from the hospital
because she happened to be
born at exactly the right time.
And you killed her real parents to avoid
any complications later.
- You've obviously done your homework,
which, of course, is the
reason you have to die.
- Something else I know, too.
Something I found from hospital records.
Lyle took the wrong baby.
- That's impossible.
- Alison Baker was born
at 70 minutes past seven.
The one that was born at
your magic seven o'clock
was the daughter of another
couple named Bleaker.
Lyle obviously got the names mixed up
because of their similarity.
At any rate, he took
Alison and left the one
you really wanted behind.
- You don't expect us to believe that?
- I can prove it.
Get these swamp zombies
off me and I'll show you.
(dramatic music)
Back!
Back or I'll kill him!
- Don't worry about me! Get him!
(dramatic synth music)
(groovy synth music)
(wood clattering)
(engine revving)
(engine rumbling)
- Keys!
- Forget it.
You won't catch him now.
Let me see those.
Copy of a police record of interview.
Something he had in his pocket.
- Then he was lying about
Alison being the wrong one.
- Of course.
- What if he goes to the police?
- I doubt that he will after last night,
but if he does we'll
simply refuse to let them
into the house without a search warrant.
By the time they get one,
the ceremony will be over.
And after that, it hardly
matters what happens.
No, there's nothing he
can do to stop us now.
(phone ringing)
- Sally Brown.
- [Peter] It's Pete.
- Oh, I just about given you up.
Where are you?
- I'm on my way over to
get Ali out of that place.
I just thought I'd check with you first.
- [Sally] Glad you did.
I've come up with something.
I think you should know about
it before you go out there.
- What is it?
- Look, Pete.
I don't know how seriously
you take these things.
Black magic, summoning
up demons, all that.
- That's something I'd
have to think about, love.
And right now there isn't the time.
What matters is the
Finlays and their friends
take it seriously.
Enough to try and kill me
and do god knows what to Ali,
so whatever it is, let's hear it.
- Okay.
The Mirne cult was revived
in the early 17th century
by a Somerset farm girl
called Isobel Thorne.
She and her followers
used to conduct sabbaths
in the ruins of an old
druid extern circle,
envoking Mirne, inviting
her to take possession
of Isobel's body.
And according to the story,
that's what eventually happened.
- Thorne.
Well, that's the name of the old lady,
the one that's supposed to
be Ali's great-grandmother.
- That would be right.
The story goes that the
demonesque completely took over
the original Isobel Thorne,
and stayed in possession
of the body until she was an old woman.
Then, with the help of her followers,
she transferred to the
body of another young girl.
When she got too old, well,
they just kept repeating
the process every 80 years or so,
and always when a young
girl was possessed by Mirne,
they renamed her Isobel Thorne.
- You're saying that the
old lady in that house
is possessed by some ancient Celtic demon.
- I'm saying that that's
what these people believe.
- But what are they doing
here, for god's sake?
This is hardly 17th century Somerset.
- Apparently the last
time they held a sabbath,
the locals got wind of what was happening.
They still have their own way of dealing
with witches in those parts.
Well, they arrived just as
the ceremony was finishing.
They killed the old woman,
but the young girl and a few members
of the covenant escaped,
disappeared completely.
The theory is that they left the country.
- [Peter] And ended up here.
I see.
- Well, that incident was
fairly well documented,
by the way.
It happened 84 years ago,
and the girl was exactly 19 years old.
That makes her a 103 now,
and from what you've told me,
that's the same age as
Alison's great-grandmother.
- Yeah, except that she's
not really related to Ali.
None of them are.
They kidnapped her from
the hospital when she was
just a baby.
- That's the way they've always done it.
A baby born at the right time,
stolen from the cradle
and brought up by members
of the covenant.
- And that's what this is all about.
They've got Ali picked out
to be the next Isobel Thorne.
- You better get going.
There isn't much time.
- [Peter] Yeah, I'll see
you later, Sal, I hope.
- Pete?
- [Peter] Yeah?
- Look, just in case
what's going on out there
is the real thing, take
some protection with you.
- I am.
I've got one of the old
man's target pistols.
- That's not the sort
of protection I meant.
- Well, what then?
- An old standby, but
still pretty effective.
A cross, preferably a consecrated one.
- Okay. See you.
- Alison.
Alison, dear.
Wake up.
(Alison moaning)
- Come along, dear.
It's time for the party.
Everyone's waiting.
- Well, I feel rotten.
I don't know what's wrong with me.
- You'll feel better
once you're on your feet.
Here, let me help you.
There, is that better?
- Hang on.
I can't go down there like this.
- Nonsense, dear.
Everyone knows you haven't
been feeling very well.
- You're kidding.
I must look terrible.
- No, dear, you look very pretty.
Now, come along.
- Is Pete here?
- No, he telephoned to
say he couldn't come.
- But he promised.
- He might come over later.
Now come along.
We don't want to keep
everyone waiting, do we?
(engine rumbling)
- [Alison] Where are we going?
- Oh, this is Grandmother Thorne's room.
She's still not well
enough to get out of bed,
so we're having everyone
in to say hello to her
before the party starts.
(dramatic synth music)
- Alison.
(dramatic synth music)
One.
Two.
Three.
Prepare her.
(clock ticking)
(engine rumbling)
(engine revving)
(flames crackling)
(wind howling)
(thunder clapping)
Drink, Alison.
(flames crackling)
(thunder clapping)
(flames crackling)
(thunder clapping)
(flames crackling)
Let's begin.
(group chanting)
(thunder clapping)
(group chanting)
Let the way be opened.
Let the link
be formed.
(group chanting)
(clock ticking)
(dramatic synth music)
(tires squealing)
(dramatic synth music)
(engine revving)
(dramatic synth music)
(footsteps clomping)
- Down the backyard there's this place,
a kind of stone circle.
(door slamming)
- [Man] Come on, open the
door or we'll smash it down.
(Peter grunting)
(group chanting)
- [Doctor] Mirne.
Mirne.
Hear me, mistress of the night.
(group chanting)
Come forth and be reborn
in the body of the child.
She is yours.
(thunder clapping)
She awaits you.
Come forth and possess her.
Come forth! Possess her!
Possess her!
- Ali!
Get back!
Get away from her!
Come on! Move!
Ali, wake up!
Come on, we've gotta get out of here!
Ali!
(wind howling)
- The cross! Throw it at them!
Throw it at them!
- Come on!
(thunder clapping)
Uh!
Ah!
It's no good, Ali.
I've wrecked my ankle.
Here, take this.
Get away!
Go on, Ali! Get going!
(wind howling)
- You're a fool to throw away the cross.
If you hadn't, I might still be Alison.
But you did.
And I'm not.
- No.
(gun firing)
(thunder clapping)
(dramatic synth music)
- [Officer] Light blue 10.
John Street, \Waterloo.
- Well, I don't think
we need to trouble you
any further this evening.
We've talked to your guests
and they're all in agreement
about what happened.
