That Damn Twisted Deadbolt...

'Amelia' is really a classic horror film. Karen Black does an amazing job in a one woman (against Zuni Warrior Doll) show. Her long chat on the phone with her mother is brilliant - Ms. Black runs the gamut of emotions - fear, anger, irritation, guilt, compassion. The suspense builds perfectly and for the most part, Amelia's actions are logical and reasonable. At first, she tries to rationalize the noises and the missing knife..."Don't get spooky on me, Amelia. Wooden dolls do not roam about!" She fights off the doll, she runs to other rooms, she hides behind closed doors, she calls the police..."There's a...there's a...just get the police, PLEASE!" and she even yells out "This can't be happening!" Okay, so trying to drown a piece of wood isn't going to work, but she's doing what she can. Trying to grab the knife as He Who Kills is cutting himself out of the luggage might not be the best idea, but, she doesn't stop fighting. The tension builds nicely...until...that damn twisted deadbolt on the front door. How does Amelia KNOW she needs a screwdriver to try to open the door? There are no cuts which make it appear there is a missing scene. That part always distracts me. The doll sticks its ugly face out of the luggage and she has a weapon. If there had just been a quick run to the door making it apparent she needed the screwdriver. Yes, she falls too much, and both her mother's and Arthur's phone numbers seem to be 111-1111. Not to forget Amelia's screams are badly dubbed...especially near the end when He Who Kills sinks his teeth into her neck. Ironically, there IS a scene not used. Amelia spins around the kitchen with the doll attached to her throat and in the end credits, there is a down view of the kitchen. Amelia is turning around and around. The dubbed screams would have worked better with that angle as the viewer wouldn't see her mouth isn't moving. Still a fine piece of writing, acting and filmmaking on a 1970's TV budget.