Witchcraft 8: Salem's Ghost (1996) - full transcript
A happy young couple moves into a "dream home" only to find it is a gateway for occult powers.
[music playing]
[singing]
[shouting]
Witches and witch-mongers
is notably detected.
The wickedness of conjurers.
The piety of [inaudible],
and the folly of soothsayers!
The infidelity of ours
is the pestilence.
[shouting]
The abomination of my god--
[shouting]
The power of natural which
has long lay hidden, now
is very necessary to be known!
[shouting]
Such the dark may
be pure enough to be
my perfect servant of Satan!
[chanting]
Symbol of [inaudible] universe.
I summon thee!
The virtue and power
of natural magic
long lay hidden, now is
very necessary to be known!
Set me on the glowing
flames of my torch!
I hereby sentence
Thalus, the warlock,
Simon Renfro, son of Satan,
to be damned for eternity!
[screaming]
[screaming]
Hey!
Hurry, you fools, or his evil
will spill into your souls!
Well, what do you think?
It's enormous.
It's old.
So is the whole neighborhood.
It's perfect.
We could never find something
like this in California.
It's all ours.
And it's gonna take us months
to fix this place, Sonny.
You don't like it?
I know it was a bit rushed,
but we-- we got it for a steal.
There's plenty of
room for guests.
And look, a yard
for your garden.
It's got everything.
This is the kind of house
we've dreamed of, Sonny.
Maybe we should have
bought the condo instead.
They don't make 'em like
this anymore, Mary Ann.
I mean, this is a
house with history.
And so I'll lead
you to more research?
It's a house I can romance
you in-- in the middle
of the night.
Sing ballads of love.
And promise.
Make babies.
Hm?
I'm sold.
Come on.
Sonny?
Help me?
Here I am to save the day!
[screaming]
Sonny!
Oh, Sonny!
Sonny!
Shh.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
Shh.
Shh.
His color was gone.
His breathing was shallow.
Just like last time.
I'm OK, Mary Ann.
Tell Dr. Smothers I'm OK.
Right.
All right.
Thank you, doctor.
You know I hate shrinks.
They think they know everything.
Well, he said you're
gonna be just fine-- if you
stay out of small spaces.
I'm a nut case.
Just say it.
Claustrophobia is hardly
grounds to commit you.
But I do know what we
can do for your therapy.
[bang]
What is that?
I don't know.
I'm going to find out.
Sonny?
[gasp]
Oh, you scared me.
Yeah.
Look at this.
Let's get outta here, huh?
Yeah.
Since witchcraft is such a
prominent way of life in Salem,
it's worth discussing how
the fear of witchcraft
began in Salem colony, as
well as in this country.
Now, for centuries witch hunts
had been occurring in Europe,
but in old Salem it was still
folklore until the last decade
of the 17th century,
when the Reverend Samuel
Parris had employed
as his housekeeper
a West Indian slave woman.
Tituba was her name,
and she regularly
regailed groups of
enthralled girls
with vivid tales of voodoo
spells and witchcraft.
When the reverend found his 9
year old daughter and her 11
year old cousin flouting
about in convulsions,
their only answer was
they were bewitched.
The good reverend believed it
to be Tituba casting spells
on innocents, and because
of this one man's fears
a mass hysteria was created,
culminating with what
we know to be the witch hunts.
In the years to follow,
thousands of innocent victims
were senselessly
tortured and slaughtered.
[buzzing] All right.
I want you to read
the writings of Judge
Briley Wilford, chapter seven.
Professor Dunaway, hi.
Hi.
Cathy Wilkins.
I just want to say how much
I enjoyed your lecture.
I think your class is going to
be the best one all semester.
Well, I'm glad you think so.
It was nice meeting you.
Oh, so dumb.
You'll be joining a top
notch faculty here, Dunaway.
And in two years, you could be
eligible for tenure-- pending
all goes well, of course.
Of course.
I don't need to tell you how
many qualified applicants we've
considered for this position.
And in spite of your little
coed situation in Merrimont,
your reputation stands clear.
Your commendations
were top drawer.
So we're holding high
expectations for you, Dunaway.
I trust you've, uh, settled?
Yes.
Uh, we found a wonderful place
up in the Chestnut Hill area.
Chestnut Hill?
I see.
Well, I certainly hope
you like it here in Salem.
We do so far.
Now then, uh, you'll be
reviewed on your instruction
framework and your
ability to generate
a creative environment.
Of course, you've heard
all that before, I'm sure.
Well.
Good luck, Dunaway.
Thank you, Dean Simpson.
I appreciate the opportunity.
Howdy, neighbor!
How the hell are ya?
We're the Bakers.
The Bakers?
From next door.
I'm Mitch.
My wife Gayle.
Hi.
Sonny Dunaway.
We just moved in.
Yeah, we know that.
Been waiting all day
for you to get home.
Won't you come in?
Honey, our neighbors
came to visit.
Oh.
Hi.
I'm Mary Ann.
Hi, I'm Gayle, and this
is my husband Mitch.
He's a plumber.
Oh.
A plumber.
Best in town, and
don't you forget it.
Boy, they sure don't build
'em like this anymore.
Hell, it is huge.
It's real big, Mitch.
Well, we don't have
much furniture yet, so--
Oh, we know how it is, sweetie.
So Sonny, what do you do?
I'm a teacher at Salem College.
Ah.
A professor.
So, professor, you got yourself
one hell of a fixer upper here.
How are the pipes?
The pipes?
The plumbing, man.
A place like this ought to
have all kinds of skeletons.
Mitch is the best.
Mitch's plumbing.
You got a leak, we got the plug.
Aw, leaks spring
up all the time.
Some just blow
fittings, main lines.
Hell, sometimes the
whole system backs up,
and water just starts
seeping into the foundation.
I did notice a leak, actually.
Ah-ha!