The deceased crashed the party,
attempted to abduct the
young lady at gunpoint.
He fell, twisting his ankle.
The gun discharged accidentally,
inflicting a fatal chest wound.
There's a few formalities, of course.
I think they can wait till the morning.
For the moment, I think
the most important thing
is for the young lady to get some rest.
I can imagine what a shock
this has all been for her.
- Yeah, especially seeing as
he already tried it last night.
Bloke was obviously off his nut.
- Yes, I'm afraid you're right.
It's just terrible that
something like this
had to happen on Alison's birthday.
We were looking forward to it so much.
- Yeah, well, um, goodnight.
Sir, Mrs. Finlay.
- Goodnight.
- I'll see you out.
(soft synth music)
(clock ticking)
- Ah.
I feel so dizzy.
I guess I must've passed out again.
- Yes, you did.
- I'm sorry.
I don't know what's wrong with me.
Is it time for the party yet?
- We've called off the party.
The doctor said you're not well enough.
- Well, I guess I oughta
be leaving soon then.
Pete and I have to be
back at work on Monday.
- I'm afraid not, dear.
You're going to be staying here with us.
Peter won't be coming round anymore.
- He won't?
I don't understand.
(clock ticking)
Uh!
Uh!
Uh!
Ah!
Ah!
Ah!
Ah!
Ah!
(soft acoustic guitar music)
Come to me gently
Open your soul to me
In last glow of twilight
I wait for you silently
Come to me sweetly
Come share the night with me
Follow my footsteps
And I'll make you free
Cold and alone
In my prison of stone
How could I have known
How sweet life could be
Come to me softly
Sail to the stars with me
And we'll be together
For eternity
(soft flute music)
(soft synth music)
(tapping on glass)
(tapping on glass continues)
- [Chrissie] All right,
fingers on the glass.
Ali?
What's the matter?
You're not scared, are you?
- I don't know.
I don't know if this is a good idea.
- Oh, it can't hurt you.
Everybody does it.
- Yeah, come on.
Mum and Dad will be home soon.
- Right.
- Now.
Is there a spirit in the room?
(Maureen chuckling)
- Maureen, look, if you don't
want to take this seriously.
- Sorry.
- Is there a spirit in the room?
If there's a spirit in the room,
please move the glass
towards the yes button.
- Oh, nothing's happening.
Can we go home now?
- Shut up, Ali.
Is there a spirit in the room?
Is there a spirit in the room?
Is there anyone there?
(haunting synth music)
If there is a spirit in the room,
please move the glass towards the yes.
Move the glass towards...
It's working.
- Hey, you two pushed it.
- No, we didn't.
Put your finger back.
Come on.
Can you tell us what your name is?
(glass scraping)
A.
(glass scraping)
L.
(glass scraping)
(glass scraping)
S.
Alison?
Your name's Alison?
(glass clinking)
You have a message for Alison.
(glass clinking)
What's the message?
(glass scraping and clinking)
Don't
go.
(glass scraping and clinking)
(glass scraping and clinking)
Birth.
Birthday?
(glass clinking)
- We don't understand.
Who is it?
(glass clattering)
Who is it?
(glass shattering)
- (demonic voice) Uh!
Alison!
- Chrissie?
- Alison!
You have to get away,
away from them
before
birthday.
They want you for Mirne.
Don't let them take you.
- Chrissie, that's not funny.
Stop it.
- Listen!
Have to listen to me.
Terrible danger.
- Who are you?
- Your father.
- What?
(wind howling softly)
- She's coming.
(wind howling softly)
Mirne's coming.
Finding me!
Uh!
(glass shattering)
(wind howling)
Get away from them!
Get away!
(Chrissie screaming)
(bookcase thudding)
(creepy synth music)
(wind howling softly)
(Maureen screaming)
(dramatic synth music)
(soft acoustic guitar music)
(upbeat synth music)
We arrived from a far away land
- Yeah, reckon I'll have this one.
- It's sort of out of
your usual line, isn't it?
Thought you were more into Benny Goodman?
- That's $7.99.
Thanks, Mr. Martin.
- Hey, well, a man has
to broaden his horizons
from time to time.
Thank you.
Save you round about that.
Bye.
(horn honking)
- Oh, it's near enough to closing time.
Might as well get out of here.
- Oh, having lunch with
Don today, are you?
- Alison?
- Yup?
Pack it in, let's call it a day.
Well, so there's another
action-packed week in the life
of a country record seller.
Have a good weekend, you too.
- You too, Maggie.
- See ya.
- See ya.
(Alison chuckling)
- 415817 is the number to call,
24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You can't ask for more than that, can you?
Right, two and a half minutes left
of this sunny Saturday
morning in southeastern
New South Wales.
The full weather details for ya
straight after the midday news.
Jenny, you were my days
Jenny, you were my nights
Jenny, you took my wrongs
And made them feel right
- [Man] Morning, my son.
- [Peter] Good day, mate.
They're all yours.
- Right.
This thing playing up again?
- Yeah, runnin' through the queues.
You have to stop it manually.
- Uh-huh.
- [Alison] Hi.
- Good day.
- Ali.
- Are we finished?
- Got another 30 seconds.
(feedback warbling)
And that's my lot for the day.
It's 15 seconds to 12.
The news coming up and Dave
Ducker to see you safely,
with any luck, sanely
through the afternoon.
Until Monday, this is Pete
Healey wishing you well.
- Thank you, Peter, and it's 12 midday.
- How many times have
I told you not to bring
that thing in here when the mic's on?
You might like the sound of feedback,
but our station manager doesn't.
- Sorry. Forgot.
- Supposed to be taking you out tonight
or something, am I?
- Or something, yeah.
- Oh, well.
Where would you like to go?
- Well, taking into account
our respective bank balances,
I thought maybe we could go to my place.
I could cook us a couple of steaks.
We could watch some television
or go cockroach hunting
or anything else exciting
that may suggest itself.
- Now that sounds like my
idea of a great night out.
You're on.
- [Lieutenant] I just want
you to tell me where you were
when your husband was murdered.
- [Woman] How many times
must I tell you, Lieutenant,
I simply do not remember.
- Got it.
- What?
- I got it all figured out.
It's the two kids.
- Hey?
- The two kids killed the old man.
- What are you talking about?
He died of a heart attack!
- Yeah, but he wouldn't of
if he'd taken the pills.
- He practically swallowed a
whole bottle before he died.
It didn't do him any good.
- Because the kid switched the pills.
Remember the missing vitamin tablets.
Then when the secretary came in,
he found the body, and he stuck-
- Can we just watch the program, please?
- I'm right, you'll see.
I'm always right.
- [Man] All you have to do
is remain perfectly calm.
(phone dial whirring)
Now why don't you go
upstairs and get some rest?
- [Woman] All right, I'll try.
(phone dial clicking)
- [Man] Goodnight, my dear.
(phone dial ticking)
(door clicking)
(phone dial ticking)
Who's there?
