An American Haunting (2005) - full transcript
In 2006, in Red River, Tennessee, a teenager has frequent nightmares. Her mother reads an old letter from 1817 written by her ancestor, Lucy Bell. After a dispute of lands judged by the church, her husband John Bell is cursed by his opponent Kathe Batts, who has a fame of being a witch. From this moment on, an entity threatens John and her daughter Betsy Bell, attacking the girl during the nights. With the support of Betsy's school teacher Richard Powell, who tries to find rational explanations for the manifestation; her brother John Bell Jr.; and their friend James Johnston, who unsuccessfully tries to exorcize the entity from the house, the family does their best to protect Betsy in the haunted house.
[whispers]
[panting]
[slamming]
Aah!
Jane, it's Mommy.
Look at me!
Jane?
Jane.
No!
Oh, thank God!
Did you have another
nightmare, honey?
Let's get you into
a nice, hot bath, huh?
Can I do it later?
Please.
All right.
But you have to get
ready for your father.
It's his weekend with you.
I know.
What's this?
I found it in the attic.
Honey, you know
the attic's off-limits.
I'm sorry.
Just don't do
it again, okay?
I know how you feel.
[Man reading]
"November 1848.
"I hoped that no one
would ever find cause
"to open this letter.
"If you have, I must assume
that unexplainable--
"or even supernatural events
have begun to occur.
"The story of
the Bell Witch
has always been considered
to be a tall tale."
Come on, slow down!
[Man reading]
"This is not so!
Please, read this journal
with great care,
for its contents may
save your life."
Now where are you gonna go?
Just one kiss.
No, Joshua.
Leave that young lady alone!
[giggling]
[whispering]
Did he try to kiss you again?
Isn't there something you
should be doing, Miss Bell?
I'm sorry, Mother.
I was thinking about
something else.
Probably about torturing
poor Joshua.
You really should be
nicer to him, Betsy.
A woman must keep a man
on his toes at all times.
Isn't that what
you taught me?
I taught you no
such thing, Betsy Bell.
I'm gonna make Joshua
love me forever.
Well then, you better
stop mistreating him.
You think I was
too hard on him?
Just a little bit.
What would I do without you?
Oh, you'd just shrivel
up and blow away.
Now, don't forget
your school work.
I won't.
Good evening, Mr. Johnston.
Hi, thank you.
Ah.
...wiped his mouth,
and then he took hold
of the wheel at the axle,
and in an instant,
that carriage was up
and out of that snowbank as if
10 men had had a hold of it.
10!
10.
Speak of the devil!
I thought you'd
gotten lost.
I am not so stewed
that I can't find
the farm next door.
I was telling them about you
and that carriage last winter.
Not yet.
Who has the drink?
You're three sheets
to the wind already.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
That's all right, they
were just having fun.
Oh!
Theny!
Is there not a tradition
connected to mistletoe,
Professor Powell?
Well...
[laughing]
Yes.
Elizabeth Bell, it
is not appropriate
for a student to place
a teacher in such
a compromising situation.
You know better than
that, precious.
Well, it is Christmas, Father.
And I'm simply attempting
to learn the traditions.
Who better to learn from
than one's teacher?
My prize pupil
always seems to have
a ready answer
for everything, John.
Would you settle
for a dance, Betsy?
Oh, John, let them
have their dance.
May I steal Ms. Bell
for a dance?
I promise not
to step on your toes.
[laughs]
[wind blowing]
[distant crying]
John?
[footsteps from above]
[crying]
[clock ticking]
[crying]
[footsteps]
[gasps]
Oh, John.
I heard noises on the roof.
It's coming from the attic.
Squirrels?
No, it's too loud
for squirrels.
It's the third time I've
heard it in as many nights.
I hadn't heard
it at all.
You sleep so sound,
you don't even feel me
get out of bed.
Yes, I do.
Listen.
It stopped.
Stopped.
What was it?
Probably that witch
trying to wear me out
before tomorrow's trial.
Oh, bite your tongue,
John Bell.
[creaking]
[heavy breathing]
[Woman]
The man's a lying pig!
[Man]
Miss Batts!
[Batts]
He stole my land!
Miss Batts.
We have heard your
side of the story.
Please allow John Bell
to finish his.
So we offered her the use
of our slave, Samuel,
and the loan of $100
in exchange for our use of
that small piece of her land
that abuts our own.
At 20% interest.
We shook on it.
Spit and shook.
I gave you two
harvests to pay
and you didn't
pay for it,
so you forfeited
the land.
[gavel]
It was a fair
price for it.
20% interest?
Well, seemed like
a reasonable charge
under the circumstances
given her reputation.
John Bell, you
broke Church law.
20% interest under
Church canon
is usury.
Miss Batts' land will
be returned to her.
What about my timber?
He took it off my land
and sold it.
You would not have allowed
the cutting of the wood
had you not received
that money
and the use of the slave.
But he broke Church law.
You have the $100
and Samuel's work.
The profit on the land
is John Bell's.
His loss, the loss
of his good name,
is punishment enough.
[Crowd muttering]
That's their punishment
for you, John Bell.
Just wait until
you see mine.
Your witchery can't
touch me, woman.
Treasure your land,
health, and happy family
while you can.
For I swear a dreadful
darkness will fall upon you.
You, and your
precious daughter, too.
[Man reading]
"Kate Batts.
"Well, she was feared by
everyone in the village.
"They were all convinced
she was a witch.
"So the Bells took her
cursing them very seriously.
"At the time, I didn't
believe in curses,
"ghosts or spirits.
I do now."
[bird call]
[wind howling]
[snarling]
[gunshot]
[snarling]
John.
Father, you all right?
Yeah, uh--
We got it, Father.
The wolf?
Wolf?
We shot a deer.
Come see it, Father.
[growling]
Father?
I heard it.
Back there.
[growling]
[growling]
Keep your eyes peeled.
He's black as pitch.
[growling]
[snarling]
[footsteps]
[growling]
[scratching at window]
Mama, Mama, Mama!
