Reverend Henry Kane

When I think about my favorite horror movie I consider many things. I look at the storyline and feel that plot as well as a strong cast of characters is important. As for the scare factor since we are talking about horror here I need to be terrified. Combining these factors, my choice for all time ultimate slasher/thriller is the Poltergeist trilogy from the 1980’s. My focus is one particular character; the Reverend Henry Kane.

The late American actor Julian Beck (1925- 1985) who played the Reverend Kane was primarily a stage actor for most of his career. Aside from his role as Kane, Beck is best known for co-founding and directing the Living Theatre in New York. He was a writer, director; painter and poet whose work often reflected his left wing anarchist views. In real life, Julian Beck was an odd man with skeletal qualities and only long stringy side hair as his top was nearly bald. His appearance only strengthened his genius acting genre making him a strong, believable character. When Beck landed his malevolent role in Poltergeist’s “The other side” he was dying of stomach cancer. He certainly took terror to the next level and left an impact with his performance, making Julian Beck my favorite horror villain of all time.

The clip I included is the “Mind Control” scene from Poltergeist’s part 2, The Other Side. The scene begins as a bright sunny day. Carol Anne (Heather O’ Rourke) is sitting on the front lawn playing when the Reverend Kane (Beck) enters. The weather instantly changes to a rain storm, thundering as he makes his way down the side walk outside the fenced in Freeling yard. Just strolling along, dressed in all black with top hat to boot, the Reverend sings “God is in his holy temple.” Carol Anne’s brother Robbie (Oliver Robbins) runs out to try and get her to go inside but she is frozen in terror. It is like she is under Kane’s spell as he makes his way up the walkway. Mrs. Freeling (Jo Beth Williams) scoops up Carol Anne and the family gathers on the porch as Kane reaches their home. The Reverend tries to make small talk, smiling with an obvious underlying grimace but the family isn’t buying into it. The family dog whimpers away and Carol Anne says she feels unwell. Young children and animals can always sense evil as Carol Anne stops her mother from shaking the Reverend’s hand. Mrs. Freeling and the children go into the house, leaving Mr. Freeling (Craig T Nelson) and Kane to speak.

Kane is obviously disturbed not being invited into the family home. He makes his plea to Mr. Freeling for access inside by trying to convince him that the entire family is in grave danger. The Reverend is aware that a Native American man named Taylor is staying in the home and tries to persuade Mr. Freeling into believing he is a charlatan out to deceive the family. The more that Kane speaks; Mr. Freeling gradually falls into a trance like state. Kane continues to make his case for entry into the family home; slowly accessing Freeling’s mind. At the same time Mrs. Freeling faces psychic attack with bodily anguish and visions of Kane have taken over her mind. Carol Anne’s voice appears to snap her father out of his hypnotic episode; immediately refusing Kane’s entry into the house. The Reverend becomes enraged, screaming that they all are going to die. In an instant his demeanor changes; he turns and walks away singing his song, disappearing with the storm. The Indian Taylor (John P. White cloud) comes outside to reveal Kane’s true identity as the “Beast.” He further warns Freeling that the confrontation with the beast has drained his energy and that there is much to prepare for with little time.

The Poltergeist trilogy was inspired by the true events of the Hermann family from Long Island, New York. The film’s cast was a believable American family and the story was enticing enough to keep me seated. Although not a blood and guts thriller, Poltergeist certainly packs enough frightening scenes to keep me watching again and again. The most chilling installment in my opinion is part 2,” The Other Side.” Julian Beck’s portrayal of the Reverend Henry Kane denotes the true epitome of evil. His physical appearance in addition to his acting style is one which no one else can truly mimic.