I knew it.
Ah, I can smell a leak on
the other side of the city.
Attic, right?
Basement.
But, uh-- tell you
what I'm going to do.
For a housewarming gift,
I'll do a free inspection
of your house.
Now, what do you
think about that?
Well, I don't know if all--
He is the best.
I think it's a
great idea, sweetie.
An afternoon, tops.
OK.
What could it hurt, right?
[giggling]
I dunno.
Looks like a cracked pipe.
You're going to have to replace,
uh, this length through here,
and-- oh, ho, ho!
This wall's gotta come down.
Now, wait a minute.
There could be a
gushing flood back there.
Now, you know what they say.
You pay me a little now, or
you pay me big time later.
But you said--
Trust me, Sonny.
Mitch Baker knows
what he's doing.
The last people who lived
here only stayed for two days.
We thought there was something
wrong with this place.
Well, we did hear
some strange noises.
Really?
We bought it from the
Protestant Church of England.
That's kind of weird, huh?
Oh, I get it.
That's a joke, right?
Ha ha!
You are so cute.
God, you two make
such a perfect couple.
We've had our share
of rough times.
We moved here to start over.
Ah, how romantic.
Well, Mitch and I never fight.
Well, there's no
reason to, cause
he's such a wild bronco in bed.
Ah, hee hee.
Any children?
We're waiting for Sonny
to get his tenure position.
I wonder what those two
are doing down there.
Mitch, let's talk about this.
Yeah!
Son of a gun!
What is it?
Looks like a door of some kind.
Whoa!
Must be some kind of
back draft or something.
We heard that same
noise last night.
Thirsty, guys?
Hee hee.
That hit the spot.
Thanks, snookums.
What are you doing to the wall?
Ah, Mitch just found a door.
A door?
A door to what?
Well, pretty lady, that's
what we're about to find out.
Ah-- another time, OK?
Just let us get settled first.
Well, you're the boss, Sonny.
Oh, I'm sorry, Mary Ann!
I was just trying to help!
That's OK.
Mm.
Not bad.
Well, maybe Mitch would like
to take some home with him.
My grandmother
cans them in Oregon.
They give Sonny heartburn.
Do you have any idea what used
to be here back in old Salem?
Hm.
Looks like an old cemetary.
Oh, pumpkin, they
just moved in.
I'm getting hungry, snookums.
Let's go feed the hungry tiger.
Mm.
If you all need
anything, just holler.
All right.
-Bye bye.
-Bye.
I'll be back.
Thanks for the warning.
They mean well.
He'd probably tear down the
whole house if I let him.
Did it ever occur to you
that he might be right?
He's a plumber, and you're not.
Slap me if I ever start
calling you snookums.
Hm?
Well.
May I have this dance?
Love to.
[buzzing]
Oh, brother.
Morning.
Hi.
It's the big day, honey.
Rise and shine.
[doorbell]
The dean wants creative?
I'll give him creative.
Hi.
Come on in.
Thanks.
Hi, professor.
Whoa!
Awesome, dude.
Way cool.
It's beautiful.
It is beautiful.
Wow.
Beautiful house.
I made these myself.
Oh, uh, honey, look.
Uh, this is Cathy.
My wife, Mary Ann.
Please turn to chapter six, page
147, the works of John Adams.
Now, he was known as a
controversial and outspoken
writer in his time.
Everybody found a place?
OK.
[banging] I apologize
for the racket.
Mary Ann?
[banging] Be right with you.
-Hungry, anyone?
-Yes.
Yeah.
Yes.
Oh, ham sandwiches.
Great.
-Thank you very much.
-You're welcome.
-These look great.
-Gosh, thanks.
Thank you so much.
Mm-hm.
What are you doing?
Hey, give me a hand, will ya?
Mitch, I'm teaching
a class upstairs.
Well, I know that.
I didn't want to disturb ya,
so I came down on my own.
Hey, check it out.
Holy cow.
Looks like a pentagram.
You know, a witch's hex mark?
This could be a historical find.
Stand back.
We're going to
open this baby up.
Uh-- Mitch, wait.
Come on, we're already here.
All we have to do is open it.
Heh.
You ain't chicken, are ya?
All right.
Oh, come on.
All right.
Let's brace ourselves.
Let's get it best we can.
OK, 1, 2--
[coughing]
It's cold.
MARY ANN: Sonny?
Everyone's waiting.
Wait for me.
Well, it's a man's job now.
Oh!
Oh, I can't see!
I can't see.
[inaudible]
Well, I think Professor
Dunaway is so cute.
He's definitely cool.
He is so intelligent,
and in charge.
I like that.
So does Cathy.
She's got a thing on him.
How do you say that?
Oh, please.
It's only obvious.
Oh!
OK, well thank you
very much, people.
Thank you so much.
I had a great time.
Take care.
Excellent questions today.
Tre cool, professor.
-OK.
-Bye, professor.
Bye bye, now.
Can we do it again?
But of course.
I had such a great time.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Professor-- do you mind
if I call you Sonny?
Professor.
You've inspired me so
much, I've decided to take
American Lit as a major.
Could we meet and talk about it?
Well, how about Thursday?
2:00?
Perfect.
Bye.
Bye.
What?
Don't you play innocent
with me, Sonny Dunaway.
That girl has a crush on you.
She wants guidance.
Mary Ann, we both know it would
be over if that happened again.
I couldn't live without you.
You're the only woman for me.
Just so it stays that way.
Mitch?
Funny, Mitch.
What a beauty.
You mean you took this
from their basement?
I didn't take it, I found it.
And they'd never know it was
there if it weren't for me.
Exactly where did
you find it, Mitch?
I don't know.
Some kind of, uh,
crypt, or something.
A crypt?
As in graveyard?
You mean to tell me you
took this from a grave?
Oh, Mitch, how could you?
You know all sorts of
curses come from this stuff!