Oh, what are
we going through?
[panting]
[footsteps]
[growling, panting]
[Disembodied voice]
Shh!
[crash]
[wind howling]
[snarling]
Betsy, what was that cry?
Mother, there's
something in my room!
There's something
in my room!
Oh, the wind blew
the window open.
I'll close it.
No!
There's something in here.
It got inside.
Well, there doesn't seem to
be anything here now, Betsy.
It was probably just
mice, darling.
I don't think so, Mother.
Let's go find
your brothers.
Come along.
[eerie whispering]
[growling]
Let's go find that
big, scary mouse.
Yay!
[gunshot]
[footsteps]
[latch opening]
Everyone all right?
We're fine.
Let's get back to bed.
You could've killed us.
It was young John.
He shot a musket
into the house.
It discharged accidental.
He shot a musket into
the house, John.
[John]
We were taken aback.
I can't get Kate Batts
out of my head.
John, what's done is done.
The Church has had its say,
and that's that.
So just put it
out of your mind.
[heavy breathing]
Now, class, who
were the couriers
ordered to
ride to Concord
to warn that the
British were coming?
Yes, Theny Thorne?
Paul Revere, Samuel Prescott,
and William Dawes.
Right, Fanny.
And did they succeed, Betsy?
Betsy?
All right, class, let's
leave this for a moment.
It's time for your
physical exercise, anyway.
15 minutes, now.
15 minutes only.
[Children talking]
Are you all right, Betsy?
I'm tired.
Our house makes strange
noises at night.
It's hard to sleep.
[giggling]
Now pass it
to me, quick!
[whispering]
[Girl whimpering]
Betsy!
Betsy, you hurt?
Where'd she go?
Who?
The girl who was
swinging with me.
You were swinging
alone, Betsy.
[crying]
Did you see a girl?
No.
[footsteps]
[door creaking]
[door creaking]
[gasps]
[heavy breathing]
[screaming]
Betsy!
Mama!
I'm here, darling.
Mama! Mama!
Mama!
It's me!
Mama!
Betsy,
Mama's here!
Betsy!
Betsy!
It touched me.
Where?
Who touched you?
I don't know.
I couldn't see.
It was just
a bad dream, darling.
But it was so real.
She's all right, John.
She's had a bad dream.
[Lucy]
Let's just get you
back to sleep.
It was just a dream.
It wasn't a dream.
There was someone
on the roof.
What?
I think maybe Kate Batts
sent one of her slaves
to torment us.
When I find him...
John.
I'll whip him to within
an inch of his life.
My God.
What?
John, look at this.
That son of a bitch!
John!
John!
John, wait.
John!
Stop, we don't know
who did this.
I know who did this.
You don't.
Listen to me.
That bitch is not
gonna hurt my daughter.
Go on then,
be a fool!
What are the two foundations
of any civilized community?
Church and--
Church and education.
That's what, and this man
pioneered them both
for our community with his
money and with his hands.
He built the church
and the Church condemns him.
Usury.
I broke Church law.
But, Father--
Moral turpitude.
Moral turpitude?
Bah!
He charged a
rate of interest
that was just a little
higher than Church canon.
But what the elder
didn't realize was
who he was dealing with.
Shh, James.
The boys are
finally asleep.
That's good.
Bless them.
Now, a few chapters
from the Bible
will take care of
this house's troubles.
Quietly, James.
"Hannah prayed, and said,
'My heart exalts in Yahweh.
My mouth is enlarged
over my enemies...'"
"...unclean spirit
that spoke to him.
"And Jesus answered,
'Be silent,
"and come out of him.'
"The spirit gave a loud cry,
and departed."
Please, all join hands.
As one, we shall
speak this prayer
three times.
Demon, in the name
of Jesus Christ,
be silent and leave
this house forever.
[in unison]
Demon, in the name
of Jesus Christ,
be silent and leave
this house forever.
Demon, in the name
of Jesus Christ,
be silent and leave
this house forever.
Demon, in the name
of Jesus Christ,
be silent and leave
this house forever.
[thunder]
Almost 12 and all is well.
I believe your home is safe.
I'm sure Kate Batts is at the
root of these disturbances.
Yeah.
A few nights ago,
I saw something.
A man, I think, moving
about the property.
Who was he?
Couldn't make out
for sure.
It was probably
the professor.
He's the only one
who lives nearby.
You don't think Richard has
his eye on Betsy, do you?
He's her teacher,
for goodness sake.
[clock chiming]
Hallelujah, Lucy.
God has answered.
It's midnight and
your house is quiet.
Thank you, James.
I beat him, Lucy.
Oh, did you?
[laughs]
Good night, all.
Good night.
I wasn't looking, John,
I was talking to your wife.
That game don't count.
Don't you blame that on me.
[laughs]
Set up for another one.
I ain't gonna play
if you're gonna cheat.
I didn't cheat.
My move.
[gasp]
[shouts]
Aah!
[slapping]
Aah!
Betsy!
Aah!
Open the door!
[Lucy]
Betsy!
[John]
Open the door!
[slapping]
Demon, release this child!
Cease this at once!
[John]
Oh.
Betsy, it's all right.
[heavy breathing]
[growl]
[thunder]
Demon, ghost, entity.
Call it what you will,
it is not natural.
James, James,
listen to yourself.
You're not being realistic.
Re--
There must be
a rational explanation.
Listen, Richard.
I have documented evidence.
It's the testimony
of Joan Jordan
at the witch trial
of Olive Bartham--
Suffolk Assize of 1599.
First, scraping on the walls.
Then knocking.
After that, shuffling.
And then it clapped
the maid on the cheek
half-a-score times.
Do you not think
it is far more likely
that Kate Batts,
unhappy with the ruling,
has sent her slaves to exact
a pound of flesh from ya?
Well, that's what I thought.
But this was not
the work of slaves.
Lord, no.
She was dangling there.
2 feet off the ground.
