the Sentinel (1977)

[Chopper]

Michael Winner (director of Death Wish) did this in the 70's, his first and only horror movie.

a hot high class model moves into the "perfect" new york flat to gain a little independence from her lawyer boyfriend (it must be tough being hot and loved). to her dismay the apartment turns out to be preoccupied by a gang of surly demons and a creepy priest who sits on the first floor. oh and it's also the gateway to hell that must be protected-yeah and i thought my neighbors were a pain in the ass.

some of it is hokey, and a couple actors are just atrocious, but some of the scenes are still quite erie and creepy, holding up quite well. one scene where a flashback of her father (who looks to be in his 80's-way beyond his sexual prime) is hanging out with a couple of hoes, which causes a younger version of the main character to attempt suicide, was very distasteful and disturbing i thought.

further research i found out the use of people with real birth defects towards the end p**sed a lot of people off.

more info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076683/

[Mr_Vindictive]

Chopper,

This film is one of my FAVORITES to come out of the 70s.  I discovered it on DVD for 5 bucks a few years ago.

I love the creepy tenants in the apartment and the Latin reading scene is great.  By far though are the "stabbing" scenes (quite creepy) and almost the end scene with Chris Sarandon and the cat.  The "freaks from hell" at the end are also quite a surreal touch and extremely creepy.  

I've never shown it to anyone who didn't love it.  Worth seeking out.

[Scott]

Is this the film where this guy knocks on the door and the lady answers it. Then the guy walks quickly across the room into the corner. If it is then this is a really creepy film. Saw part of it on 100 Scariest Moments around Halloween.

[Chopper]

Scott, i believe so. and i think that's the scene of her father's ghost. pretty creepy stuff.

[Mr_Vindictive]

Scott,

This be the film.  Quite creepy scene.

[Yaddo 42]

This is one of those that I'm surprised hasn't been remade yet. Liked the creepy atmosphere, the use of people with birth defects may have offended some, but it certainly was effective.

[Chopper]

"the use of people with birth defects may have offended some, but it certainly was effective."

you got that right!