Curses?
Don't be ridiculous.
Look at it.
It's priceless.
The, uh-- doctor is
ready for his exam.
Nurse is ready.
Any swelling?
Oh, temperature's rising.
Let me check your pulse.
Cough.
[coughing]
[laughter]
[moaning]
Mary Ann?
Honey?
I'm home.
Honey?
I'm home.
[shouting]
That is not funny
at all, young lady.
Come here.
No, no, no.
Come here.
Look what I found
in the library.
Look.
It's our house.
What's it say?
This house and
others in the vicinity
were built by the Puritans.
Witch burnings sites were
in the Chestnut Hill area.
Charming.
Oh, there's nothing
to be afraid of.
That was over 300 years ago.
You're like a little
boy with a new toy.
[screaming]
[laughter]
Ah!
[laughter]
Sonny!
Sonny!
Oh my god!
Damn.
Wait.
Tituba was a fascinating
woman, and she wasn't a witch,
I assure you.
-Thank you.
-OK.
-Thank you.
Thank you.
Now I understand.
Profesor, do you
have a few minutes?
Uh-- sure, Cathy.
Let's go to my office.
What happened to him?
It was a joke.
A fraternity prank in college.
I did my thesis on Hamlet,
and, uh-- some of the guys
thought I should
have my own skull.
That's where I met Mary Ann.
Maybe we should have that talk.
OK.
Well, what would you
like to talk about?
Well, about how you
wanted to ask my advice?
You know, I feel there
might be something going
on between the lines here.
You seem very tense.
Don't worry.
I won't bite.
You have very strong hands.
I have a confession to make.
Look, I'm happily married.
I'm going to be late
for my next class.
Can we have our talk later?
OK.
Looking forward to it.
[screaming]
Honey!
What's wrong?
Help me!
No!
Help me!
Mr. Dunaway.
Clarence MacArthur.
I'm from the Protestant
Church of England.
I've come to tell you a few
things about your house.
Maybe you can tell me what
the hell is going on here.
Mitch!
Open up in there!
Mitch, what are you doing?
Mitch!
Open up in there!
What are you doing?
Mitch!
Fred is here!
Mitch!
Mitch!
MItch!
Fuck you, Mitch!
Ain't she grand?
Isn't she beautiful?
What do you think, Fred?
Hey.
Oh, yeah.
She must be 150 years old.
Even more.
So what do you
think she's worth?
About half a mil?
Whoa there, buddy.
Listen, let me take
it to the shop.
No!
No, it stays right here.
I'm not letting it
out of my sight.
Nobody needs to know
about this, Fred.
Nobody.
Jeez, Mitch.
All right.
Relax, guy.
Uh-- where'd you find it?
Never you mind about that.
I'm counting on you, Fred.
Oh, OK.
I'll go to the car and get
some things out of the car.
What the hell is it?
When I learned the
clergy sold this house,
I came as quick as I could.
Their shortsightedness could
very well have killed ya.
OK, MacArthur.
Just say it.
I'm afraid something terrible
has occurred here, Mr. Dunaway.
Something of great magnitude
with incomprehensible
ramifications, not only
for you and for this house,
but for the entire
world of Christianity.
You shouldn't have
opened the crypt,
and you shouldn't
have taken the cross!
Crypt?
You mean to tell us there
are people buried down there?
Look, we just want to
know what's going on.
I'll tell you what I
know to be the truth.
300 years ago, during
the witch hunts of Salem,
a vile warlock, a
wretched and evil man
by the name of Simon
Renfro, accused
of murdering and ingesting
countless children,
raping more than a dozen
women, and forcing them
to black witchery, was
desecrated on this very ground
and buried in what you know to
be the room off your basement.
His spirit was encapsulated
in a grave-- an earthly prison
for all eternity.
And he was to stay
still so long as Salem's
cross lay nailed to his coffin.
And that's the cross
that you're talking about?
Aye, that's the
cross that's missing.
You mean to tell us there's
a warlock loose in our house?
A warlock's ghost.
More powerful than the physical.
He can travel and
shapeshift at will.
This warlock has many powers
none of us can imagine.
Fascinating.
Sonny!
This isn't some game.
Whatever it is, it
is trying to hurt us.
Aye.
You're fortunate I
arrived when I did.
Pack up your things and go.
Hey, we're not going anywhere.
We bought this place,
lock, stock, and barrel.
Sonny!
Maybe we should sell it.
No way.
I'm not afraid of some ghost.
How do we know he isn't
just some con artist?
Or maybe it was
just an earthquake.
This is hardly a time
for denial, Mr. Dunaway.
But you can call the church
and verify what I tell ya.
It's dead.
The process has begun.
He will sever all ties
with the outside world,
and keep those he
chooses as his mercy.
Did you remove the cross?
No!
It had to be our neighbor.
He's the one that opened
the crypt to begin with.
Ow!
That was weird.
So, uh, what do you think?
What do you think it's worth?
I don't know.
About, uh, 80,000, give
or take a few thousand.
No, no, no.
It's worth more than that.
I mean, look at her.
Hey, hey, you just take her
somewhere else if you don't
like that figure, OK, pal?
Now, you just tell
me where you found it
and why you're acting
so goddamn weird, huh?
In the backyard.
I-- I dug it up.
Oh.
Backyard?
You're not gonna tell
anybody, will ya, Fred?
Not if you don't
want me to, Mitch.
You sure you're going to be able
to make it to the poker game
on Friday, buddy?
Huh?
OK, all right, already.
Hey, listen, are you sure
you're going to be able to make
it to the game on Friday?
Mitch?
Poker Friday.
This folklore is fine
and all, but you've
got my wife scared to death.
Listen to me.
Renfro has the power to
possess bodies at will.
We must send him
back to the damned
before he escapes this house.
OK.