All right,
the incidents
always happen at night
and always in Betsy's
room, correct?
That's right, professor.
So it was dark.
Well, it would have been
quite easy for you
not to have seen
someone holding her.
She was suspended in mid-air
by something not of this earth.
John!
Now, the only
logical explanation
is that someone
was holding her.
There was nobody
in that room.
And what about the door?
The strength of three of us
couldn't budge it.
Well...
the rain that night could
have caused the door to swell.
Could've.
And the slaps?
How did we imagine them?
[laughs]
Now that's a boy's trick.
Dried peas blown
through a hollow reed.
A pea shooter?
[scoffs]
No pea shooter could smack
her face that violently.
Did you actually see
someone slapping her?
No, I saw her
being slapped.
But you did not
see someone slapping her.
No, that's the point.
So it stands to reason
you may also not have
seen someone holding her.
[grumbles]
Now, whatever happened,
it is very clear
that confusion was
about that room.
Professor, we did not all
imagine the same thing.
There was something
unholy in that room.
John...
when the school week is over,
I will come and spend
a night at your house
and I will prove to you
that this is nothing more
than someone trying
to frighten you.
[bell ringing]
All right, time's up, class.
Leave your slates
on my desk, please.
Betsy?
Hurry it up.
We've gotta get to the
river before it gets dark.
Not today, Joshua.
We've been planning
this for weeks.
[Richard]
Run along, now.
I just don't feel like it.
C'mon, Betsy.
I said no!
Leave me alone!
[Girl whispering]
What did you say to her?
Nothing.
This will pass, Betsy.
[screaming]
Why?
Why?
[Children playing]
[gasps]
Remember what?
[door creaking]
[panting]
No!
No.
[crying]
Lucy.
No, don't.
[John]
Lucy, what's happening?
[moans]
[Lucy]
What is happening?
It's in there with her.
Richard, you should not
be watching this.
[slam]
John!
[Lucy]
Open your eyes, John.
He'll be all right in the
head come morning, Miss Bell.
And the poultice?
You keep them roots
on his head a while.
Well, Betsy appears to suffer
from violent nightmares.
Did you see my sister?
Of course I did.
You think what my daughter
just went through--
Lucy, just bear with
me for a minute.
Her covers were
pulled off her bed.
That was no nightmare.
Nightmares may appear
to be more than they are.
People often imagine
that they've seen things--
We didn't imagine
any of this!
You were there,
you saw it!
It was not natural!
There's something evil here.
This is blasphemy!
[wind blowing]
[heavy breathing]
Who's there?
Show yourself!
Betsy?
Is that you?
Destroy them, oh Lord!
Let them fall by
their own councils!
Destroy them.
Destroy them!
Cast them out!
Do you see anyone?
[breathing, voices]
Repel the demons,
cast them out!
Stop that, James.
The foolish shall not stand.
They shall not stand
in Thy sight.
Cast them out!
Cast them--
Stop it!
Damn you to Hell!
Are you familiar with that
which Mr. Johnston reads?
Of course it understands
the words of the Lord.
That's why it's gone.
[growling]
Was the reading from the
Gospel according to Matthew?
[rumble]
Was that a yes
or a no?
Shh!
The Gospel according to Mark?
[rumble]
Is it a Psalm of David?
[rumble]
Why are you here?
Have the Bells disturbed you?
Are we all having
nightmares now, professor?
My mess.
I'll clean it.
[glass being swept]
[knock at door]
Anky, could you
answer the door, please?
Yes'm.
Hi, Anky.
Zack...
what you doin' here?
Ms. Batts told me to bring
this bag to the Bells.
She say she find it
on her land.
Bye, Anky.
Bye, Zack.
Who was it, Anky?
It was Zack, ma'am.
Who works
for Kate Batts?
Yes'm.
She give him this bag
to give to you.
I don't want anything of hers
brought into this house.
She say it belong
to the Bell family.
No, Mom.
This is Betsy's.
Yes'm, Miss Lucy,
and that be Mr. Bell's shirt.
They's been missin'
for over a year.
Why would she have
their clothes?
What is it, Chloe?
What do you know?
Tell me what you know.
You heard about Ms. Kate
bein' a witch and all.
Well, Miss Lucy, when witches
gets a critter's blood
on folks' clothes...
why, that mean
the person goin'--
Gonna what, Chloe?
Gonna what, Chloe?
Gonna die, Miss Lucy.
Gonna die!
I'll burn it!
No, Miss Lucy!
That'll make it worse.
That gonna let
the devil in.
Pass it to you!
Come on!
Come on!
Hey, give it back!
That's not fair!
[shouts]
Stop! Wait!
Please stop.
[giggling]
[yelling]
You're having
a nightmare.
[panting]
It's all right.
It's all right.
It's all right.
What happened?
I don't remember.
I never remember.
Should I wake
your parents?
No.
Please--please just
stay here with me.
Of course, Betsy.
Let's get you
covered up.
[coughing]
John!
John...
I'm gonna kill her!
When they hang you
for her murder,
what happens
to the rest of us?
You won't be any worse off
than what you already endure.
John, I won't
have you, John Bell.
But sacrificing my life
could end this torment.
[wheezing, coughing]
We'll find
another way, John.
I'll find a way.
Theny?
Yes, Betsy?
Do you believe in the Lord?
Of course I do.
Don't you?
I used to.
Oh, Betsy.
I'm so afraid.
Don't be.
I'm here with ya.
Good night, Betsy.
Good night.
[Girl whispering]
Betsy...
Did you hear that?
[Girl whispering]
Betsy...
[gasping]
[whooshing]
[panting]
[voices whispering]
Betsy...
[Theny]
Let me out!
Let me out!
Let me out!
Let me out!
Aah!
[Girl whispering]
Betsy...
[sobbing softly]
How long has she
been this way?
Uh, maybe
30 minutes, hmm?
[Lucy]
No more than that.
Theny...
can you tell us
what happened?
It's all right, Theny.
She was having
a nightmare.
