Question 1

Why is the character Dana absent from Poltergeist II, and what real-life tragedy influenced this decision?

Accepted Answer

Dana is absent because the character was retired out of respect for actress Dominique Dunne, who was murdered after the first film. A scene explaining her absence was never filmed.

Question 2

What made Heather O'Rourke burst into tears on set during Poltergeist II?

Accepted Answer

Heather O'Rourke was so afraid of Julian Beck, who played Reverend Kane, the first time she saw him that she burst into tears.

Question 3

How much was Poltergeist II edited down from its original runtime, and why was an actress furious about the cuts?

Accepted Answer

The film was edited down from 131 minutes to 91 minutes. Zelda Rubinstein was furious because she felt her best scenes were removed from the final cut.

Question 4

Why did Julian Beck appear so gaunt as Reverend Kane in Poltergeist II, and what was significant about this role?

Accepted Answer

Julian Beck's gaunt appearance was due to stomach cancer that would claim his life, making this his final film appearance.

Question 5

Which famous artist provided special effects designs for Poltergeist II, and how did they feel about the outcome?

Accepted Answer

H.R. Giger provided special effects designs, but he was reportedly 'very unhappy' with how his designs were translated to the film, with only two making it in briefly.

Question 6

Why is the character Dana absent from Poltergeist II, and what real-life tragedy influenced this decision?

Accepted Answer

Dana is absent because the character was retired out of respect for actress Dominique Dunne, who was murdered after the first film. A scene explaining her absence as being at university was never filmed.

Question 7

How did Julian Beck's health affect his appearance as Reverend Kane in the film?

Accepted Answer

Julian Beck's gaunt appearance was due to stomach cancer, which claimed his life. This was his final film appearance.

Question 8

What controversy surrounded the film's editing, and how did it impact the final battle scene?

Accepted Answer

The film was edited down from 131 to 91 minutes, with some surmising MGM rushed production. The final battle with Kane lasts only two minutes, and Zelda Rubinstein was furious her best scenes were cut.

Question 9

Which horror artist provided special effects designs for Poltergeist II, and how did he feel about their use?

Accepted Answer

H.R. Giger provided special effects designs, but only two made it into the film briefly. He was reportedly 'very unhappy' with how his designs were translated.

Question 10

What is the main conflict in Poltergeist II: The Other Side?

Accepted Answer

The Freeling family tries to escape trauma after Carol Anne's abduction, but the Beast appears as Reverend Kane, a zealot who wants Carol Anne, leading to a supernatural confrontation.

Poltergeist II: The Other Side

Customers also watched

Related Movies

Loved this film?

Share with others