MovieChat Forums > Murder by Phone (1982) Discussion > Why The Low Rating?

Why The Low Rating?

posted 13 years ago by filmbuff1974
8 replies | jump to latest

I thought "Bells" was much more engaging than many of the horror films from the eighties. I gave it a 8 out of 10.

Live Full & Die Empty. Tap Your Potential and Realise Your Dreams!

[–] WarpedRecord 12 years ago

Hello, Filmbuff1974: We must peruse the same thrift stores, because I always see you on the boards for these Grade-A B-movies!

I think this is a solid effort, very entertaining and a little ridiculous (well, maybe more than a little ...). I didn't rate it quite as high as you did, but it's a solid 7/10 in my book. Richard Chamberlain is terrific here, it's always great to see John Houseman, but the real star of this film are the special effects once the unfortunate victim picks up the phone.

[–] filmbuff1974 12 years ago

Hey, WarpedRecord!

Yeah, there are a few of us that keep watching the same eighties B-movies and then hitting the same message boards. It's all good!

I always get a kick out of seeing the distinguished John Houseman slumming in these low budget efforts. Remember, this was the stage play theater producer who collaborated with Orson Welles. You just know John Houseman probably could barely keep himself from cracking up before the cameras stopped rolling!

Live Full & Die Empty. Tap Your Potential and Realise Your Dreams!

[–] WarpedRecord 12 years ago

Indeed. It's almost comical to see John Houseman in this decidedly low-brow film with his perfect enunciation. If he saw films like this beneath him, which I suspect he did, he didn't let it show. At least actors of his generation could still get roles in horror films in the '80s.

[–] JozaCousin2 12 years ago

When I saw this movie in the early 90's it was titled "Bells", not "Murder by Phone" as listed in Richard Chamberlain's filmography. I particularly liked the touch after the credits where a phone rang. It was chilling to the point that you didn't want to answer a phone for a while.

[–] filmbuff1974 12 years ago

The movie worked. I forget how effective these movies worked on the large screen in a movie theater with a receptive audience. Seeing these movies on a small screen ( I watch all my movies on a computer screen) really diminishes the effectiveness of the scare factor.

Live Full & Die Empty. Tap Your Potential and Realise Your Dreams!

[–] cultfilmbuff 11 years ago

Above 5 is not low on imdb.

[–] shred-com 8 years ago

I'd give it like a 6/10. It was quite good, and had some good acting, but it's just a tad stuffy, and it feels a bit too much like a TV movie. However I liked the plot, and I found the investigation scenes entertaining.

[–] greenbudgie (2355) 3 years ago

I reckon on 6/10 too. Seeing people blown across the room were the best parts for me. And the underground train station scenes. I reckon the woman hobo lives down there.