But don't we want the
warlock out of the house,
instead of keeping him in?
The security of a few hardly
outweighs the souls of many.
Great.
How do you know all this?
The witch hunter who entombed
Renfro in 1692 was me ancestor.
I am his legacy.
And you too, Mr. Dunaway,
will become a witch hunter.
I think you're assuming
a little too much here.
Knowledge is
responsibility, sir.
A note worth taking.
This is crazy.
A witch doctor shows up and
tells me my house is haunted,
and now I'm helping
him catch a ghost.
Hunter.
What?
I'm a witch hunter,
not a doctor.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
Now, very important.
What are you afraid of?
I must know.
The warlock will use
it as his weapon.
Nothing I can think of.
And what is it you
do for a living?
I teach at Salem College.
Call in sick for some time.
I just started.
I can't do that.
Time is critical.
Renfro will try to escape when
he learns what is occuring.
Not afraid of nothing.
What are ya, Superman?
Jeez.
MacArthur, wait a minute.
Wait a second.
-Oh, just stop.
I don't want to hear
nothing more from you.
[screaming]
Are you all right?
That son of of a bitch.
I'll kill him!
He was having sex with you!
Honey, you're scaring me.
That fucker is in my attic!
Oh, god.
Come out, pumpkin!
Please!
Mommy wants to play!
I've got breakfast for you!
I miss you!
I think it's better this way.
No way.
I'm not leaving you here alone.
I'm not!
Just how many of
these witch exorcisms,
or whatever you call
them, have you done?
I've been training for
this my entire life,
if that's what
you're prying for.
Well, you sure don't act like
you do know what you're doing.
It's just temporary.
I-- I assure you.
So how many have
you done, MacArthur?
Tis me first time.
Terrific.
Hi, professor.
I heard you were sick,
so I brought you some
of my homemade chicken soup.
Won't you come in?
Professor.
Call me Sonny.
What are you doing?
You want it as bad as I do.
Why else did you come here?
I told you, I
brought you some--
[moaning]
[screaming]
[screaming]
Cathy, what are you--
[screaming]
We haven't much time.
That poor girl was
no doubt the victim
of Renfro's diabolical tricks.
She's fortunate she
still has her life.
It's ready.
Place and fix the
coins between your lips.
It'll ward off any errant magic.
This device will warn us
of the warlock's presence.
Remember, no matter
what his tricks may be,
maintain thy will, and
God's spirit protects us.
Falter, and you invite
the beast inside.
[chanting]
I am the dark lord.
Who is he who calls me forth?
Remain firm in your belief!
Fear not, and he has no power.
None, witch hunter.
Descendent of he who committed
my soul to the living dead.
But you underestimate
me, and my powers.
And the clever apprentice.
You are not wanted
in this house!
In the name of God, I command
you to return to your--
[laughter]
If your almighty be
so vast in his love,
so colossal, so
magnificent, then why all
your starvation and disease?
The war.
What sort of god is this that
forces his children to suffer?
And you, groveling before
this impotent master
for forgiveness of thy sins.
To worship, and to never see!
Does your god come to
you in your dreams?
[screaming]
[howling]
What's with that book, anyway?
Oh, Malleus Maleficarum.
The medieval witch
hunter's grimoire.
The cover is made from
the skin of a witch.
You see, the end
of Salem's cross
is a special dagger made by
a 17th century alchemist.
You must get close
enough to the warlock
without being
caught by his eyes,
and plunge the blade into
his heart in another.
This will incapacitate his
spirit so that we can condemn
his soul back into the earth.
You don't seem too worried
about Renfro wasting you.
No.
I am protected by this.
It's as old as Salem's cross.
It was passed down
by me ancestors.
It's my responsibility to
seek out this doppleganger
and destroy him.
I'll incur no harm with
it in me possession.
You'd better brush up
on your incantations,
because with the fireworks
this ghost dishes out,
your cross won't do squat.
What is that?
Shut up.
It's not working.
Well, what do we do?
Find out who or
what is in there.
Ha ha ha ha!
Dammit!
We need Salem's cross.
He's turned into someone I
don't even recognize anymore!
Ever since he found
that stupid cross!
[crying]
Is this it?
I don't know.
What do you mean,
you don't know?
I didn't actually see it.
That be the cross
of Salem's glory.
Please, be careful,
Tis over 300 years old.
Who's this joker?
Our local neighborhood
witch hunter.
Our real estate agent.
Are you guys making a spook
house over there, or what?
There's no time to waste!
We must have the cross
back this very moment.
You're messing with
state evidence, pal!
If you don't like it,
I'll run your ass in, too.
You're making a
terrible mistake!
Just don't give up
your day job, MacArthur.
Hey, let's get a drink.
OK.
I could use the company.
Come with us.
We've an enormous
amount of work to do!
You cannot leave!
Oh my god.
Mitch!
What the hell?
[laughter]
[laughter]
Yes, master.
[laughter]
Yes, master.
Yes, master!
[screaming]
Stop the beast.
Use the cross.
Me?
I don't know what to do.
Thrust it into his heart!
Fear not, and he has no power.
Don't go in there, Sonny!
Look what's happened.
It's got to end.
Let somebody else do it.
We could just leave.
Now!
If I don't do this,
nobody else will.
Call the police.
I'll be back in time for dinner.
No!
No!
No, it's too
dangerous in there!
[screaming]
Were you looking for me?
Ha ha ha!
No!
No!
No!
No!
Ha ha ha!
No!
[laughter]
[screaming]
Sonny?
Mary Ann?
Get out of here!
[screaming]
Mary Ann?
Get out of here!
MARY ANN: Help!
No!
No!
Your fears are my delight!
[screaming]
Sonny!
Help me!
Mary Ann!
Mary Ann!
Yes, that woman will
be my slave forever.
No!
Angels and ministers
of grace, defend us!
Get away from her.
