Ghost Fever

Ghost Fever is a comedy horror film set in the year 1986. Produced by Alan Smithee, this laugh-feast features a tour de force from renowned comedian Sherman Hemsley, who is fondly remembered for his role as George Jefferson on the CBS sitcom The Jeffersons. The gripping narrative of the film also includes commendable performances from Luis Avalos and Jennifer Rhodes, whose deft portrayals lend oodles of charm and appeal to their respective characters.

The movie pivots around two unsuspecting police officers, Buford (Sherman Hemsley) and Benny Lee (Luis Avalos). The story kicks off with a strange and unexpected call-out, leading them to a seemingly deserted and dilapidated mansion shrouded in an eerie mystery. The Southern mansion in question belongs to a centuries-old plantation family. It exudes a haunted charm and has a chilling history associated with it, making for a hair-raising setting that drives the movie's plotline.

Once inside the mansion, through a series of unexpected and uncanny events, the duo soon realizes that the supernatural phenomena is real. The mansion is haunted by ghosts from a bygone era—that of the Southern plantation owner and his docile maiden daughter. These ghostly entities, despite being ethereal, have their own unique, endearing personalities. The sudden brushes with these spectral apparitions, while alluding to their grim past, set the tone for an unusual and bizarre ride.

At first, Buford and Benny Lee are terrified and try to run away from the mansion, but the haunting ghosts have other plans. Because of a spell, they become trapped within its foreboding walls. Stranded, they decide to take it upon themselves to figure out the circumstances surrounding the curious haunting at the mansion. As they delve into the mysteries of the mansion’s past, it unveils a treasure trove of strange tales, sordid histories, and ghostly tales.

In true Sherman Hemsley style, Ghost Fever is not merely a straight-up horror film; it comes laden with light-hearted humor and clever dialogue. The movie combines spectral scares with belly-aching laughter, making the story engaging and multi-textured at once. As the central characters become increasingly embroiled in the supernatural shenanigans of the haunted mansion, the movie balances the fear with comedic relief, aided by Sherman Hemsley’s and Luis Avalos’ excellent comedic timing.

Besides the laughs, the movie unfolds linking the police officers' journey through the mansion with the building's dreadful history, covert secrets, and undisclosed narratives. These threads are woven into the story with the aim of connecting the mansion's past with the predicament of the officers—bringing two seemingly divorced timelines together in a harmony that's as weird as it's exciting.

Jennifer Rhodes' character carries a significant and delightfully unusual role, transposing between a ghost of a lady trapped in the confines of the mansion and a part of the mystery that the police officers are trying to unravel. She effectively exudes an air of mystery and suspense that makes her character intriguing and often pivotal to the plot development. Her performance brings out the appeal in a film that oscillates between the ludicrous and the fearsome, blending the specter and the humor perfectly.

Directed by Lee Madden, with cinematography by Robert Caramico, Ghost Fever is visually striking. The use of lights, shadows, and a haunting background score create a suitably spooky atmosphere that is complemented by the mansion's period characteristics and eccentric fixtures. The film’s special effects, although dated by today’s standards, add an extra layer of charm to the movie.

In essence, Ghost Fever is more than your average haunted house story. It is a delightful mixed bag of comedy and chills that keeps you engaged from start to finish. The memorable performances of its lead actors, combined with clever writing and engaging plotlines, make this movie a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a good laugh with their scares. The film goes beyond spooks and jokes; it weaves a tale of mystery and history, making the viewing experience enchanting and entertaining at the same time.