The House of Dies Drear (1984 TV Movie) User Reviews (7)

A bizarre movie, but enjoyable

[mrdewoody · 7/10 · 20 August 2005]

This is a very strange movie with elements of history, some comedy and horror. I remembered being scared of it as a kid, and as an adult I can still appreciate this film.

It's basically the story of a family moving into a historic house that was owned by Dies Drear, an abolitionist who hid slaves and helped them escape. There is also a rumored treasure hidden somewhere on the land. The family is haunted in the house and meet a strange man who seems to know many of the secrets of the house.

It's a great film. Very clean with some pretty scary elements. No blood and guts and no bad language. It's educational too.

A good historical thriller for kids

[jnorman1 · 24 August 2003]

While I have not read the book and cannot comment on Sarah from London's remarks, I think that labeling a move as "Pretty bad" is pretty bad! This is a movie for kids and adults may laugh about the plot and characters, but it's for kids! My son enjoyed it and was not only entranced, but got an idea about how the Underground Railroad worked! How many kids movies actually teach them something that they probably won't learn in most schools?

It is embedded on my mind,I first watched it at 6years old!And it's something that will never leave my memories

[lyfeangel · 10/10 · 25 October 2004]

My parents were all about educating my brother and I. This movie(as a six year old)had a great impact on me.I instantly fell in love with history and learning even more! I loved the story line,and that I could identify with the children in the movie. In this time..even in 1984 there weren't too many black faces on TV or movies; especially in my age group. I was fortunate to see this repeated for about 2 more years,then...no more. My brother and I based a lot of our"bedtime" horror stories on this movie..and we still talk about it as one of our favorites @26 & 29 years old! I will definitely search to buy this movie or book somehow..so I can pass this on to my child. This movie wasn't poorly made,it was for TV and in 84' Come On! We know what TV was like then? Especially about the Underground Railroad ...

Frightening As A Child

[Keynoremy_mom · 8/10 · 20 February 2006]

I first saw this movie when I was in the 3rd, maybe 4th grade. I'm 28 years old now. I remember it was frightening to me, but I also remember watching it as a history movie. If I can recall, there was a family that moved in the house and came to find out it was haunted. I remember the African-American old man with the white beard in a scene where it was very dark. To hear him talk was even more scary. I don't remember too much about it, but I would enjoy owning it. For years I've tried to find this movie for myself to show my children, but no one i've asked has ever heard of it. I'm hoping that there is someone who can tell me where I can purchase 'The House Of Dies Drear', I would greatly appreciate it.

Great for School

[lobod1 · 7/10 · 15 December 2010]

I am a sixth grade Literature teacher. My students read the novel every year. They enjoy the suspense and how it is filled with figurative language. It is a great teaching tool for similes, metaphors, personification, etc. After we read the novel we watch the movie and the students do an activity with comparison and contrast of the movie and the novel. It is a great break from reading stories that don't peak their interest in basal readers. I have created an entire lesson on the book. If you are a teacher and would like a copy of my lesson email me using my screen name @yahoo and I would be happy to send you copies of my lessons.

Good movie

[messerderek92 · 9/10 · 1 June 2006]

This movie was almost as good as the book. It is a little boring, but the acting was great.A huge, old house with secret tunnels, a cantankerous caretaker, and buried treasure is a dream-come-true for 13-year-old Thomas. The fact that it's reputedly haunted only adds to its appeal! As soon as his family moves in, Thomas senses something strange about the Civil War era house, which used to be critical stop on the Underground Railroad. With the help of his father, he learns about the abolitionists and escaping slaves who kept the Underground Railroad running. While on his own, he explores the hidden passageways in and under the house, piecing clues together in an increasingly dangerous quest for the truth about the past. A heart-pounding adventure with this absorbing classic.

Pretty bad.

[StarsGirl59 · 9 September 2001]

****WARNING, SOME OF THE THINGS BELOW ARE NOT BLANANT SPOILERS, BUT THEY COULD BE CONSIDERED AS THEM BY SOME****Well, I read the book first, and I didn't like it too much, but at least it was tolerable. I wish I could say the same for the movie. I won't mince words: I hated it. Almost everything is misportrayed. Some parts they attempt to make chilling are just so badly done I could barely keep down my lunch. If you're going to watch this, I advise that you don't read the book first. Because you'll be so disgusted by the misportrayals, you'll get sick. Just a warning. :)