You will join her in
the depths of darkness.
Go back to Hell.
[screaming]
[music playing]
[singing]
[shouting]
Witches and witch-mongers
is notably detected.
The wickedness of conjurers.
The piety of [inaudible],
and the folly of soothsayers!
The infidelity of ours
is the pestilence.
[shouting]
The abomination of my god--
[shouting]
The power of natural which
has long lay hidden, now
is very necessary to be known!
[shouting]
Such the dark may
be pure enough to be
my perfect servant of Satan!
[chanting]
Symbol of [inaudible] universe.
I summon thee!
The virtue and power
of natural magic
long lay hidden, now is
very necessary to be known!
Set me on the glowing
flames of my torch!
I hereby sentence
Thalus, the warlock,
Simon Renfro, son of Satan,
to be damned for eternity!
[screaming]
[screaming]
Hey!
Hurry, you fools, or his evil
will spill into your souls!
Well, what do you think?
It's enormous.
It's old.
So is the whole neighborhood.
It's perfect.
We could never find something
like this in California.
It's all ours.
And it's gonna take us months
to fix this place, Sonny.
You don't like it?
I know it was a bit rushed,
but we-- we got it for a steal.
There's plenty of
room for guests.
And look, a yard
for your garden.
It's got everything.
This is the kind of house
we've dreamed of, Sonny.
Maybe we should have
bought the condo instead.
They don't make 'em like
this anymore, Mary Ann.
I mean, this is a
house with history.
And so I'll lead
you to more research?
It's a house I can romance
you in-- in the middle
of the night.
Sing ballads of love.
And promise.
Make babies.
Hm?
I'm sold.
Come on.
Sonny?
Help me?
Here I am to save the day!
[screaming]
Sonny!
Oh, Sonny!
Sonny!
Shh.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
Shh.
Shh.
His color was gone.
His breathing was shallow.
Just like last time.
I'm OK, Mary Ann.
Tell Dr. Smothers I'm OK.
Right.
All right.
Thank you, doctor.
You know I hate shrinks.
They think they know everything.
Well, he said you're
gonna be just fine-- if you
stay out of small spaces.
I'm a nut case.
Just say it.
Claustrophobia is hardly
grounds to commit you.
But I do know what we
can do for your therapy.
[bang]
What is that?
I don't know.
I'm going to find out.
Sonny?
[gasp]
Oh, you scared me.
Yeah.
Look at this.
Let's get outta here, huh?
Yeah.
Since witchcraft is such a
prominent way of life in Salem,
it's worth discussing how
the fear of witchcraft
began in Salem colony, as
well as in this country.
Now, for centuries witch hunts
had been occurring in Europe,
but in old Salem it was still
folklore until the last decade
of the 17th century,
when the Reverend Samuel
Parris had employed
as his housekeeper
a West Indian slave woman.
Tituba was her name,
and she regularly
regailed groups of
enthralled girls
with vivid tales of voodoo
spells and witchcraft.
When the reverend found his 9
year old daughter and her 11
year old cousin flouting
about in convulsions,
their only answer was
they were bewitched.
The good reverend believed it
to be Tituba casting spells
on innocents, and because
of this one man's fears
a mass hysteria was created,
culminating with what
we know to be the witch hunts.
In the years to follow,
thousands of innocent victims
were senselessly
tortured and slaughtered.
[buzzing] All right.
I want you to read
the writings of Judge
Briley Wilford, chapter seven.
Professor Dunaway, hi.
Hi.
Cathy Wilkins.
I just want to say how much
I enjoyed your lecture.
I think your class is going to
be the best one all semester.
Well, I'm glad you think so.
It was nice meeting you.
Oh, so dumb.
You'll be joining a top
notch faculty here, Dunaway.
And in two years, you could be
eligible for tenure-- pending
all goes well, of course.
Of course.
I don't need to tell you how
many qualified applicants we've
considered for this position.
And in spite of your little
coed situation in Merrimont,
your reputation stands clear.
Your commendations
were top drawer.
So we're holding high
expectations for you, Dunaway.
I trust you've, uh, settled?
Yes.
Uh, we found a wonderful place
up in the Chestnut Hill area.
Chestnut Hill?
I see.
Well, I certainly hope
you like it here in Salem.
We do so far.
Now then, uh, you'll be
reviewed on your instruction
framework and your
ability to generate
a creative environment.
Of course, you've heard
all that before, I'm sure.
Well.
Good luck, Dunaway.
Thank you, Dean Simpson.
I appreciate the opportunity.
Howdy, neighbor!
How the hell are ya?
We're the Bakers.
The Bakers?
From next door.
I'm Mitch.
My wife Gayle.
Hi.
Sonny Dunaway.
We just moved in.
Yeah, we know that.
Been waiting all day
for you to get home.
Won't you come in?
Honey, our neighbors
came to visit.
Oh.
Hi.
I'm Mary Ann.
Hi, I'm Gayle, and this
is my husband Mitch.
He's a plumber.
Oh.
A plumber.
Best in town, and
don't you forget it.
Boy, they sure don't build
'em like this anymore.
Hell, it is huge.
It's real big, Mitch.
Well, we don't have
much furniture yet, so--
Oh, we know how it is, sweetie.
So Sonny, what do you do?
I'm a teacher at Salem College.
Ah.
A professor.
So, professor, you got yourself
one hell of a fixer upper here.
How are the pipes?
The pipes?
The plumbing, man.
A place like this ought to
have all kinds of skeletons.
Mitch is the best.
Mitch's plumbing.
You got a leak, we got the plug.
Aw, leaks spring
up all the time.
Some just blow
fittings, main lines.
Hell, sometimes the
whole system backs up,
and water just starts
seeping into the foundation.
I did notice a leak, actually.
Ah-ha!
I knew it.
Ah, I can smell a leak on
the other side of the city.
Attic, right?
