oblivion1324 Being from TN I was excited to see this movie. It started off like every other low budget hand-held camera movie. It got more boring and dumber as the minutes went on. There was nothing that even remotely go into the legend of the Bell Witch. If it would have told more about the legend of the Bell Witch then it might have been interesting, but this movie was no where close to what it should have beenIts just a family who moved into a house that was build on the "sacred ground" and things begin to happen. I would actually say Paranormal Entity was better than this movie. And we all know how much of a rip that was.

cdwarehouse99 This is a story that should have been captured in film a long time ago. Thank you for having the insight to do so. You have done an excellent job of staying true to the story and allowing us to bring it to or T.V. I was wondering if it would ever be made into a film and you have done it with excellence. This is truly one of the best stories ever told and I cherish the fact that I can now view it and share it with others. I grew up in neighboring Cheatham county and recall having the book and hearing the tales as a young boy and later on in years. I actually visited the farm and cave and had the opportunity to sit with Mr. Eden as he told me tales that sent goosebumps all over me. Thank you so much for your hard work and commitment to the excellence of this movie. I'm 51 yrs. of age now and you have brought those goosebumps back once again. Thank you!!!!!

moviefan5-2 I saw the new movie "The Bell Witch Haunting," which I can best describe as being a carefully researched, enlightening, and entertaining rendition of the legend. Moreover, I came away with a greater understanding and appreciation of the legend. The only other production that left me feeling that way was "The Bell Witch Story," a play that was directed and produced by the team of Ric White and Linda Thornton, the same people who have now brought "The Bell Witch Haunting" to the "big screen." Was this a mere coincidence? I don't think so. They "grew up" on the Bell Witch and have researched the legend extensively. Now, add the fact that they are accomplished actors and directors. This is precisely the "history meets drama" concept that I have been writing about for years, where a good Bell Witch movie comes about when historians and movie people pool their abilities and work together - WHAT A CONCEPT!."The Bell Witch Haunting" relates many of the original Ingram stories, as well as a few first-time accounts that are most likely rooted in the writer's perception of what might have happened but was not related in early accounts – which is fine. The Ingram stories are portrayed as they were originally told, with dimension occasionally being added for color and depth, but not changed or embellished in any way. The stories added by the writer are seamlessly interwoven with the original story, which makes for an enhanced and more entertaining account. Writing in such a manner that the audience is presented with a cohesive, hybrid account of the legend, is a work of art – in my opinion.No actor stood out as being better – or worse – than the others. All did an excellent job, and I applaud them relentlessly. Scenes, such as the look on James Johnston's face when he first encountered the "Spirit," and the agony experienced by John Bell as he lay on his deathbed, give the legend a dimension that no printed work - bar none - can effectively convey. Sure, we can spend pages upon pages describing the fear and agony experienced by the characters, but a single portrayal by good actors paints a more vivid picture than written works that employ "a thousand words to paint a picture" of the agony.The scene where Betsy Bell tried to greet visitors while in a trance was downright frightening. The pale and downtrodden look on her face -- in many scenes, actually -- serves as a vivid reminder of the abuse she endured at the hands of "Kate." I was equally impressed by the way in which the "tree lady" was alluded to in multiple scenes. It is one of the most frightening parts of the legend, and deserves more than just one scene. Job well done.I was particularly impressed with the careful attention paid to the chronology of events, something that few published works have done. It was nice to be able to watch the events unfold in the right order; and, the carefully planned transitions made for a pleasant and sometimes comical experience.Historical accuracy was seamlessly embedded into the movie. A case in point is the scene depicting Betsy Bell's outdoor birthday party, where you can see breath vapor as people speak, if you look closely. How does this relate to historical accuracy? Betsy's real birthday is in January, the coldest month of the year. "But why would anyone be so crazy as to have an outdoor party in January?" you might ask. The answer is, "the original legend says they did." But why? Ask Ingram, not the movie director - he is only trying to keep the movie accurate per the original legend.Another example of historical accuracy is the characters themselves. In terms of age and physical appearance, they closely resemble the people being portrayed, as per historical descriptions. I was also impressed by the candlelit scenes, which help the viewer understand the household environment back in the day of John Bell.Interweaving historical accuracy in such a manner allows the ghost story to flow freely while giving the audience a history lesson in the process.I was pleasantly surprised by the set and camera work, and especially the director's choice not to go overboard with special effects. The movie was filmed in middle Tennessee, not too far from where the legend took place. The only downside, which lasted only a few seconds, was the lighting in one of the outdoor scenes. It was too bright, but did not materially detract from the movie. The choice of land gives the viewer what I feel is a good picture of what the actual Bell farm might have looked like. The house on the set is not made of logs, but resembles the real one, per historical descriptions, in every other regard.The music served its purpose well; however, if had been mixing it, I would have incorporated some spooky, wind-like sounds - or something along those lines - into the transitions between scenes. But notwithstanding, the transitions and music are fine like they are.Whether you are a Bell Witch expert, novice, or armchair historian, I think you will enjoy and learn from "The Bell Witch Haunting." I highly recommend that you go see it and get the DVD as well – you will probably want to watch it again and again.Thank you, Ric and Linda, for a wonderful movie! Pat Fitzhugh, Author / Historian The Bell Witch Web Site

xandorvorkov I bought a copy of this movie. The cover art looked impressive. When we sat down and watched it I was very disappointed. I have done a lot of research on this story. I have been to the places of where the actual events took place. Adams, Tennessee is not very far from where I live. The character Joshua Gardner in the movie is said to have moved west. He did about 12 miles from my home is where he settled and is buried there also. I know the people who bought and reassembled his cabin and they also said they experienced unusual happenings with it. The movie has to much of an hillbilly atmosphere. The real people being portrayed in this movie were far from being hillbilly's. They were a very well respected and prominent family of what I have learned. I feel that the seriousness of this story was not expressed well enough in it. The actual story was very frightening so frightening some of the older generations of the Bell family tried to keep it from the younger generation. I also noticed scenes that didn't match. Like the length of a candle a person is holding in a scene. One scene it is almost burnt out and the next it is longer. There is one more when someone is wearing a hat and then they are not. When John Bell Sr. is in his death bed one angle he is white faced and one angle he is not. There is to much silly comedy. When I say that I mean it is kind of corny. There is a lot of bad acting. I feel it is lacking in ability to tell the real horrifying story. In the real story Andrew Jackson and his army went to witness the Bell Witch and it scared some of his troops off and he made the statement. "I'd rather face the whole British Army, than face the Bell Witch again." You will find that the comedy kind of puts a damper on the threat of the witch in a way. There is some factual events told. I suggest that a person read the book. It will be more effective.