(phone dial ticking)
(phone ringing)
Is someone there?
- Yeah?
(woman screaming)
- [Jennifer] Alison.
- Oh, hi Auntie Jenny.
Hang on a tick.
Long distance.
Hi, how are you?
- I'm very well, dear.
And you?
- [Alison] Terrific.
How's Uncle Dean?
- Oh, he's quite well, dear.
He sends you his love.
- [Alison] Give him mine.
- I'll do that.
Alison, we wondered when
you'd be coming home.
- Home.
- Well, yes, dear.
For your birthday next week.
We thought you might be coming home.
- You know I'd love to, Aunt Jenny,
but I'd have to get time
off work and everything
and it's just-
- I know that, dear, but I
thought if they understand
how important it was, they wouldn't mind.
Well, just for a few days.
- Well, I don't really understand why
it's so important, either.
I mean, if it was my 21st
or something, but it's not.
It's just another birthday.
- Alison, I didn't want to
have to tell you this yet,
but, well, it's your Uncle Dean.
He really isn't very well.
The doctors, well, they say
he hasn't a lot of time.
- Oh, no.
- I don't want you to
worry, but you know how much
he loves you and how much your birthdays
have always meant to him, and it, well,
it might be the last
chance the family have
to be all together.
- Oh, Aunt Jenny, I'm so sorry.
I don't know what else to say.
I had no idea.
- How could you?
But do you see now why
it would mean so much
to have you home here with us?
On your birthday?
- I'll come, of course I'll come.
- Oh, that's wonderful, dear.
It'll make Uncle Dean very happy.
When can we expect you?
- Uh, as soon as I can get there.
I don't know, maybe tomorrow.
- Whenever you can.
And we'll have your old
room all ready for you.
And I'll give Uncle Dean your love.
Goodbye, dear.
She's coming.
- Problem?
- I have to go home.
It's my birthday on Wednesday
and I have to go home for it.
- You don't sound too thrilled.
- It's my 19th birthday.
- Ah.
- Well, I was sort of
warned once that I shouldn't
go home for my 19th birthday.
- Why not?
- I don't know.
- You want to tell me about it?
- Ah, couple of years back
when I was still at school
I sort of got involved
in a ouija board seance.
One of the other girls, Chrissie,
said I was in danger from
a person called Mirne.
And it was somehow connected
with my 19th birthday.
It's really freaky.
Everything went crazy.
Furniture started blowing around the room
and Chrissie kind of lunged forward
and grabbed at this pendant.
Then the bookcase fell on
her and it all stopped.
I don't remember much after that.
There were police and ambulance,
but I don't remember much about it.
- Why police and ambulance?
- Chrissie.
She was dead.
- Oh, wow.
- Oh, I know how it must sound,
but that's what happened.
I guess that's why I'm a bit uptight about
going home right now.
- Then don't.
- Oh, I owe them that much.
- Who?
- My aunt and uncle.
They've always been really good to me.
They've looked after me
all my life as if I were
their own daughter.
My mum and dad were killed in an accident
when I was a baby.
There's always been just
Aunt Jenny and Uncle Dean.
Always there when I wanted them,
never asking for anything in return.
I can hardly turn my back on them now.
- But you're still uptight about going.
- Yeah.
- Okay, how about if I come with you?
My old man lives in Sydney
and I'm overdue for holidays.
- Yeah?
That would be great.
Thanks.
What time do you think we'll get there?
- Should be there about half past four.
- Suppose you're worrying
what kind of a nut
you've got yourself involved with
after all that stuff I
laid on you last night.
- No.
- Do you believe in ghosts,
possessions, all that?
- 1 did a program on
it a couple years back.
Some of the things I
saw shook me up a bit.
Banns in some near places so on account
I decided to leave it alone after that.
I don't really know what I think about it.
- You never told me about that.
- Well, I didn't know then
that you were interested
in the subject.
- I'm not, but ever since that night
I've kind of had the
feeling that the subjects
are interested in me.
It's just up ahead where those trees are.
- Tree? What trees?
I don't see any trees.
Oh. (sighing)
- Having a little pain there?
- Oh, just a slight
touch of acute gangrene.
Nothing to worry about.
- Well, I wouldn't mention
it in front of Aunt Jenny,
not unless you want to get hit with one of
her famous medicinal potions.
- Ah-ha.
- A brew for every occasion,
and an occasion for every brew.
My stomach and I did not
have any easy childhood.
- You seem to have survived all right.
- Alison!
- Hi, Aunt Jenny.
- Oh, dear.
Let me look.
Well, you haven't been eating properly.
How often have I told
you natural nutrition
is the key to good health?
Never mind.
Should get some color in those cheeks.
You must be Peter.
- Now look who we have here.
- [Alison] Hi, Uncle Dean.
(Dean laughing)
- Mmm, my dear child, you
look absolutely radiant.
And anyone who says you're
not will have to answer to me.
Country life obviously agrees with you.
- Dean, this is Alison's young man, Peter.
- Oh, nice to meet you,
young man, I'm sure.
- Hi.
- Look, Dean.
She's wearing the pendant.
I hope it's not because
you're visiting us.
- Of course not.
You know I always wear it.
- It was a gift from
her Uncle Dean, you see.
He gave it to her when
she first came to us
when she was, well, just a tiny baby.
- Come on, my dear.
Peter doesn't want to hear about all that.
Here, I'll take these.
- I know what you're thinking.
He doesn't look ill.
But he's trying hard not to show it
and he doesn't know I've told you.
Thank you for bringing Alison home, Peter.
It was really nice meeting you.
- You're welcome.
You gonna be okay?
- [Alison] Yup.
- All right then.
See you tomorrow.
- [Alison] Mmm-hmm.
- [Jennifer] Come along inside, dear.
(engine cranking)
(engine rumbling)
(horn honking)
- My god, it's the kid.
- Sure is.
Hey, can I borrow the living room sofa
for a couple of days?
- I guess so.
What is this?
A snap inspection or something?
- Well, I tried to call you last night
to let you know I was coming,
and again first thing this morning,
but you, uh, didn't seem to be home.
- No, well, uh, I guess I wasn't.
You're looking reasonably fit, anyway.
- You, too.
And still making more money than you know
what to do with judging by
that Rover in the driveway.
- Oh, that.
Just a cardboard cutout.
Came off the side of a Corn Flakes packet.
- I thought so, but I
wasn't gonna say anything
just in case you didn't
want the neighbors to know.
- I put Alison's things in her room.
- Thanks, Uncle Dean.
- Why don't you go upstairs and unpack
while I wash up down here?
I've tidied up your cupboards.
You'll find lots of space
to hang your clothes.
- Oh, I don't have that much to unpack.
I might take a walk down the backyard,
stretch my legs a bit.
- Well, don't go down
past the old stone fence.
It's terribly overgrown down there.
There are snakes and spiders
and, oh, goodness knows what.
