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JoBeth Williams Reveals $10K 'Poltergeist' Scene Secrets

11/3/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Actress JoBeth Williams described a one-take Poltergeist shot in 1981 using Steven Spielberg's hands.
The scene shows her character's son hallucinating clawing at his face.
The elaborate dummy for the effect cost $10,000.
The graphic scene nearly earned an R rating.
Williams praised the film's emotional depth and said JoBeth's performance influenced editing decisions.

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Story summary

Actress JoBeth Williams described a one-take Poltergeist shot in 1981 using Steven Spielberg's hands.
The scene shows her character's son hallucinating clawing at his face.
The elaborate dummy for the effect cost $10,000.
The graphic scene nearly earned an R rating.
Williams praised the film's emotional depth and said JoBeth's performance influenced editing decisions.