“When Michael Calls” is a made-for-tv horror film that offers a glimpse at what was to come for the genre.
Directed by Philip Leacock, the story is based on the 1967 novel of the same name by John Farris. It premiered as an ABC Movie of the Week on February 5, 1972, when horror was starting to evolve. Think of it this way. In 1972, “The Exorcist,” “Jaws,” and “Halloween” were still yet to be made.
The movie is notable for featuring a very young Michael Douglas in one of his first roles. Since its debut, it has been released on home media under the title “Shattered Silence,” with Douglas prominently featured on the cover. Its quality looks bad, but for horror, that can be good.
Chilling Start
We are introduced to the Connelly family: Doremus (Ben Gazzara), ex-wife Helen (Elizabeth Ashley) and young daughter Peggy (Karen Pearson). Doremus and Helen have a cordial relationship, sharing custody of Peggy. We also meet Craig (Michael Douglas) who is Helen’s…friend? Boyfriend? It was a bit confusing.
In perfect classic horror style, a rotary telephone announces its presence with a cacophonous ring. Helen answers and is shocked to hear a child’s voice identifying as Michael. “Auntie my Helen?” The eerie voice says. “I missed the school bus come and get me.”
As the calls continue day and night, it’s established that Michael was Helen’s nephew who died many years ago. “Auntie my Helen?” He says on a later call. “I’m dead, aren’t I? I’m dead!”
The ominous voice on the phone is an often-employed device for scares. This is one of the best. It sounds childlike and ethereal without being corny. The decision to go with the nickname Auntie my Helen adds to the creepiness for some reason. Calling her Auntie Helen or Aunt Helen just wouldn’t be as unsettling.
The Cast
Elizabeth Ashley is excellent in the leading role. Her silent reactions to the impossible voice on the phone convey her horror without a scream. Ben Gazzara is a super recognizable face, and it took me a minute to place him as the bad guy in “Roadhouse.” And of course, Michael Douglas in 1972 is on the precipices of being a Hollywood leading man. All are solid here, despite the limitations of television production.
“When Michael Calls” is digestible at 87 minutes. It reflects the natural pace of life with its slow progression. Some of the music is bad and out of place, which is expected with older films. My only gripe comes from the conclusion which ruins a good ghost story with a convoluted explanation.
If you’re a horror fan, “When Michael Calls” is worth checking out. I found it commercial and cost free on YouTube. It’s a fun piece of horror history that is almost always overlooked.
