Questions
Is The Amityville Horror based on a true story?
It is based on Jay Anson’s 1977 book, which documented the alleged paranormal experiences of the Lutz family. Their story traces back to a real event: Ronald DeFeo Jr.’s November 1974 murder of six family members at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York.
Who directed the 1979 film and when did it come out?
It was directed by Stuart Rosenberg and released wide on July 27, 1979.
Who starred in the original movie?
James Brolin played George Lutz and Margot Kidder played Kathleen Lutz, with Rod Steiger as Father Frank Delaney.
What is the story behind the famous house?
The real home at 112 Ocean Avenue on Long Island is a Dutch Colonial Revival with a distinctive gambrel roof, a swimming pool, and a boathouse on a canal. George and Kathy Lutz bought it in December 1975 for $80,000.
Was the movie actually filmed at the real Amityville house?
No. The owners denied permission, so the exteriors were shot at a similar home in Toms River, New Jersey, in late 1978, while the interiors were built on MGM sound stages in Los Angeles.
What convinced James Brolin to take the role?
He was reportedly hesitant, but while reading Anson’s novel late at night his pants fell to the floor during a tense scene and made him jump in fright, which convinced him the material would work on screen.
Did the two leads get along on set?
Reportedly not entirely. Brolin favored sticking strictly to the script while Kidder preferred to improvise. Years later, in 2009, Kidder dismissed the film and said she couldn’t believe anyone took it seriously.
Why was Rod Steiger’s casting notable?
He had recently had open heart surgery and battled depression, and studios worried about insurance costs. He reportedly saw the role as proof to Hollywood that he was in good physical shape.
How did they film the swarm of flies scene?
To attract real insects, Steiger was reportedly doused in sugar water and beer during the shoot.
How well did the film do at the box office?
On a budget of about $4.7 million it earned roughly $86.4 million domestically, nearly 20 times its cost. It opened to $7.8 million and was the second highest grossing film of 1979 behind Kramer vs. Kramer.
Did it set any records?
Yes. It held the record as the highest grossing independent film until Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in 1990.
Did the movie win any awards?
It received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score for Lalo Schifrin, whose music featured children’s voices arranged as a haunting, distorted lullaby. It also earned a Golden Globe nomination and Saturn Award nominations.
What did the Lutz family get from the film?
George and Kathleen Lutz, who abandoned the home after just 28 days in early 1976, later sued over the film rights and reportedly received $100,000 from the theatrical release.
Is there any doubt the haunting really happened?
Yes, the accuracy has been heavily disputed. Attorney William Weber reportedly claimed the story was a hoax created ’over many bottles of wine,’ and later owners of the house reported no paranormal activity.
How big did the franchise get?
It grew into one of horror’s largest franchises, with more than 20 films released between 1982 and 2025. Amityville II: The Possession (1982) served as a prequel to the original.