- You know, I'm starting
to wonder what you two
are hiding down there.
- How do you mean, dear?
- Well, you used to tell
me that when I was a kid.
What sinister secret lies hidden
behind the old stone wall?
- Well, I don't know if there
are any vampires down there,
but there certainly are snakes.
Your Uncle Dean was
nearly bitten by one, oh,
just two weeks ago.
We don't want you spending your birthday
in hospital, do we?
- No, suppose not.
(birds chirping)
(soft acoustic guitar music)
(birds chirping)
(suspenseful synth music)
(birds chirping)
(door creaking)
(footsteps crunching)
(leaves rustling)
(suspenseful synth music)
(wind howling)
(creepy breathing)
(suspenseful synth music)
(creepy breathing)
(psychotic synth music)
(birds chirping)
(soft acoustic guitar music)
(footsteps crunching)
- We thought you'd gone to sleep out here.
- Oh.
- Jennifer's got your dinner on the table.
- I went down the back.
- Ooh, you shouldn't have done that.
Your aunt's right about
those snakes and crawlies.
I must go in there and clean
it up one of these days.
- 1 didn't see any snakes,
but I saw something else that
I thought was pretty strange.
- Oh? What was that?
- There's a kind of clearing with some
old stone blocks in it.
Sort of like a miniature Stonehenge.
- That's exactly what it is.
Man who built this house
was an amateur astronomer.
He was one of the first
to come up with the idea
that the ancient British monuments were
primitive observatories,
so he had that scale
model built to try out
some of his theories.
- Oh.
- Now, how about we go in and try out
some of Aunt Jenny's roast
beef and Yorkshire pudding?
- All right.
- [Jennifer] Alison, you're
wanted on the phone, dear.
Peter.
- [Alison] Oh.
- Don't be long.
Food will get cold.
- Hi.
- Hi.
- [Alison] What's up?
- Nothin'.
Just got the feeling a
might lonesome, is all.
- Yeah, me too.
- So, how are things?
- Oh, okay, I guess.
- [Peter] I guess?
- No, everything's fine.
How about you?
- Alison?
- Ah, I better go.
Mealtime.
See you tomorrow, huh?
- Okay, I'll see you tomorrow.
(soft acoustic music)
(clock ticking)
- I'm exhausted!
(Dean laughing)
- Of course you are.
Too old fogies like your aunt and me,
rambling on till all hours.
It's enough to exhaust anyone.
- Now you know that's not true.
I'm just tired from the
drive down, that's all.
- Still, it was naughty of
us to keep you up so late.
- It's like stepping back into time
to my childhood.
It's like you've had the whole room
wrapped up in cellophane and took it out
five minutes before I walked in.
- Well, it is your room, dear.
We thought we'd like to leave
everything just as it was,
ready for you to come home
whenever you wanted to.
And now here you are, back with us.
- I'm only here for a
couple of days, Aunt Jenny.
- I know that, dear.
I brought you a cup of herbal chocolate.
Help you sleep.
- Another one of your secret potions?
- Yes, and it's a natural
vitamin tonic as well,
so drink it up, nice and hot.
- Come along, my love.
Alison's gotta get some sleep.
- Goodnight, dear.
- Goodnight.
(acoustic guitar strumming)
(soft acoustic guitar music)
(crickets chirping)
(clock ticking)
(door creaking)
(wheels creaking)
(suspenseful synth music)
(guitar thudding)
(Alison screaming)
(Alison panic breathing)
- Grandmother Thorne,
what are you doing here?
You're not supposed to be out of bed.
Dean, take her back to her room.
It's all right, Alison, dear.
There's no need to be alarmed.
It's only Grandmother Thorne.
- Who the hell is Grandmother Thorne?
- She's your great-grandmother.
She's come out from England
to be here for your birthday.
- You never told me I
had a great-grandmother.
- I'm sure we have.
You've forgotten, that's all.
Well, she hasn't seen you since you were
just a tiny baby.
Was very silly of her
getting out of bed like that.
She's 103 years old and the trip out here
was almost too much for her.
The doctors say she has to stay in bed
for a day or two and rest.
We didn't tell you she was here.
Well, we wanted to surprise you.
- She sure did that.
- Well, I imagine she was
so excited at the thought
of seeing you, she just couldn't resist
taking a little peek.
Now, try and get a good
night's sleep, dear.
Goodnight.
- Oh, boy.
- Morning, dear.
You sleep well?
- [Alison] Yeah.
- Alison, Grandmother
Thorne asked me to say
that she was sorry about last night.
She didn't mean to frighten you.
- Oh, that's okay.
I guess I kind of overreacted a bit.
- I told her you'd understand.
She wanted me to take
you to visit in her room,
but I had to say no.
She's gotta rest and build up her strength
for your party.
Now, what would you like for breakfast?
- Oh, I'll just fix myself some
toast and have a cup of tea.
Peter will be here soon.
- Are you planning to go out then?
- Oh, we thought we might take a run up
to one of the beaches.
- Oh.
Well, we were rather hoping
you'd spend the day with us.
We haven't seen you in such a long time.
- Oh, that's right.
And there's lots to talk about.
Arrangements for the party and all that.
Well, your relatives will be coming.
Patrick, Ivy, your cousin
Richard, Aunt Marjorie.
- Auntie Iris is flying
down from Queensland.
Now you haven't seen her,
I don't know how-
(doorknocker rapping)
- That'll be Pete.
Um, look, I won't stay out late.
I'll talk to you about it tonight, okay?
- Have a nice day.
- [Peter] 103 and she's
still spritely enough to go
prowling around the house
in the middle of the night.
- Well, I wouldn't
exactly call her spritely.
She is the oldest-looking
person I've ever seen,
especially those eyes.
The way she kept staring at me,
so cold and kind of hungry.
Something else I noticed, too.
She was wearing a pendant
exactly the same as this one.
- Well, maybe they're a set.
You know, family heirlooms or something.
- Maybe.
There's something about that house, Pete.
I guess it's always been there,
but I've never really been aware of it.
Now coming back after
being away for so long,
I really feel it.
- How do you mean?
- I don't know, just something.
Last night after I finally got to sleep,
I had nightmares all through the night.
I don't remember much
about them except that
they were pretty frightening.
I remember I kept trying to wake myself up
to get away from whatever
it was, but I couldn't.
I think it was something
to do with the stones.
Down the backyard
there's this weird place,
a kind of stone circle
hidden in the trees.
Pete?
- Yeah?
- This party, will you come?
- Sure.
If you want me to.
- I want you to.
- When is it?
- Wednesday night,
starting at seven o'clock,
the exact time I was
born, so they tell me.
- Well, you've gotta give them
marks for precision, anyway.
Okay, seven o'clock Wednesday.
That should be fun.
Play spin the bottle
with great-granny and all
your old maiden aunts.
We better think about heading back.
Looks like we're gonna
get rained on before long.
- I'd rather not go home just yet.
- Well, we could always
go to my old man's place.
