"Wait Till Helen Comes" was one of my all-time favorite childhood books, and I was psyched when I discovered they were making a film version of Dahn's novel. Dahn's novel was truly one of terror, suspense, and family tension. All which made for an unforgettable and excellent page-turner and ghost story.
For months I followed this film closely on IMDb (which contained surprisingly very little information) and finally, I discovered it would be airing as a Lifetime Movie with the new title "Little Girl's Secret" and I eagerly settled in the night it premiered on Lifetime to watch it.
I will give a quick plot summary: Teenage bookworm Molly's mother has recently married a man named Dave. The blended family moves away from the crowded city of Baltimore to an old church that was converted into a home in the small town of Howell, Maryland. Alongside a stepfather, Molly and her brother Michael also gained a new stepsister named Heather. Who has undergone profound trauma due to her mother's death in a fire. The kids soon discover an old graveyard on their home's property with a small tombstone with the initials "H. E. H." imprinted upon it. Heather comments over the coincidence of the person with the grave sharing her initials and age. Soon, Heather becomes obsessed with the graveyard and Molly discovers that the ghost of "H.E.H." is possessing Heather. After some research Molly discovers the initials stand for "Helen Elizabeth Harper" and there are ruins of an old house, as well as a pond by the church property. Long story short (I don't want to reveal much more) Molly must convince everyone that Heather is in danger because of Helen's ghost.
First of all (before I complain) I will give the filmmakers high praise for the absolutely stunning cinematography and set designs. The ruins of the old house, the old church converted into a house, and the old graveyard were exactly how I always pictured them when I read the book. They truly captured the visuals of Hahn's terrifying novel set in the Maryland countryside. So I will give the film a "9" for that one (I never give "10s" because nothing is truly a "10"). The musical score was also very good. However, the acting in this film in poor. Often coming across as monotone and dull.Making the film want to make you fall asleep and making one not feel any connection to the characters. The novel originally portrayed phenomenal character development, and background which really made you feel attached to them. They also strayed from several important key elements of the novel. Including adding things that were NEVER in the novel in the first place.
Maybe I am coming across as a bit bias because I read the book first, and have always loved it. Yet, this film had so much potential, and filmmakers failed to live up to it. Especially with the poor acting, dragged out filming process, and lack of character development. An okay film if you have never read the book, but no masterpiece. If you HAVE read the book, then be prepared to be disappointed.
For months I followed this film closely on IMDb (which contained surprisingly very little information) and finally, I discovered it would be airing as a Lifetime Movie with the new title "Little Girl's Secret" and I eagerly settled in the night it premiered on Lifetime to watch it.
I will give a quick plot summary: Teenage bookworm Molly's mother has recently married a man named Dave. The blended family moves away from the crowded city of Baltimore to an old church that was converted into a home in the small town of Howell, Maryland. Alongside a stepfather, Molly and her brother Michael also gained a new stepsister named Heather. Who has undergone profound trauma due to her mother's death in a fire. The kids soon discover an old graveyard on their home's property with a small tombstone with the initials "H. E. H." imprinted upon it. Heather comments over the coincidence of the person with the grave sharing her initials and age. Soon, Heather becomes obsessed with the graveyard and Molly discovers that the ghost of "H.E.H." is possessing Heather. After some research Molly discovers the initials stand for "Helen Elizabeth Harper" and there are ruins of an old house, as well as a pond by the church property. Long story short (I don't want to reveal much more) Molly must convince everyone that Heather is in danger because of Helen's ghost.
First of all (before I complain) I will give the filmmakers high praise for the absolutely stunning cinematography and set designs. The ruins of the old house, the old church converted into a house, and the old graveyard were exactly how I always pictured them when I read the book. They truly captured the visuals of Hahn's terrifying novel set in the Maryland countryside. So I will give the film a "9" for that one (I never give "10s" because nothing is truly a "10"). The musical score was also very good. However, the acting in this film in poor. Often coming across as monotone and dull.Making the film want to make you fall asleep and making one not feel any connection to the characters. The novel originally portrayed phenomenal character development, and background which really made you feel attached to them. They also strayed from several important key elements of the novel. Including adding things that were NEVER in the novel in the first place.
Maybe I am coming across as a bit bias because I read the book first, and have always loved it. Yet, this film had so much potential, and filmmakers failed to live up to it. Especially with the poor acting, dragged out filming process, and lack of character development. An okay film if you have never read the book, but no masterpiece. If you HAVE read the book, then be prepared to be disappointed.