Basement.
But, uh-- tell you
what I'm going to do.
For a housewarming gift,
I'll do a free inspection
of your house.
Now, what do you
think about that?
Well, I don't know if all--
He is the best.
I think it's a
great idea, sweetie.
An afternoon, tops.
OK.
What could it hurt, right?
[giggling]
I dunno.
Looks like a cracked pipe.
You're going to have to replace,
uh, this length through here,
and-- oh, ho, ho!
This wall's gotta come down.
Now, wait a minute.
There could be a
gushing flood back there.
Now, you know what they say.
You pay me a little now, or
you pay me big time later.
But you said--
Trust me, Sonny.
Mitch Baker knows
what he's doing.
The last people who lived
here only stayed for two days.
We thought there was something
wrong with this place.
Well, we did hear
some strange noises.
Really?
We bought it from the
Protestant Church of England.
That's kind of weird, huh?
Oh, I get it.
That's a joke, right?
Ha ha!
You are so cute.
God, you two make
such a perfect couple.
We've had our share
of rough times.
We moved here to start over.
Ah, how romantic.
Well, Mitch and I never fight.
Well, there's no
reason to, cause
he's such a wild bronco in bed.
Ah, hee hee.
Any children?
We're waiting for Sonny
to get his tenure position.
I wonder what those two
are doing down there.
Mitch, let's talk about this.
Yeah!
Son of a gun!
What is it?
Looks like a door of some kind.
Whoa!
Must be some kind of
back draft or something.
We heard that same
noise last night.
Thirsty, guys?
Hee hee.
That hit the spot.
Thanks, snookums.
What are you doing to the wall?
Ah, Mitch just found a door.
A door?
A door to what?
Well, pretty lady, that's
what we're about to find out.
Ah-- another time, OK?
Just let us get settled first.
Well, you're the boss, Sonny.
Oh, I'm sorry, Mary Ann!
I was just trying to help!
That's OK.
Mm.
Not bad.
Well, maybe Mitch would like
to take some home with him.
My grandmother
cans them in Oregon.
They give Sonny heartburn.
Do you have any idea what used
to be here back in old Salem?
Hm.
Looks like an old cemetary.
Oh, pumpkin, they
just moved in.
I'm getting hungry, snookums.
Let's go feed the hungry tiger.
Mm.
If you all need
anything, just holler.
All right.
-Bye bye.
-Bye.
I'll be back.
Thanks for the warning.
They mean well.
He'd probably tear down the
whole house if I let him.
Did it ever occur to you
that he might be right?
He's a plumber, and you're not.
Slap me if I ever start
calling you snookums.
Hm?
Well.
May I have this dance?
Love to.
[buzzing]
Oh, brother.
Morning.
Hi.
It's the big day, honey.
Rise and shine.
[doorbell]
The dean wants creative?
I'll give him creative.
Hi.
Come on in.
Thanks.
Hi, professor.
Whoa!
Awesome, dude.
Way cool.
It's beautiful.
It is beautiful.
Wow.
Beautiful house.
I made these myself.
Oh, uh, honey, look.
Uh, this is Cathy.
My wife, Mary Ann.
Please turn to chapter six, page
147, the works of John Adams.
Now, he was known as a
controversial and outspoken
writer in his time.
Everybody found a place?
OK.
[banging] I apologize
for the racket.
Mary Ann?
[banging] Be right with you.
-Hungry, anyone?
-Yes.
Yeah.
Yes.
Oh, ham sandwiches.
Great.
-Thank you very much.
-You're welcome.
-These look great.
-Gosh, thanks.
Thank you so much.
Mm-hm.
What are you doing?
Hey, give me a hand, will ya?
Mitch, I'm teaching
a class upstairs.
Well, I know that.
I didn't want to disturb ya,
so I came down on my own.
Hey, check it out.
Holy cow.
Looks like a pentagram.
You know, a witch's hex mark?
This could be a historical find.
Stand back.
We're going to
open this baby up.
Uh-- Mitch, wait.
Come on, we're already here.
All we have to do is open it.
Heh.
You ain't chicken, are ya?
All right.
Oh, come on.
All right.
Let's brace ourselves.
Let's get it best we can.
OK, 1, 2--
[coughing]
It's cold.
MARY ANN: Sonny?
Everyone's waiting.
Wait for me.
Well, it's a man's job now.
Oh!
Oh, I can't see!
I can't see.
[inaudible]
Well, I think Professor
Dunaway is so cute.
He's definitely cool.
He is so intelligent,
and in charge.
I like that.
So does Cathy.
She's got a thing on him.
How do you say that?
Oh, please.
It's only obvious.
Oh!
OK, well thank you
very much, people.
Thank you so much.
I had a great time.
Take care.
Excellent questions today.
Tre cool, professor.
-OK.
-Bye, professor.
Bye bye, now.
Can we do it again?
But of course.
I had such a great time.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Professor-- do you mind
if I call you Sonny?
Professor.
You've inspired me so
much, I've decided to take
American Lit as a major.
Could we meet and talk about it?
Well, how about Thursday?
2:00?
Perfect.
Bye.
Bye.
What?
Don't you play innocent
with me, Sonny Dunaway.
That girl has a crush on you.
She wants guidance.
Mary Ann, we both know it would
be over if that happened again.
I couldn't live without you.
You're the only woman for me.
Just so it stays that way.
Mitch?
Funny, Mitch.
What a beauty.
You mean you took this
from their basement?
I didn't take it, I found it.
And they'd never know it was
there if it weren't for me.
Exactly where did
you find it, Mitch?
I don't know.
Some kind of, uh,
crypt, or something.
A crypt?
As in graveyard?
You mean to tell me you
took this from a grave?
Oh, Mitch, how could you?
You know all sorts of
curses come from this stuff!
Curses?
Don't be ridiculous.
Look at it.
