Movie spotlight
The Stranger Within
Who is the father of Ann Collins’ baby? Her husband had a vasectomy years ago. And Ann hasn’t been with another man. Even more mysterious: as the baby grows inside her, Ann begins to change. She is beset by strange illnesses, pours tablespoons of salt on her food, turns the thermostat to 50 degrees, speed-reads academic tomes. But much bigger shocks are yet to come. Barbara Eden stars in this hypnotic, swiftly paced blend of horror and sci-fi from Richard Matheson, the popular and prolific writer who also penned the novel I AM LEGEND and several notable THE TWILIGHT ZONE scripts.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young woman, who was raised in isolation by her overprotective mother, begins to suspect her mother is not who she claims to be. As she delves deeper into her past, she uncovers dark secrets about her family's history, leading to a disturbing confrontation with the truth and a terrifying realization about her own identity.
Critical Reception
This made-for-television film garnered mixed to positive reviews, with particular praise for Barbara Eden's performance as the tormented protagonist. It was noted for its suspenseful atmosphere and exploration of psychological themes, though some critics found its plot somewhat predictable.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its suspenseful build-up and effective atmosphere.
Barbara Eden's performance was highlighted as a strong point.
The psychological thriller elements were generally well-received.
Google audience: Information about specific Google user reviews for this made-for-television film from 1974 is not readily available.
Fun Fact
Barbara Eden, best known for her comedic role as Jeannie in 'I Dream of Jeannie,' took on a significantly darker and more dramatic role in 'The Stranger Within,' showcasing her versatility as an actress.
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