She was fightin'
with someone.
She started
hittin' herself.
I woke her up,
and then...
then this voice--
Aah!
Betsy!
Betsy, you're all right.
Shh.
Shh.
[gasping]
[Richard]
Betsy! Betsy!
Come on!
Come here.
Come here.
Shh...
[sobs]
Look at me.
Look at me.
Shh...
[Girl whispering]
Betsy...
Did you hear it?
Shh.
[creaking]
[hissing]
[Girl whispering]
James...
John, Junior...
Theny...
Lucy...
John Bell...
[Girl crying]
What does it want?
[James]
Cease this at once!
[Child crying]
[giggling]
[Female voices]
Make him die.
Make him pay.
No, no, no!
Who are you?
[Girl whispering]
She's someone
who was once happy.
Go to hell,
Kate Batts!
[strange voices]
[screaming]
No!
Precious!
Ugh!
No! No!
Lucy, no!
Betsy, no!
[screaming]
Betsy!
No!
Stop! Don't!
[Richard, reading]
"It spoke.
"It had a voice.
"But what did it want?
"Why was it makin'
Betsy suffer so?
"What did she do
to make it so angry?
"The black wolf,
"the young girl
visible only to Betsy,
"the spirit
which none of us could see,
"how did they relate
to each other?
"Were they one
and the same?
"The attacks on Betsy
got worse.
"It spoke more and more.
"I tried to get it
to tell us why it had come.
"My questions were answered
with silence.
Why wouldn't it answer?"
In my life,
I've done far more
good than not.
Even saints commit sins
of some sort.
How can you allow my family
to be punished like this?
It's the way of Satan.
I've offered you my life
in recompense.
Why do you not take it?
I beg you.
I beg you, Lord.
Rid us of this curse.
Take my life.
[coughing]
[John]
The Lord has
forsaken me, Richard.
[coughing]
That which attacks Betsy
attacks you as well.
[coughing]
"Someone who was
once happy."
To whom do you think
that refers?
Kate Batts.
[sigh]
Everything points to her.
Well, look,
if she is the cause,
then why not
just return
the profit
from the timber to her?
I tried.
Two months ago.
I sent Chloe to see her,
money in hand.
She sent it back.
Then she does mean
to torment you--
Until I die.
This...entity,
do you believe it can
read your mind?
No, I do not.
But I do believe it can
hear our conversations.
That's how it knows
our every move.
But it is only present
on this property.
[horses neighing]
[John, Junior]
Hyah!
Hyah! Hyah!
You know, the fog is awfully
thick for this time of day.
We made good time.
We should be
out of the woods soon.
[ghostly sighing]
[shrieking]
[Girl panting]
Whoa!
Whoa!
Betsy!
Betsy!
Betsy, can you hear me?
[horses neighing]
Whoa! Whoa!
[barks]
[snarling]
Go!
Come on!
[growling]
[horse neighing]
Aah!
[barking, growling]
[snarling]
[screaming]
Hyah!
[Betsy]
It's getting closer.
[barking]
It's gone.
Gone where?
[screaming]
[horse neighing]
Mother?
I'm right here, darling.
I had the most
terrible nightmare.
Shh.
You were sending me away.
Oh, I would never
send you away.
Mother?
Yes, darling?
Am I gonna die?
No.
You're not gonna die.
Now, you just rest,
sweet girl.
Just rest.
If this entity
can hear us at all times
and is in all places--
Then--
there's--there's no
escaping it.
[Lucy]
You care for her,
don't you, Richard?
More than the normal concern
of a teacher for a student?
Why would you say that?
I've seen you look at her.
It is true there is no one
for a day's ride
as comely
as your daughter, Lucy.
I--I would not presume
to think that--
Maybe you should.
[laughs]
I'm almost 20 years
her senior.
The same is true
of John and me.
Can she love me?
She will.
I'm so afraid
for her, Richard.
Please, marry her.
Your faith in me
is flattering, Lucy.
Please.
But I could not,
with good conscience,
marry Betsy merely
to be her protector.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
[Richard reading]
"After that night...
"something changed.
"The attacks on Betsy
became less violent.
"The entity now took out
its rage on John,
"while leavin' Betsy
in an almost lifeless state.
[strange female voices]
John...
Help her...
She suffers...
[Girl crying]
No, no!
You must help her...
Precious?
[Female voice]
Help her.
Oh!
[Female voice]
Gonna die.
[grunts]
[Female voice]
You're gonna die, John.
[eerie laugh]
Your precious.
Your precious.
[whispering]
[Richard reading]
"The entity wouldn't let
anyone try to help Betsy
"when she was under
its control.
"I felt powerless.
"John wouldn't listen.
"He fought it.
And in return,
he was made to suffer."
[creak]
[Female voice]
You know the truth.
See!
Betsy!
Open the door!
Betsy!
[creak]
Betsy.
[crying]
[wailing]
[panting]
[Betsy crying]
Help me!
Betsy?
Mm...
[thunder]
[footsteps]
Kate Batts.
Call back your Furies.
Spare my family.
Take it.
Exact your pound
of flesh.
I beg you.
End your curse.
Please.
I put no curse on you
or your family.
You cursed yourself,
John Bell.
[gun clicks]
Oh...
[gun clicks]
[sobbing]
[Girl whispering]
Betsy...
[whispering]
[whispering]
Betsy, remember...
[footsteps]
[rain falling]
[screaming]
[screaming]
[door closes]
[crying]
Precious.
[crying]
[thunder]
[thunder]
Mama always was
a heavy sleeper.
[female voice]
I was born from the union
of evil and innocence.
Part of her soul died
the night John
took her innocence.
Avenge me.
Make him pay for what
he has done to us.
[thunder]
[creaking]
[choking, coughing]
[Betsy]
Take it.
Thank you.
[gasping]
[creaking]
You sleep so soundly
you don't even feel me
get out of bed.
This is Betsy's.
My mess.
I'll clean it.
