Let's not forget 'Trilogy of Terror' was the scariest TV movie of all time
Who's still frightened by the Zuni warrior doll?
October is always a time of frights. With the days getting darker and Halloween right around the corner, it's the perfect time to sit back and watch a scary movie.
Last week, we revisited some of the most ridiculous episodes of ABC's Movie of the Week. A lot of them were silly, and some were unbelievable, but one thriller struck a nerve with readers.
Trilogy of Terror (1975) is remembered as one of the scariest productions to air on primetime television. In particular, the third installment sticks out for being a hair-raising spectacle that ensured the nation would lose sleep for a week.
"Amelia"tells the story about a beautiful young woman who lives alone and has a contentious relationship with her mother. One day, a package she orders comes in the mail.
She describes it as a Zuni warrior doll, and she thinks it'll make the perfect gift. Just looking at it, wouldn't you think so too?
An inscription that comes with the doll says there is a spirit inside the doll, and the gold chain around its neck will keep it from coming to life.
Well, that shouldn't pose any problem.
Amelia goes about her day and returns to find the doll is missing. She checks under the sofa — it's not there. In the kitchen? Not there either. "Come on, Amelia," she exclaims to herself, knowing either she is crazy or this doll is walking around her apartment.
Soon enough, the doll attacks Amelia by stabbing her ankles. In a hurry, Amelia runs away and trips twice while running to lock herself in her bedroom.
Amelia frantically calls the operator in tears and tells them to get the police. "I don't know where I'm located," say cries. Well, Amelia, then we're not sure the operator can help you in that case.
The Zuni warrior doll continues its wrath of terror around the apartment while Amelia tries everything in her power to subdue the beast. She tries drowning it, throwing lamps at it and putting it in a suitcase.
Finally, Amelia figures out what to do. She throws the doll into the oven where it slowly quiets down. A black cloud of smoke fills the kitchen. Amelia checks on the demon, and the camera fades to black.
All seems right with the world when Amelia calls her mother to invite her over to dinner. But we quickly learn the spirit has taken over Amelia, and the mom will probably die before digging into the pot roast.
Who remembers this frightening tale? We've attached it below to jog your memory.
By the way, do you even remember the other two installments of Trilogy of Terror?