It's priceless.
The, uh-- doctor is
ready for his exam.
Nurse is ready.
Any swelling?
Oh, temperature's rising.
Let me check your pulse.
Cough.
[coughing]
[laughter]
[moaning]
Mary Ann?
Honey?
I'm home.
Honey?
I'm home.
[shouting]
That is not funny
at all, young lady.
Come here.
No, no, no.
Come here.
Look what I found
in the library.
Look.
It's our house.
What's it say?
This house and
others in the vicinity
were built by the Puritans.
Witch burnings sites were
in the Chestnut Hill area.
Charming.
Oh, there's nothing
to be afraid of.
That was over 300 years ago.
You're like a little
boy with a new toy.
[screaming]
[laughter]
Ah!
[laughter]
Sonny!
Sonny!
Oh my god!
Damn.
Wait.
Tituba was a fascinating
woman, and she wasn't a witch,
I assure you.
-Thank you.
-OK.
-Thank you.
Thank you.
Now I understand.
Profesor, do you
have a few minutes?
Uh-- sure, Cathy.
Let's go to my office.
What happened to him?
It was a joke.
A fraternity prank in college.
I did my thesis on Hamlet,
and, uh-- some of the guys
thought I should
have my own skull.
That's where I met Mary Ann.
Maybe we should have that talk.
OK.
Well, what would you
like to talk about?
Well, about how you
wanted to ask my advice?
You know, I feel there
might be something going
on between the lines here.
You seem very tense.
Don't worry.
I won't bite.
You have very strong hands.
I have a confession to make.
Look, I'm happily married.
I'm going to be late
for my next class.
Can we have our talk later?
OK.
Looking forward to it.
[screaming]
Honey!
What's wrong?
Help me!
No!
Help me!
Mr. Dunaway.
Clarence MacArthur.
I'm from the Protestant
Church of England.
I've come to tell you a few
things about your house.
Maybe you can tell me what
the hell is going on here.
Mitch!
Open up in there!
Mitch, what are you doing?
Mitch!
Open up in there!
What are you doing?
Mitch!
Fred is here!
Mitch!
Mitch!
MItch!
Fuck you, Mitch!
Ain't she grand?
Isn't she beautiful?
What do you think, Fred?
Hey.
Oh, yeah.
She must be 150 years old.
Even more.
So what do you
think she's worth?
About half a mil?
Whoa there, buddy.
Listen, let me take
it to the shop.
No!
No, it stays right here.
I'm not letting it
out of my sight.
Nobody needs to know
about this, Fred.
Nobody.
Jeez, Mitch.
All right.
Relax, guy.
Uh-- where'd you find it?
Never you mind about that.
I'm counting on you, Fred.
Oh, OK.
I'll go to the car and get
some things out of the car.
What the hell is it?
When I learned the
clergy sold this house,
I came as quick as I could.
Their shortsightedness could
very well have killed ya.
OK, MacArthur.
Just say it.
I'm afraid something terrible
has occurred here, Mr. Dunaway.
Something of great magnitude
with incomprehensible
ramifications, not only
for you and for this house,
but for the entire
world of Christianity.
You shouldn't have
opened the crypt,
and you shouldn't
have taken the cross!
Crypt?
You mean to tell us there
are people buried down there?
Look, we just want to
know what's going on.
I'll tell you what I
know to be the truth.
300 years ago, during
the witch hunts of Salem,
a vile warlock, a
wretched and evil man
by the name of Simon
Renfro, accused
of murdering and ingesting
countless children,
raping more than a dozen
women, and forcing them
to black witchery, was
desecrated on this very ground
and buried in what you know to
be the room off your basement.
His spirit was encapsulated
in a grave-- an earthly prison
for all eternity.
And he was to stay
still so long as Salem's
cross lay nailed to his coffin.
And that's the cross
that you're talking about?
Aye, that's the
cross that's missing.
You mean to tell us there's
a warlock loose in our house?
A warlock's ghost.
More powerful than the physical.
He can travel and
shapeshift at will.
This warlock has many powers
none of us can imagine.
Fascinating.
Sonny!
This isn't some game.
Whatever it is, it
is trying to hurt us.
Aye.
You're fortunate I
arrived when I did.
Pack up your things and go.
Hey, we're not going anywhere.
We bought this place,
lock, stock, and barrel.
Sonny!
Maybe we should sell it.
No way.
I'm not afraid of some ghost.
How do we know he isn't
just some con artist?
Or maybe it was
just an earthquake.
This is hardly a time
for denial, Mr. Dunaway.
But you can call the church
and verify what I tell ya.
It's dead.
The process has begun.
He will sever all ties
with the outside world,
and keep those he
chooses as his mercy.
Did you remove the cross?
No!
It had to be our neighbor.
He's the one that opened
the crypt to begin with.
Ow!
That was weird.
So, uh, what do you think?
What do you think it's worth?
I don't know.
About, uh, 80,000, give
or take a few thousand.
No, no, no.
It's worth more than that.
I mean, look at her.
Hey, hey, you just take her
somewhere else if you don't
like that figure, OK, pal?
Now, you just tell
me where you found it
and why you're acting
so goddamn weird, huh?
In the backyard.
I-- I dug it up.
Oh.
Backyard?
You're not gonna tell
anybody, will ya, Fred?
Not if you don't
want me to, Mitch.
You sure you're going to be able
to make it to the poker game
on Friday, buddy?
Huh?
OK, all right, already.
Hey, listen, are you sure
you're going to be able to make
it to the game on Friday?
Mitch?
Poker Friday.
This folklore is fine
and all, but you've
got my wife scared to death.
Listen to me.
Renfro has the power to
possess bodies at will.
We must send him
back to the damned
before he escapes this house.
OK.
But don't we want the
warlock out of the house,
instead of keeping him in?
The security of a few hardly
outweighs the souls of many.