[gasp]
[Richard reading]
"After that night,
Betsy never heard
from the entity again."
Mom?
Mom?
Dad's here.
I'm leaving.
Okay.
I love you.
I love you, too.
Bye, Mom.
Bye.
Help her.
David...
David!
David!
[screaming]
Closed-Captioned By
J.R. Media Services, Inc.
Burbank, CA
[panting]
[slamming]
Aah!
Jane, it's Mommy.
Look at me!
Jane?
Jane.
No!
Oh, thank God!
Did you have another
nightmare, honey?
Let's get you into
a nice, hot bath, huh?
Can I do it later?
Please.
All right.
But you have to get
ready for your father.
It's his weekend with you.
I know.
What's this?
I found it in the attic.
Honey, you know
the attic's off-limits.
I'm sorry.
Just don't do
it again, okay?
I know how you feel.
[Man reading]
"November 1848.
"I hoped that no one
would ever find cause
"to open this letter.
"If you have, I must assume
that unexplainable--
"or even supernatural events
have begun to occur.
"The story of
the Bell Witch
has always been considered
to be a tall tale."
Come on, slow down!
[Man reading]
"This is not so!
Please, read this journal
with great care,
for its contents may
save your life."
Now where are you gonna go?
Just one kiss.
No, Joshua.
Leave that young lady alone!
[giggling]
[whispering]
Did he try to kiss you again?
Isn't there something you
should be doing, Miss Bell?
I'm sorry, Mother.
I was thinking about
something else.
Probably about torturing
poor Joshua.
You really should be
nicer to him, Betsy.
A woman must keep a man
on his toes at all times.
Isn't that what
you taught me?
I taught you no
such thing, Betsy Bell.
I'm gonna make Joshua
love me forever.
Well then, you better
stop mistreating him.
You think I was
too hard on him?
Just a little bit.
What would I do without you?
Oh, you'd just shrivel
up and blow away.
Now, don't forget
your school work.
I won't.
Good evening, Mr. Johnston.
Hi, thank you.
Ah.
...wiped his mouth,
and then he took hold
of the wheel at the axle,
and in an instant,
that carriage was up
and out of that snowbank as if
10 men had had a hold of it.
10!
10.
Speak of the devil!
I thought you'd
gotten lost.
I am not so stewed
that I can't find
the farm next door.
I was telling them about you
and that carriage last winter.
Not yet.
Who has the drink?
You're three sheets
to the wind already.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
That's all right, they
were just having fun.
Oh!
Theny!
Is there not a tradition
connected to mistletoe,
Professor Powell?
Well...
[laughing]
Yes.
Elizabeth Bell, it
is not appropriate
for a student to place
a teacher in such
a compromising situation.
You know better than
that, precious.
Well, it is Christmas, Father.
And I'm simply attempting
to learn the traditions.
Who better to learn from
than one's teacher?
My prize pupil
always seems to have
a ready answer
for everything, John.
Would you settle
for a dance, Betsy?
Oh, John, let them
have their dance.
May I steal Ms. Bell
for a dance?
I promise not
to step on your toes.
[laughs]
[wind blowing]
[distant crying]
John?
[footsteps from above]
[crying]
[clock ticking]
[crying]
[footsteps]
[gasps]
Oh, John.
I heard noises on the roof.
It's coming from the attic.
Squirrels?
No, it's too loud
for squirrels.
It's the third time I've
heard it in as many nights.
I hadn't heard
it at all.
You sleep so sound,
you don't even feel me
get out of bed.
Yes, I do.
Listen.
It stopped.
Stopped.
What was it?
Probably that witch
trying to wear me out
before tomorrow's trial.
Oh, bite your tongue,
John Bell.
[creaking]
[heavy breathing]
[Woman]
The man's a lying pig!
[Man]
Miss Batts!
[Batts]
He stole my land!
Miss Batts.
We have heard your
side of the story.
Please allow John Bell
to finish his.
So we offered her the use
of our slave, Samuel,
and the loan of $100
in exchange for our use of
that small piece of her land
that abuts our own.
At 20% interest.
We shook on it.
Spit and shook.
I gave you two
harvests to pay
and you didn't
pay for it,
so you forfeited
the land.
[gavel]
It was a fair
price for it.
20% interest?
Well, seemed like
a reasonable charge
under the circumstances
given her reputation.
John Bell, you
broke Church law.
20% interest under
Church canon
is usury.
Miss Batts' land will
be returned to her.
What about my timber?
He took it off my land
and sold it.
You would not have allowed
the cutting of the wood
had you not received
that money
and the use of the slave.
But he broke Church law.
You have the $100
and Samuel's work.
The profit on the land
is John Bell's.
His loss, the loss
of his good name,
is punishment enough.
[Crowd muttering]
That's their punishment
for you, John Bell.
Just wait until
you see mine.
Your witchery can't
touch me, woman.
Treasure your land,
health, and happy family
while you can.
For I swear a dreadful
darkness will fall upon you.
You, and your
precious daughter, too.
[Man reading]
"Kate Batts.
"Well, she was feared by
everyone in the village.
"They were all convinced
she was a witch.
"So the Bells took her
cursing them very seriously.
"At the time, I didn't
believe in curses,
"ghosts or spirits.
I do now."
[bird call]
[wind howling]
[snarling]
[gunshot]
[snarling]
John.
Father, you all right?
Yeah, uh--
We got it, Father.
The wolf?
Wolf?
We shot a deer.
Come see it, Father.
[growling]
Father?
I heard it.
Back there.
[growling]
[growling]
Keep your eyes peeled.
He's black as pitch.
[growling]
[snarling]
[footsteps]
[growling]
[scratching at window]
Mama, Mama, Mama!
Oh, what are
we going through?
[panting]
[footsteps]
[growling, panting]
[Disembodied voice]
Shh!
[crash]
[wind howling]
[snarling]
Betsy, what was that cry?
Mother, there's
something in my room!
There's something
in my room!
Oh, the wind blew
the window open.