There won't be anyone there.
- Okay.
Silver girl
There was love, there was pain
And I'll never be the same again
(music stops abruptly)
- [Peter] You have something
against my choice of music?
- [Alison] No, I just feel like listening
to the rain for awhile.
- [Peter] Ah, well, why not?
(rain pattering)
- I know it's something we
haven't talked about much,
the way we feel about each other.
Well, I guess there
hasn't been any real need.
But just for the record, in
case you've ever been wondering,
well, I guess I'm kind
of in love with you.
- You are now?
I guess I'm kind of the same.
- Your dad's not likely to walk in, is he?
- Ah, he's pretty broadminded.
Besides, he said he'd like to meet you.
- Yeah, I'd like to meet him, too,
but I prefer it to be a time when I was
dressed and vertical.
- Don't worry.
He's got a competition
shoot on at the pistol club.
He won't be home for hours.
- Oh, that's what I wanted to hear.
(birds chirping)
(Peter sighing)
- Hi.
- [Alison] Hmm.
- It's getting late.
(Alison sighing)
You don't have to go back, do you?
- Ah, it's only a couple more days.
I guess I can handle it.
Come on.
See you later.
(kiss smacking)
Pete, can we go out
again somewhere tomorrow?
- Sure.
We could go for a run up
the mountains, if you like.
- They're not gonna like it.
I can't stay in there all day.
Nights are bad enough.
Will you listen to me?
I sound like a frightened kid.
I wish I could figure out
exactly what it is I'm scared of.
Pete, I'll be glad when Wednesday's over.
- I'll pick you up about
half past eight, okay?
- Okay.
- I wonder if I could have
a word with you, Peter.
- Sure.
- Naturally, it's about Alison.
Her Aunt Jennifer and I
haven't seen her for some time,
and, oh, we're looking forward very much
to having her with us these few days.
I mean, it's only natural
that we'd like her
to spend a little more time at home.
- Well, that's really
up to Alison, isn't it?
- Well, yes, of course,
but we thought perhaps
if you could stay away just a few days,
at least until after Wednesday.
- Sorry, but we've already
made arrangements for tomorrow
and for Wednesday.
- You can't have.
Wednesday's the party.
- I know.
Alison's invited me.
- Well, she had no right to do that.
- It is her party.
- It's a family party.
Just members of the family, that's all.
I'm afraid you won't be able to come.
- Unless Alison says
otherwise, I'll be there.
- Now listen to me, boy.
You're meddling in something
you can't begin to understand.
My advice to you is stay
well away from this house
and from Alison.
- Why?
Because he's my friend, that's why,
and I want him to be here!
- But Alison, you're being very silly.
Now you know that we planned
for just a family party.
Well, no outsiders, just family.
- Besides, it's hardly
fair to your friend.
I mean, you can't expect
him to enjoy himself.
He simply won't fit in.
He doesn't know anybody.
- He knows me!
- [Jennifer] But dear, there aren't
- I'm sorry, Aunt Jenny!
I've invited him, he's
accepted, and that's it!
Now I'm going to bed.
Goodnight.
- Just a minute, young one.
- Oh, listen, Dean, it's
quite obvious that Alison
has made up her mind.
I think we should just, well,
leave it for the moment.
Now Alison, you're not going to bed
without something to eat.
- I'm not hungry.
- Well, at least let
me give you your tonic.
There you are.
There.
There, now try and get
a good night's sleep.
Alison, don't worry.
Everything will be all right.
- The situation with the
boy's become impossible.
Something has to be done.
- Oh, it already has been.
And don't worry, everything
will be all right.
- Good.
(crickets chirping)
(suspenseful synth music)
(Alison moaning)
(group chanting)
(Alison moaning)
(group chanting)
(shimmering synth music)
(Alison moaning)
(flames crackling)
(Alison moaning)
(flames crackling)
(Alison moaning)
- Mirne.
(group chanting)
Mirne.
(group chanting)
Come now angel of the darkest night.
Mistress of the great old ones.
I beg thee come to us.
I, thy humble servant, Isobel Thorne,
offer thee my body.
Come, mistress Mirne.
(group chanting)
Come to me.
Possess me.
(man chanting)
Possess me!
Possess me!
Possess me!
Possess me!
(shimmering synth music)
(wind howling)
(flames crackling)
- [Man] Hail, Mirne.
- [Group] Hail, Mirne.
Hail, Mirne.
Hail, Mirne.
Hail, Mirne.
Hail, Mirne.
Hail, Mirne!
Hail, Mirne!
Hail, Mirne!
Hail, Mirne!
Hail, Mirne!
Hail, Mirne!
(wind howling)
(synth music)
(woman laughing)
(Alison screaming)
(Alison panicking)
(Alison whimpering)
(crickets chirping)
(doorknocker rapping)
- Yes?
- [Peter] I'm here to pick up Ali.
She's expecting me.
- Oh, she hasn't come down yet.
I imagine she's still asleep.
- I'll wait.
- You better come in then.
It's Peter come to see Alison.
- Oh, uh.
Well, I'm sorry, she's still asleep.
I'll go and wake her.
- Pete?
- Ali, what's the matter?
- Dear now!
- Here.
- Let me see.
Dean, take her back to her room.
- I can manage.
- This way.
I wouldn't worry too much.
Mild case of nervous
exhaustion, that's all.
Most important thing is to make sure
she stays in bed and
rests for a day or two.
- Oh, thank you, Doctor.
I'll see she does it.
- Well, I'll be off then.
- Thank you.
- I'll see you out.
Thanks again, Doctor.
- Let me know if you
have anymore problems.
- Yes, of course.
- Excuse me.
Doctor?
- [Doctor] Yes?
- This might sound a bit strange,
but, well, just suppose that
whatever's wrong with Ali
isn't nervous exhaustion.
What else could it be?
- There's no point in supposing.
I assure you that's what it is.
- Look, she's not a nervous
person, not normally.
It's only since she's been in that house
that she's been under pressure.
- What exactly are you suggesting?
- I'm not sure.
That's why I'm asking you.
- I think you're letting your imagination
get the better of you.
She'll be all right in a couple of days.
(Peter sighing)
- You heard what Dr. Lyle said.
She needs to rest.
I'm sure she'll call you
when she's feeling better.
- [Peter] What about the party?
- In view of Alison's illness,
it will of course have to be canceled.
Now if you'll excuse me.
(door clicking)
(phone dial whirring)
- Yes, I'm trying to
find the telephone number
for a Dr. Lyle.
He's not listed in the directory
and I don't know the address.
I thought it might've
been in your listing.
Thanks.
What, no listing at all?
Thanks for your trouble.
(phone dial whirring)
Hello, Mrs. Finlay.
It's Pete Healey here.
Yeah, I was wondering if
I could speak to Alison.
- I'm afraid not, Peter.
She's still asleep.
But when she wakes I'll
tell her you called.
- Okay, thanks.