Great.
How do you know all this?
The witch hunter who entombed
Renfro in 1692 was me ancestor.
I am his legacy.
And you too, Mr. Dunaway,
will become a witch hunter.
I think you're assuming
a little too much here.
Knowledge is
responsibility, sir.
A note worth taking.
This is crazy.
A witch doctor shows up and
tells me my house is haunted,
and now I'm helping
him catch a ghost.
Hunter.
What?
I'm a witch hunter,
not a doctor.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
Now, very important.
What are you afraid of?
I must know.
The warlock will use
it as his weapon.
Nothing I can think of.
And what is it you
do for a living?
I teach at Salem College.
Call in sick for some time.
I just started.
I can't do that.
Time is critical.
Renfro will try to escape when
he learns what is occuring.
Not afraid of nothing.
What are ya, Superman?
Jeez.
MacArthur, wait a minute.
Wait a second.
-Oh, just stop.
I don't want to hear
nothing more from you.
[screaming]
Are you all right?
That son of of a bitch.
I'll kill him!
He was having sex with you!
Honey, you're scaring me.
That fucker is in my attic!
Oh, god.
Come out, pumpkin!
Please!
Mommy wants to play!
I've got breakfast for you!
I miss you!
I think it's better this way.
No way.
I'm not leaving you here alone.
I'm not!
Just how many of
these witch exorcisms,
or whatever you call
them, have you done?
I've been training for
this my entire life,
if that's what
you're prying for.
Well, you sure don't act like
you do know what you're doing.
It's just temporary.
I-- I assure you.
So how many have
you done, MacArthur?
Tis me first time.
Terrific.
Hi, professor.
I heard you were sick,
so I brought you some
of my homemade chicken soup.
Won't you come in?
Professor.
Call me Sonny.
What are you doing?
You want it as bad as I do.
Why else did you come here?
I told you, I
brought you some--
[moaning]
[screaming]
[screaming]
Cathy, what are you--
[screaming]
We haven't much time.
That poor girl was
no doubt the victim
of Renfro's diabolical tricks.
She's fortunate she
still has her life.
It's ready.
Place and fix the
coins between your lips.
It'll ward off any errant magic.
This device will warn us
of the warlock's presence.
Remember, no matter
what his tricks may be,
maintain thy will, and
God's spirit protects us.
Falter, and you invite
the beast inside.
[chanting]
I am the dark lord.
Who is he who calls me forth?
Remain firm in your belief!
Fear not, and he has no power.
None, witch hunter.
Descendent of he who committed
my soul to the living dead.
But you underestimate
me, and my powers.
And the clever apprentice.
You are not wanted
in this house!
In the name of God, I command
you to return to your--
[laughter]
If your almighty be
so vast in his love,
so colossal, so
magnificent, then why all
your starvation and disease?
The war.
What sort of god is this that
forces his children to suffer?
And you, groveling before
this impotent master
for forgiveness of thy sins.
To worship, and to never see!
Does your god come to
you in your dreams?
[screaming]
[howling]
What's with that book, anyway?
Oh, Malleus Maleficarum.
The medieval witch
hunter's grimoire.
The cover is made from
the skin of a witch.
You see, the end
of Salem's cross
is a special dagger made by
a 17th century alchemist.
You must get close
enough to the warlock
without being
caught by his eyes,
and plunge the blade into
his heart in another.
This will incapacitate his
spirit so that we can condemn
his soul back into the earth.
You don't seem too worried
about Renfro wasting you.
No.
I am protected by this.
It's as old as Salem's cross.
It was passed down
by me ancestors.
It's my responsibility to
seek out this doppleganger
and destroy him.
I'll incur no harm with
it in me possession.
You'd better brush up
on your incantations,
because with the fireworks
this ghost dishes out,
your cross won't do squat.
What is that?
Shut up.
It's not working.
Well, what do we do?
Find out who or
what is in there.
Ha ha ha ha!
Dammit!
We need Salem's cross.
He's turned into someone I
don't even recognize anymore!
Ever since he found
that stupid cross!
[crying]
Is this it?
I don't know.
What do you mean,
you don't know?
I didn't actually see it.
That be the cross
of Salem's glory.
Please, be careful,
Tis over 300 years old.
Who's this joker?
Our local neighborhood
witch hunter.
Our real estate agent.
Are you guys making a spook
house over there, or what?
There's no time to waste!
We must have the cross
back this very moment.
You're messing with
state evidence, pal!
If you don't like it,
I'll run your ass in, too.
You're making a
terrible mistake!
Just don't give up
your day job, MacArthur.
Hey, let's get a drink.
OK.
I could use the company.
Come with us.
We've an enormous
amount of work to do!
You cannot leave!
Oh my god.
Mitch!
What the hell?
[laughter]
[laughter]
Yes, master.
[laughter]
Yes, master.
Yes, master!
[screaming]
Stop the beast.
Use the cross.
Me?
I don't know what to do.
Thrust it into his heart!
Fear not, and he has no power.
Don't go in there, Sonny!
Look what's happened.
It's got to end.
Let somebody else do it.
We could just leave.
Now!
If I don't do this,
nobody else will.
Call the police.
I'll be back in time for dinner.
No!
No!
No, it's too
dangerous in there!
[screaming]
Were you looking for me?
Ha ha ha!
No!
No!
No!
No!
Ha ha ha!
No!
[laughter]
[screaming]
Sonny?
Mary Ann?
Get out of here!
[screaming]
Mary Ann?
Get out of here!
MARY ANN: Help!
No!
No!
Your fears are my delight!
[screaming]
Sonny!
Help me!
Mary Ann!
Mary Ann!
Yes, that woman will
be my slave forever.
No!
Angels and ministers
of grace, defend us!
Get away from her.
You will join her in
the depths of darkness.
Go back to Hell.
[screaming]
[music playing]