Didn't seem interesting at first, and it looked a bit amateurish, , but the actress playing Jessica was compelling and I was intrigued. The use of sound and images to create an unsettling atmosphere was basic but really well done. The sounds were awesome. It didn't take long for the story to pick up. I've watched a few horror movies based on mental illness and hallucinations etc, but they always seem a little methodical. This one seemed more unpredictable, mysterious and natural. I also sympathised with Jessica, and it seemed she had a genuine struggle. There aren't many characters, but they work so well together and create an interesting dynamic. Having so little characters also created more tension, as I felt like I was stuck with these people. There is a bit of a story reveal midway which was a bit clunky, and I wasn't sure whether I'd like the second half as much, but it got good again near the end.
Very odd experience. I questioned what I was watching various times, which I suppose is the point. If I watched this as a child, it would have terrified me. This movie is pretty well made and very unique. Great atmosphere and scary. Despite its flaws it puts many modern psycological horrors to shame.

_**Haunting mystery/horror on coastal Connecticut**_

Released in 1971, "Let's Scare Jessica to Death" chronicles events after the title character (Zohra Lampert) gets out of a mental institution and moves into an old house on coastal Connecticut with her husband (Barton Heyman) and a friend (Kevin O'Connor). There they discover a hippie-like squatter named Emily (Mariclare Costello) whom they eventually invite to stay because they all get along. Jessica starts to hear voices as they catch wind of rumors of a drowning victim from 90 years earlier who's now a ghost or maybe even a vampire. Are the increasingly crazy happenings real or all in Jessica's mind?

This is a realistic mystery/horror movie in the mold of 1967's "The Shuttered Room" and 1962's "Carnival of Souls." I mean 'realistic' in the sense that the tone is believable. It's a low-key, haunting slow-burner, so if you want over-the-top, cartoony horror, look elsewhere.

Zohra Lampert is effective as the mentally unstable protagonist. The way the movie constantly looks into her thought-life and the uncertainties thereof is reminiscent of 1968's "Rachel, Rachel." The theme is the hypnotic power of a woman. Reflect on Jessica's situation at the end. If she dares to speak out, who would believe her story?

The drowning victim from the 19th century was named Abigail. I bet this was where KD got the name for his notable 1987 horror-metal concept album.

The movie runs 98 minutes and was in Connecticut, USA (Essex, Chester, East Haddam & Old Saybrook).

GRADE: B

Eerie little 1970s supernatural horror film has a few creepy moments and although it is on the slow side at times, still liked the performance from Zohra Lampert and it does have a charm to it. Won't make my list of great horror films or anything, but certainly work seeking out. **3.0/5**