(Peter sighing)
(engine rumbling)
(buggy creaking)
(suspenseful music)
(footsteps crunching)
(suspenseful music)
(handle thudding)
(suspenseful music)
(Alison moaning)
- Ali.
Ali!
It's okay, hon.
It's only me.
- Pete.
- You all right?
- I think so.
It's just,
oh, wow.
- What?
- I was having the
granddaddy of all nightmares.
Same as before, only this
time I can remember it.
There were a whole lot of people chanting
some sort of black magic ceremony.
And Aunt Jenny and Uncle Dean
and Grandma Thorne were there,
and I was there, too, only it wasn't me.
And it's all mixed up.
Oh, Pete, what is happening to me?
- Nothing, baby, nothing.
It's only a dream.
It can't hurt ya.
Just a dream.
- I'm glad to see you.
Do they know you're here?
Afraid they don't approve of you.
- Yeah, well, that works both ways.
- Oh, they're good people, Pete.
It's just that they're locked into this
little gingerbread
house fantasy of theirs.
They can't accept the fact that
I'm not part of it anymore.
Trying like mad to pretend
I'm still eight years old,
especially Uncle Dean.
And I guess it doesn't make it any easier
to have you knocking on the
door every five minutes.
- Maybe.
I'm starting to wonder if it
isn't something more than that.
- How do you mean?
- I'm not sure yet.
I think I'll have a look around.
- What for?
- If I knew that, I wouldn't have to look.
Where do your aunt and uncle sleep?
I don't want to go bumping into them.
- Ah, the other side of the stairs.
- Okay, I won't be long.
You take it easy.
(suspenseful music)
(crickets chirping)
(suspenseful music)
(door creaking)
(suspenseful music)
(clock ticking)
(dramatic music)
Come on, I'm getting you out of here.
- What's the matter?
- There's something pretty
weird going on in this place,
and I've got a feeling
it's not a good place
for you to be right now.
Come on, get your things together.
You all right?
- Yeah, I think so.
- Look, I'll do that.
You get dressed.
(creepy synth music)
- [Jennifer] Go back to bed, Alison.
- I'm sorry, Aunt Jenny.
I don't want to stay here anymore.
I'll call you in the morning
and let you know what I'm doing.
- Go back to bed, Alison.
- Come on.
Would you mind moving aside
and letting us through?
In case you haven't
realized, Ali is over 18.
That means you can't tell her what to do
and you can't make her
stay here against her will.
Let us through.
- Excuse me.
(creepy synth music)
- Pete!
(Alison screaming)
- Jenny!
(hand smacking)
- I want you to listen to me, Alison.
Listen to me very closely.
You hear my voice.
Only my voice.
And you know that what I'm
about to tell you is the truth.
- I don't know what we would've done
if Dr. Lyle hadn't been here.
It seems he's something of an expert
on nerve pressure points.
He managed to subdue the young man
before any real harm was done.
- I think he's waking up.
- Where's Ali?
- Your name Peter Healey?
- Where is she?
- You wanna tell us how you
come to be on these premises?
- Not particularly.
- Now don't get smart with me, son.
According to Mrs. Finlay,
you've broken into the premises
and attempted forcibly to
abduct a young woman member
of the household.
- The young woman is a friend of mine,
and these people were
holding her against her will.
I was just trying to help
her get away from them!
- It's ridiculous, Sergeant.
This young man has been pestering my niece
day and night since she came here.
- [Dean] Apparently
he's a former boyfriend,
but he refuses to accept the
fact that she doesn't want
anything more to do with him.
- Look, all you have to do is ask Al.
She'll tell you what really happened.
- I'd rather she wasn't disturbed.
- Surprise, surprise.
They don't want you to talk to her.
I wonder why.
- As I was about to say, I'd
rather she wasn't disturbed,
but it does seem as
though it's the only way
to settle this matter, so I
suggest we get it over with.
- [Dean] She's in her room.
- Alison.
Will you tell the Sergeant
as briefly as you can
what happened last night?
- I woke up and he was
standing beside the bed.
He threatened to kill me
if I didn't go with him.
- What?
Ali, what's the matter with you?
- Have you ever had anything
to do with him before tonight?
- I went out with him a couple of times.
I realized the sort of person he was.
He frightened me.
I asked him to leave me
alone, but he wouldn't.
- [Sergeant] I see, and you've
done nothing to give him
the impression that
you are being held here
against your will?
That you needed help?
- No.
- All right. Thank you, miss.
I don't think we need
trouble you any further.
- Oh, now hold on.
Look it, can't you see
they've done something to her?
Look, she's drugged or something.
- Outside.
- I'm telling you the truth.
You wanna see what sort of place this is.
Take a look in the old lady's room.
See for yourself the sort
they've got in there.
- Sergeant, my husband's
grandmother is a very old lady.
A trifle eccentric.
She plays with tarot cards
and astrology charts,
but it's all perfectly harmless.
But if you'd like to see for yourself.
- No, your niece told
me all I need to know.
Come on.
Just get a few more particulars from you.
We'll take him down and charge him.
- Yes, certainly.
- Sergeant, if you don't need me,
I'd like to stay with Alison for awhile.
- Yes, of course, Mrs. Finlay.
We'll call you when we need you.
- Thank you.
They're charging him.
- Good.
- That should put an
end to his interfering.
- Not necessarily.
He'll most likely be out
on bail in the morning.
We'd better have someone keep
an eye on him just in case.
- All right.
- It's after midnight.
It's Wednesday now.
Alison's birthday.
-So itis.
Only a few more hours left to go.
You know, Jeremy, Dean and I have become
rather fond of Alison.
In a way I'm almost sorry.
- You surprise me, Jennifer.
That kind of sentimentality's
extremely inappropriate
to someone in your position
with your responsibilities.
- I didn't-
- You know as well as
I do she has a destiny
and she must fulfill it.
Nothing must be allowed
to stand in the way.
- I know that.
- Mirne has been waiting
a long time for Alison.
- [Peter] Thanks for coming down,
bailing me out and everything.
- That's okay.
But do me a favor.
Don't go wandering too far away.
I've got quite an investment
in you at the moment.
- Don't worry.
- And sometime when you feel in the mood,
you might like to tell me what
really happened last night.
- Yeah, I will.
Thanks again.
- Want a lift?
- No, I've gotta go and
see a friend of mine.
Car's just across the road.
- Well, keep out of trouble.
- I'll try.
See you tonight.
(traffic humming)
(suspenseful synth music)
(bell ringing)
(door clicking)
- Pete!
- [Peter] How are ya, Sal?
- Wonderful.
Oh, what have you been doing?
Must be, what, two years?
Oh, come on in.
It's really terrific to see you.
Coffee?
- Now to that I would not say no.
- Sit down.
- I see you're still pretty
heavily into things occult.
- No, don't take too
much notice of the decor.
It's just to impress the customers.
- The what?
- I've gone commercial.
I do charts.
- With astrology?
- Yeah.