I'll close it.
No!
There's something in here.
It got inside.
Well, there doesn't seem to
be anything here now, Betsy.
It was probably just
mice, darling.
I don't think so, Mother.
Let's go find
your brothers.
Come along.
[eerie whispering]
[growling]
Let's go find that
big, scary mouse.
Yay!
[gunshot]
[footsteps]
[latch opening]
Everyone all right?
We're fine.
Let's get back to bed.
You could've killed us.
It was young John.
He shot a musket
into the house.
It discharged accidental.
He shot a musket into
the house, John.
[John]
We were taken aback.
I can't get Kate Batts
out of my head.
John, what's done is done.
The Church has had its say,
and that's that.
So just put it
out of your mind.
[heavy breathing]
Now, class, who
were the couriers
ordered to
ride to Concord
to warn that the
British were coming?
Yes, Theny Thorne?
Paul Revere, Samuel Prescott,
and William Dawes.
Right, Fanny.
And did they succeed, Betsy?
Betsy?
All right, class, let's
leave this for a moment.
It's time for your
physical exercise, anyway.
15 minutes, now.
15 minutes only.
[Children talking]
Are you all right, Betsy?
I'm tired.
Our house makes strange
noises at night.
It's hard to sleep.
[giggling]
Now pass it
to me, quick!
[whispering]
[Girl whimpering]
Betsy!
Betsy, you hurt?
Where'd she go?
Who?
The girl who was
swinging with me.
You were swinging
alone, Betsy.
[crying]
Did you see a girl?
No.
[footsteps]
[door creaking]
[door creaking]
[gasps]
[heavy breathing]
[screaming]
Betsy!
Mama!
I'm here, darling.
Mama! Mama!
Mama!
It's me!
Mama!
Betsy,
Mama's here!
Betsy!
Betsy!
It touched me.
Where?
Who touched you?
I don't know.
I couldn't see.
It was just
a bad dream, darling.
But it was so real.
She's all right, John.
She's had a bad dream.
[Lucy]
Let's just get you
back to sleep.
It was just a dream.
It wasn't a dream.
There was someone
on the roof.
What?
I think maybe Kate Batts
sent one of her slaves
to torment us.
When I find him...
John.
I'll whip him to within
an inch of his life.
My God.
What?
John, look at this.
That son of a bitch!
John!
John!
John, wait.
John!
Stop, we don't know
who did this.
I know who did this.
You don't.
Listen to me.
That bitch is not
gonna hurt my daughter.
Go on then,
be a fool!
What are the two foundations
of any civilized community?
Church and--
Church and education.
That's what, and this man
pioneered them both
for our community with his
money and with his hands.
He built the church
and the Church condemns him.
Usury.
I broke Church law.
But, Father--
Moral turpitude.
Moral turpitude?
Bah!
He charged a
rate of interest
that was just a little
higher than Church canon.
But what the elder
didn't realize was
who he was dealing with.
Shh, James.
The boys are
finally asleep.
That's good.
Bless them.
Now, a few chapters
from the Bible
will take care of
this house's troubles.
Quietly, James.
"Hannah prayed, and said,
'My heart exalts in Yahweh.
My mouth is enlarged
over my enemies...'"
"...unclean spirit
that spoke to him.
"And Jesus answered,
'Be silent,
"and come out of him.'
"The spirit gave a loud cry,
and departed."
Please, all join hands.
As one, we shall
speak this prayer
three times.
Demon, in the name
of Jesus Christ,
be silent and leave
this house forever.
[in unison]
Demon, in the name
of Jesus Christ,
be silent and leave
this house forever.
Demon, in the name
of Jesus Christ,
be silent and leave
this house forever.
Demon, in the name
of Jesus Christ,
be silent and leave
this house forever.
[thunder]
Almost 12 and all is well.
I believe your home is safe.
I'm sure Kate Batts is at the
root of these disturbances.
Yeah.
A few nights ago,
I saw something.
A man, I think, moving
about the property.
Who was he?
Couldn't make out
for sure.
It was probably
the professor.
He's the only one
who lives nearby.
You don't think Richard has
his eye on Betsy, do you?
He's her teacher,
for goodness sake.
[clock chiming]
Hallelujah, Lucy.
God has answered.
It's midnight and
your house is quiet.
Thank you, James.
I beat him, Lucy.
Oh, did you?
[laughs]
Good night, all.
Good night.
I wasn't looking, John,
I was talking to your wife.
That game don't count.
Don't you blame that on me.
[laughs]
Set up for another one.
I ain't gonna play
if you're gonna cheat.
I didn't cheat.
My move.
[gasp]
[shouts]
Aah!
[slapping]
Aah!
Betsy!
Aah!
Open the door!
[Lucy]
Betsy!
[John]
Open the door!
[slapping]
Demon, release this child!
Cease this at once!
[John]
Oh.
Betsy, it's all right.
[heavy breathing]
[growl]
[thunder]
Demon, ghost, entity.
Call it what you will,
it is not natural.
James, James,
listen to yourself.
You're not being realistic.
Re--
There must be
a rational explanation.
Listen, Richard.
I have documented evidence.
It's the testimony
of Joan Jordan
at the witch trial
of Olive Bartham--
Suffolk Assize of 1599.
First, scraping on the walls.
Then knocking.
After that, shuffling.
And then it clapped
the maid on the cheek
half-a-score times.
Do you not think
it is far more likely
that Kate Batts,
unhappy with the ruling,
has sent her slaves to exact
a pound of flesh from ya?
Well, that's what I thought.
But this was not
the work of slaves.
Lord, no.
She was dangling there.
2 feet off the ground.
All right,
the incidents
always happen at night
and always in Betsy's
room, correct?
That's right, professor.
So it was dark.
Well, it would have been
quite easy for you
not to have seen
someone holding her.
She was suspended in mid-air
by something not of this earth.
John!
Now, the only
logical explanation
is that someone
was holding her.
There was nobody
in that room.
And what about the door?
