The Manitou

Film about diabolical possession and the reincarnation of an Indian medicine man., Low-budget horror director William Girdler’s last film stars Susan Strasberg as Karen Tandy, a San Francisco woman who develops a strange growth on her neck. After an operation fails because the doctor is forced to cut his own hand, Karen seeks out an Indian shaman (Michael Ansara), who tells her that the thing on her neck is the fetus of a reincarnated witch doctor. Eventually, Karen goes to the hospital and gives “birth” to a silly-looking creature played by Cousin Itt himself, Felix Silla. It runs amok in the building until boyfriend Tony Curtis figures out that his love for Karen can boost the hospital’s electrical supply to zap the pesky beast. Generally acknowledged as one of the silliest horror films ever made, The Manitou should please camp buffs more than serious fans., About diabolical possession and the reincarnation of an Indian medicine man. Tony Curtis, Michael Ansara, Susan Strasberg. Amelia: Stella Stevens. Mrs. Karmann: Ann Sothern. Dr. Snow: Burgess Meredith. Dr. Hughes: Jon Cedar. Dr. McEvoy: Paul Mantee. Directed and co-written by William Girdler.