- Uh-huh.
What about all that other
stuff you used to be into?
Witchcraft, seances and all that?
- Oh, no.
Got out of that scene
when I started to realize
just what sort of things
I was playing around with.
Dangerous games, those.
- [Peter] Mmm.
- Got a problem, Pete?
- Yeah.
- [Sally] Something I can help with?
- I was kind of hoping.
That mean anything to you?
- Yeah, I've got a feeling
I've seen it somewhere.
Offhand I can't remember where.
Must be a pretty obscure
one or I'd know it.
Any clues?
- Well, I don't know if
there's a connection,
but there's a name.
Something like Mirne.
- Mirne?
Yeah, rings a bell.
Yeah, Celtic, I think.
Yeah, here it is. Mirne.
M-I-R-N-E.
In ancient Celtic mythology,
a powerful female demon,
worshiped by Celtic magicians,
later by some Druid sects.
Said to dwell within stone.
Her color blue, her ritual number 19.
That's all.
Hey, come on.
What's this all about?
- Wish I knew.
If you've got time, I'll
tell you the whole story.
As much of it as I know.
And see if it makes any sense to you.
(suspenseful synth music)
- I agree with you, Pete.
I don't like the sound of it.
I think you better get
your friend out of there.
- I tried last night, remember?
Didn't get very far.
Besides, the way she is now,
I doubt if she'd come with me.
Somehow they've managed
to turn her against me.
- From your description,
I'd say that's just
some form of hypnosis.
Probably only temporary.
- Hypnosis?
I don't think you can hypnotize
a person against their will.
- You can if you go
about it the right way.
That's not important.
What worries me is, well,
let's assume these people
are members of some modern-day
Mirne worshiping cult.
The most important number
in all of their ceremonies
would be Mirne's ritual number, 19.
Look at Alison.
According to what you've told me,
at seven o'clock tonight, which
is the 19th hour of the day,
she'll be exactly 19 years old.
And I wouldn't mind betting
it goes further than that.
The ancient Celtic magicians
had a complex star calendar
as the basis for their ceremonies.
Looking on that calendar,
today is the 19th day of their year.
So you see, to them Alison
would be a very special person.
And tonight, a very special night.
What are you gonna do?
- Get her out of there.
I'll bring a shotgun if I have to.
- Well, hold on.
Before you do that, let's
find out everything we can
about them and about Alison.
What do you know about her
background, her real parents?
- Nothing.
I don't think she knows
much about them herself.
- One thing we do know about
her birth is the time of it.
How about checking
newspaper files for the days
immediately following?
If there's a birth notice,
there's the name of the parents,
maybe an address.
- How is that gonna help?
- Maybe it won't, but it's worth a look.
While you're doing that,
I'll check through everything
in the house, see if I
can find out anything
about the Mirne cults
surviving into modern times.
- Okay, I'll get back to you.
Sal? Thanks.
(door clicking)
(soft acoustic guitar music)
(pages rustling)
- Oh, I'm sorry.
We can't give out that
sort of information.
Not without authorization.
- Whose authorization?
- The person concerned.
In this case, Ms. Baker or her parents.
- Look, her parents were
killed nearly 20 years ago
in a car accident.
And Ms. Baker, well, if
she's who I think she is,
well, she's a friend of mine.
That's what I want to find out.
Whether she really is the same person.
- Well, I'm sorry.
- Okay, look.
If I give you a description of my friend
and you check it against your records,
all you'll have to do is say yes or no.
You won't be giving me any
information I don't already have.
Please?
(woman sighing)
(papers rustling)
- All right, describe her.
- Um, she's got brown hair and hazel eyes.
- Don't know much about babies, do you?
They're all born with blue eyes
and hair coloring usually changes
after the first couple of months.
- What else is there?
- You tell me.
- She's sort of got a red mark
in the middle of her back,
but I don't know if, I forgot
the most obvious thing.
The girl I'm looking for
was born at exactly 7:00pm.
- Check.
- Look, um, suppose a
person or a group of people
wanted to get hold of a baby that was born
at a specific time.
Well, how would they go about it?
- By get a hold, do you mean steal?
- Yeah.
- Well, for starters
they'd need to have someone
working on the inside.
Someone with access to
records of all the hospitals
in the area, and access
to maternity wards.
- Uh-huh.
Like a doctor.
- [Dean] Hello?
Yes, he's here.
Jeremy, it's for you.
Michael.
- Well, what's happening?
- [Michael] He spent an hour going through
old newspaper files.
Now he's at the hospital asking questions.
- I see.
Very well, he's had his chance,
and we're at the stage
now where we can't afford
to risk any further interference.
Kill him.
- All right.
I'll call the others.
(phone dial whirring)
(sirens wailing)
(engine cranking)
(engine revving)
(upbeat acoustic music)
(engine rumbling)
(upbeat acoustic music)
(tires squealing)
(engine rumbling)
(upbeat acoustic music)
(tires squealing)
(suspenseful music)
(birds chirping)
(creepy synth music)
(dramatic synth music)
(groovy synth music)
(dramatic synth music)
(Peter screaming)
- Hold him.
(shirt ripping)
(suspenseful music)
- Just before you do that,
there's something I think you oughta know.
- Oh?
- I know all about Alison.
Your doctor allowed taking
her from the hospital
because she happened to be
born at exactly the right time.
And you killed her real parents to avoid
any complications later.
- You've obviously done your homework,
which, of course, is the
reason you have to die.
- Something else I know, too.
Something I found from hospital records.
Lyle took the wrong baby.
- That's impossible.
- Alison Baker was born
at 70 minutes past seven.
The one that was born at
your magic seven o'clock
was the daughter of another
couple named Bleaker.
Lyle obviously got the names mixed up
because of their similarity.
At any rate, he took
Alison and left the one
you really wanted behind.
- You don't expect us to believe that?
- I can prove it.
Get these swamp zombies
off me and I'll show you.
(dramatic music)
Back!
Back or I'll kill him!
- Don't worry about me! Get him!
(dramatic synth music)
(groovy synth music)
(wood clattering)
(engine revving)
(engine rumbling)
- Keys!
- Forget it.
You won't catch him now.
Let me see those.
Copy of a police record of interview.
Something he had in his pocket.
- Then he was lying about
Alison being the wrong one.
- Of course.
- What if he goes to the police?
- I doubt that he will after last night,
but if he does we'll
simply refuse to let them
into the house without a search warrant.
By the time they get one,
the ceremony will be over.
And after that, it hardly
matters what happens.
No, there's nothing he
can do to stop us now.
(phone ringing)
- Sally Brown.
- [Peter] It's Pete.
- Oh, I just about given you up.
Where are you?
- I'm on my way over to
get Ali out of that place.
I just thought I'd check with you first.
- [Sally] Glad you did.
I've come up with something.
I think you should know about
it before you go out there.
- What is it?
- Look, Pete.
I don't know how seriously
you take these things.
Black magic, summoning
up demons, all that.