The strength of three of us
couldn't budge it.
Well...
the rain that night could
have caused the door to swell.
Could've.
And the slaps?
How did we imagine them?
[laughs]
Now that's a boy's trick.
Dried peas blown
through a hollow reed.
A pea shooter?
[scoffs]
No pea shooter could smack
her face that violently.
Did you actually see
someone slapping her?
No, I saw her
being slapped.
But you did not
see someone slapping her.
No, that's the point.
So it stands to reason
you may also not have
seen someone holding her.
[grumbles]
Now, whatever happened,
it is very clear
that confusion was
about that room.
Professor, we did not all
imagine the same thing.
There was something
unholy in that room.
John...
when the school week is over,
I will come and spend
a night at your house
and I will prove to you
that this is nothing more
than someone trying
to frighten you.
[bell ringing]
All right, time's up, class.
Leave your slates
on my desk, please.
Betsy?
Hurry it up.
We've gotta get to the
river before it gets dark.
Not today, Joshua.
We've been planning
this for weeks.
[Richard]
Run along, now.
I just don't feel like it.
C'mon, Betsy.
I said no!
Leave me alone!
[Girl whispering]
What did you say to her?
Nothing.
This will pass, Betsy.
[screaming]
Why?
Why?
[Children playing]
[gasps]
Remember what?
[door creaking]
[panting]
No!
No.
[crying]
Lucy.
No, don't.
[John]
Lucy, what's happening?
[moans]
[Lucy]
What is happening?
It's in there with her.
Richard, you should not
be watching this.
[slam]
John!
[Lucy]
Open your eyes, John.
He'll be all right in the
head come morning, Miss Bell.
And the poultice?
You keep them roots
on his head a while.
Well, Betsy appears to suffer
from violent nightmares.
Did you see my sister?
Of course I did.
You think what my daughter
just went through--
Lucy, just bear with
me for a minute.
Her covers were
pulled off her bed.
That was no nightmare.
Nightmares may appear
to be more than they are.
People often imagine
that they've seen things--
We didn't imagine
any of this!
You were there,
you saw it!
It was not natural!
There's something evil here.
This is blasphemy!
[wind blowing]
[heavy breathing]
Who's there?
Show yourself!
Betsy?
Is that you?
Destroy them, oh Lord!
Let them fall by
their own councils!
Destroy them.
Destroy them!
Cast them out!
Do you see anyone?
[breathing, voices]
Repel the demons,
cast them out!
Stop that, James.
The foolish shall not stand.
They shall not stand
in Thy sight.
Cast them out!
Cast them--
Stop it!
Damn you to Hell!
Are you familiar with that
which Mr. Johnston reads?
Of course it understands
the words of the Lord.
That's why it's gone.
[growling]
Was the reading from the
Gospel according to Matthew?
[rumble]
Was that a yes
or a no?
Shh!
The Gospel according to Mark?
[rumble]
Is it a Psalm of David?
[rumble]
Why are you here?
Have the Bells disturbed you?
Are we all having
nightmares now, professor?
My mess.
I'll clean it.
[glass being swept]
[knock at door]
Anky, could you
answer the door, please?
Yes'm.
Hi, Anky.
Zack...
what you doin' here?
Ms. Batts told me to bring
this bag to the Bells.
She say she find it
on her land.
Bye, Anky.
Bye, Zack.
Who was it, Anky?
It was Zack, ma'am.
Who works
for Kate Batts?
Yes'm.
She give him this bag
to give to you.
I don't want anything of hers
brought into this house.
She say it belong
to the Bell family.
No, Mom.
This is Betsy's.
Yes'm, Miss Lucy,
and that be Mr. Bell's shirt.
They's been missin'
for over a year.
Why would she have
their clothes?
What is it, Chloe?
What do you know?
Tell me what you know.
You heard about Ms. Kate
bein' a witch and all.
Well, Miss Lucy, when witches
gets a critter's blood
on folks' clothes...
why, that mean
the person goin'--
Gonna what, Chloe?
Gonna what, Chloe?
Gonna die, Miss Lucy.
Gonna die!
I'll burn it!
No, Miss Lucy!
That'll make it worse.
That gonna let
the devil in.
Pass it to you!
Come on!
Come on!
Hey, give it back!
That's not fair!
[shouts]
Stop! Wait!
Please stop.
[giggling]
[yelling]
You're having
a nightmare.
[panting]
It's all right.
It's all right.
It's all right.
What happened?
I don't remember.
I never remember.
Should I wake
your parents?
No.
Please--please just
stay here with me.
Of course, Betsy.
Let's get you
covered up.
[coughing]
John!
John...
I'm gonna kill her!
When they hang you
for her murder,
what happens
to the rest of us?
You won't be any worse off
than what you already endure.
John, I won't
have you, John Bell.
But sacrificing my life
could end this torment.
[wheezing, coughing]
We'll find
another way, John.
I'll find a way.
Theny?
Yes, Betsy?
Do you believe in the Lord?
Of course I do.
Don't you?
I used to.
Oh, Betsy.
I'm so afraid.
Don't be.
I'm here with ya.
Good night, Betsy.
Good night.
[Girl whispering]
Betsy...
Did you hear that?
[Girl whispering]
Betsy...
[gasping]
[whooshing]
[panting]
[voices whispering]
Betsy...
[Theny]
Let me out!
Let me out!
Let me out!
Let me out!
Aah!
[Girl whispering]
Betsy...
[sobbing softly]
How long has she
been this way?
Uh, maybe
30 minutes, hmm?
[Lucy]
No more than that.
Theny...
can you tell us
what happened?
It's all right, Theny.
She was having
a nightmare.
She was fightin'
with someone.
She started
hittin' herself.
I woke her up,
and then...
then this voice--
Aah!
Betsy!
Betsy, you're all right.
Shh.
Shh.
[gasping]
[Richard]
Betsy! Betsy!
Come on!
Come here.
Come here.
Shh...
[sobs]
Look at me.
Look at me.
Shh...
[Girl whispering]
Betsy...
Did you hear it?
Shh.
[creaking]
[hissing]
[Girl whispering]
James...
John, Junior...
Theny...
Lucy...
John Bell...
[Girl crying]
What does it want?
[James]
Cease this at once!
[Child crying]
[giggling]
[Female voices]
Make him die.
Make him pay.
No, no, no!
Who are you?
[Girl whispering]
She's someone
who was once happy.
Go to hell,
Kate Batts!
[strange voices]
[screaming]
No!
Precious!
Ugh!
No! No!
Lucy, no!
Betsy, no!
[screaming]
Betsy!
No!
Stop! Don't!
[Richard, reading]
"It spoke.
"It had a voice.
"But what did it want?
"Why was it makin'
Betsy suffer so?
"What did she do
to make it so angry?
"The black wolf,
"the young girl
visible only to Betsy,
"the spirit
which none of us could see,
"how did they relate
to each other?
"Were they one
and the same?
"The attacks on Betsy
got worse.
"It spoke more and more.
"I tried to get it
to tell us why it had come.
"My questions were answered
with silence.
Why wouldn't it answer?"
In my life,
I've done far more
good than not.
Even saints commit sins
of some sort.
How can you allow my family
to be punished like this?
It's the way of Satan.
I've offered you my life
in recompense.
Why do you not take it?
I beg you.
I beg you, Lord.
Rid us of this curse.
Take my life.
[coughing]
[John]
The Lord has
forsaken me, Richard.
[coughing]
That which attacks Betsy
attacks you as well.
[coughing]
"Someone who was
once happy."
To whom do you think
that refers?
Kate Batts.
[sigh]
Everything points to her.
Well, look,
if she is the cause,
then why not
just return
the profit
from the timber to her?
I tried.
Two months ago.
I sent Chloe to see her,
money in hand.
She sent it back.
Then she does mean
to torment you--
Until I die.
This...entity,
do you believe it can
read your mind?
No, I do not.
But I do believe it can
hear our conversations.
That's how it knows
our every move.
But it is only present
on this property.
[horses neighing]
[John, Junior]
Hyah!
Hyah! Hyah!
You know, the fog is awfully
thick for this time of day.
We made good time.
We should be
out of the woods soon.
[ghostly sighing]
[shrieking]
[Girl panting]
Whoa!
Whoa!
Betsy!
Betsy!
Betsy, can you hear me?
[horses neighing]
Whoa! Whoa!
[barks]
[snarling]
Go!
Come on!
[growling]
[horse neighing]
Aah!
[barking, growling]
[snarling]
[screaming]
Hyah!
[Betsy]
It's getting closer.
[barking]
It's gone.
Gone where?
[screaming]
[horse neighing]
Mother?
I'm right here, darling.
I had the most
terrible nightmare.
Shh.
You were sending me away.
Oh, I would never
send you away.
Mother?
Yes, darling?
Am I gonna die?
No.
You're not gonna die.
Now, you just rest,
sweet girl.
Just rest.
If this entity
can hear us at all times
and is in all places--
Then--
there's--there's no
escaping it.
[Lucy]
You care for her,
don't you, Richard?
More than the normal concern
of a teacher for a student?
Why would you say that?
I've seen you look at her.
It is true there is no one
for a day's ride
as comely
as your daughter, Lucy.
I--I would not presume
to think that--
Maybe you should.
[laughs]
I'm almost 20 years
her senior.
The same is true
of John and me.
Can she love me?
She will.
I'm so afraid
for her, Richard.
Please, marry her.
Your faith in me
is flattering, Lucy.
Please.
But I could not,
with good conscience,
marry Betsy merely
to be her protector.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
[Richard reading]
"After that night...
"something changed.
"The attacks on Betsy
became less violent.
"The entity now took out
its rage on John,
"while leavin' Betsy
in an almost lifeless state.
[strange female voices]
John...
Help her...
She suffers...
[Girl crying]
No, no!
You must help her...
Precious?
[Female voice]
Help her.
Oh!
[Female voice]
Gonna die.
[grunts]
[Female voice]
You're gonna die, John.
[eerie laugh]
Your precious.
Your precious.
[whispering]
[Richard reading]
"The entity wouldn't let
anyone try to help Betsy
"when she was under
its control.
"I felt powerless.
"John wouldn't listen.
"He fought it.
And in return,
he was made to suffer."
[creak]
[Female voice]
You know the truth.
See!
Betsy!
Open the door!
Betsy!
[creak]
Betsy.
[crying]
[wailing]
[panting]
[Betsy crying]
Help me!
Betsy?
Mm...
[thunder]
[footsteps]
Kate Batts.
Call back your Furies.
Spare my family.
Take it.
Exact your pound
of flesh.
I beg you.
End your curse.
Please.
I put no curse on you
or your family.
You cursed yourself,
John Bell.
[gun clicks]
Oh...
[gun clicks]
[sobbing]
[Girl whispering]
Betsy...
[whispering]
[whispering]
Betsy, remember...
[footsteps]
[rain falling]
[screaming]
[screaming]
[door closes]
[crying]
Precious.
[crying]
[thunder]
[thunder]
Mama always was
a heavy sleeper.
[female voice]
I was born from the union
of evil and innocence.
Part of her soul died
the night John
took her innocence.
Avenge me.
Make him pay for what
he has done to us.
[thunder]
[creaking]
[choking, coughing]
[Betsy]
Take it.
Thank you.
[gasping]
[creaking]
You sleep so soundly
you don't even feel me
get out of bed.
This is Betsy's.
My mess.
I'll clean it.
[gasp]
[Richard reading]
"After that night,
Betsy never heard
from the entity again."
Mom?
Mom?
Dad's here.
I'm leaving.
Okay.
I love you.
I love you, too.
Bye, Mom.
Bye.
Help her.
David...
David!
David!
[screaming]
Closed-Captioned By
J.R. Media Services, Inc.
Burbank, CA