- That's something I'd
have to think about, love.
And right now there isn't the time.
What matters is the
Finlays and their friends
take it seriously.
Enough to try and kill me
and do god knows what to Ali,
so whatever it is, let's hear it.
- Okay.
The Mirne cult was revived
in the early 17th century
by a Somerset farm girl
called Isobel Thorne.
She and her followers
used to conduct sabbaths
in the ruins of an old
druid extern circle,
envoking Mirne, inviting
her to take possession
of Isobel's body.
And according to the story,
that's what eventually happened.
- Thorne.
Well, that's the name of the old lady,
the one that's supposed to
be Ali's great-grandmother.
- That would be right.
The story goes that the
demonesque completely took over
the original Isobel Thorne,
and stayed in possession
of the body until she was an old woman.
Then, with the help of her followers,
she transferred to the
body of another young girl.
When she got too old, well,
they just kept repeating
the process every 80 years or so,
and always when a young
girl was possessed by Mirne,
they renamed her Isobel Thorne.
- You're saying that the
old lady in that house
is possessed by some ancient Celtic demon.
- I'm saying that that's
what these people believe.
- But what are they doing
here, for god's sake?
This is hardly 17th century Somerset.
- Apparently the last
time they held a sabbath,
the locals got wind of what was happening.
They still have their own way of dealing
with witches in those parts.
Well, they arrived just as
the ceremony was finishing.
They killed the old woman,
but the young girl and a few members
of the covenant escaped,
disappeared completely.
The theory is that they left the country.
- [Peter] And ended up here.
I see.
- Well, that incident was
fairly well documented,
by the way.
It happened 84 years ago,
and the girl was exactly 19 years old.
That makes her a 103 now,
and from what you've told me,
that's the same age as
Alison's great-grandmother.
- Yeah, except that she's
not really related to Ali.
None of them are.
They kidnapped her from
the hospital when she was
just a baby.
- That's the way they've always done it.
A baby born at the right time,
stolen from the cradle
and brought up by members
of the covenant.
- And that's what this is all about.
They've got Ali picked out
to be the next Isobel Thorne.
- You better get going.
There isn't much time.
- [Peter] Yeah, I'll see
you later, Sal, I hope.
- Pete?
- [Peter] Yeah?
- Look, just in case
what's going on out there
is the real thing, take
some protection with you.
- I am.
I've got one of the old
man's target pistols.
- That's not the sort
of protection I meant.
- Well, what then?
- An old standby, but
still pretty effective.
A cross, preferably a consecrated one.
- Okay. See you.
- Alison.
Alison, dear.
Wake up.
(Alison moaning)
- Come along, dear.
It's time for the party.
Everyone's waiting.
- Well, I feel rotten.
I don't know what's wrong with me.
- You'll feel better
once you're on your feet.
Here, let me help you.
There, is that better?
- Hang on.
I can't go down there like this.
- Nonsense, dear.
Everyone knows you haven't
been feeling very well.
- You're kidding.
I must look terrible.
- No, dear, you look very pretty.
Now, come along.
- Is Pete here?
- No, he telephoned to
say he couldn't come.
- But he promised.
- He might come over later.
Now come along.
We don't want to keep
everyone waiting, do we?
(engine rumbling)
- [Alison] Where are we going?
- Oh, this is Grandmother Thorne's room.
She's still not well
enough to get out of bed,
so we're having everyone
in to say hello to her
before the party starts.
(dramatic synth music)
- Alison.
(dramatic synth music)
One.
Two.
Three.
Prepare her.
(clock ticking)
(engine rumbling)
(engine revving)
(flames crackling)
(wind howling)
(thunder clapping)
Drink, Alison.
(flames crackling)
(thunder clapping)
(flames crackling)
(thunder clapping)
(flames crackling)
Let's begin.
(group chanting)
(thunder clapping)
(group chanting)
Let the way be opened.
Let the link
be formed.
(group chanting)
(clock ticking)
(dramatic synth music)
(tires squealing)
(dramatic synth music)
(engine revving)
(dramatic synth music)
(footsteps clomping)
- Down the backyard there's this place,
a kind of stone circle.
(door slamming)
- [Man] Come on, open the
door or we'll smash it down.
(Peter grunting)
(group chanting)
- [Doctor] Mirne.
Mirne.
Hear me, mistress of the night.
(group chanting)
Come forth and be reborn
in the body of the child.
She is yours.
(thunder clapping)
She awaits you.
Come forth and possess her.
Come forth! Possess her!
Possess her!
- Ali!
Get back!
Get away from her!
Come on! Move!
Ali, wake up!
Come on, we've gotta get out of here!
Ali!
(wind howling)
- The cross! Throw it at them!
Throw it at them!
- Come on!
(thunder clapping)
Uh!
Ah!
It's no good, Ali.
I've wrecked my ankle.
Here, take this.
Get away!
Go on, Ali! Get going!
(wind howling)
- You're a fool to throw away the cross.
If you hadn't, I might still be Alison.
But you did.
And I'm not.
- No.
(gun firing)
(thunder clapping)
(dramatic synth music)
- [Officer] Light blue 10.
John Street, \Waterloo.
- Well, I don't think
we need to trouble you
any further this evening.
We've talked to your guests
and they're all in agreement
about what happened.
The deceased crashed the party,
attempted to abduct the
young lady at gunpoint.
He fell, twisting his ankle.
The gun discharged accidentally,
inflicting a fatal chest wound.
There's a few formalities, of course.
I think they can wait till the morning.
For the moment, I think
the most important thing
is for the young lady to get some rest.
I can imagine what a shock
this has all been for her.
- Yeah, especially seeing as
he already tried it last night.
Bloke was obviously off his nut.
- Yes, I'm afraid you're right.
It's just terrible that
something like this
had to happen on Alison's birthday.
We were looking forward to it so much.
- Yeah, well, um, goodnight.
Sir, Mrs. Finlay.
- Goodnight.
- I'll see you out.
(soft synth music)
(clock ticking)
- Ah.
I feel so dizzy.
I guess I must've passed out again.
- Yes, you did.
- I'm sorry.
I don't know what's wrong with me.
Is it time for the party yet?
- We've called off the party.
The doctor said you're not well enough.
- Well, I guess I oughta
be leaving soon then.
Pete and I have to be
back at work on Monday.
- I'm afraid not, dear.
You're going to be staying here with us.
Peter won't be coming round anymore.
- He won't?
I don't understand.
(clock ticking)
Uh!
Uh!
Uh!
Ah!
Ah!
Ah!
Ah!
Ah!
(soft acoustic guitar music)
Come to me gently
Open your soul to me
In last glow of twilight
I wait for you silently
Come to me sweetly
Come share the night with me
Follow my footsteps
And I'll make you free
Cold and alone
In my prison of stone
How could I have known
How sweet life could be
Come to me softly
Sail to the stars with me
And we'll be together
For eternity
(soft flute music)
(soft synth music)