A fledgling actress is lured to a remote mansion for a screen-test, soon discovering she is actually a prisoner in the middle of a blackmail plot.

‘Tis’ the season for a fun wintery tale, and what a tale this film has.

I went searching for something different to watch this year to kick off my winter season watching, I was looking for something thatmaybe I’d missed over the years and after looking through numerous lists online I found this feature.

Now this film is admittedly more Thriller than Horror but I admittedly like that in a winter setting. There’s something about an isolated setting where the elements are against you, it makes makes for a great atmosphere and what an atmosphere it is.

The mansion itself becomes a character of sorts and every room seems like it could tell a thousand stories which, for viewers, is a real treat. Its cinematography gives that sense of old fashioned film and story telling and I absolutely loved it for that.

I also have to discuss how amazing Mary Steenburgen is in this feature, She really gets to showcase her talent here with some serious acting by playing a triple role. Her other cast members, Roddy McDowell and Jan Rubes, also do an amazing job.

“Dead Of Winter” is an old style thriller that makes for good winter viewing, especially on a dark afternoon. If like me it passed you by then be sure to give it a try.

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If you want to see the “Dead Of Winter” trailer then just click on the video below:

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Miscellaneous facts about the film:

The character Dr. Joseph Lewis, is in reference to the director of My Name Is Julia Ross (1945), Joseph H. Lewis.

This movie upon which this film’s based; My Name Is Julia Ross (1945), starred Nina Foch.

One of the film’s co-writers, Mark Malone, also has a small role as Katie McGovern’s brother, Roland.

Mary Steenburgen’s character (of an actress hired to replace another actress) Julie Rose – is in reference to the title character of the film (My Name Is Julia Ross (1945)), upon which this film’s based.

Klaus Kinski was offered the part of Dr. Lewis.

This film reunites Mary Steenburgen, Jan Rubes and Wayne Robson from Disney’s One Magic Christmas (1985).

Director Arthur Penn replaced writer/producer, Marc Shmuger.

The film was released 42 years after the original.

Malcolm McDowell cameos as the celebrity whose photograph Dr. Lewis is “autographing” to add to his display. At the time of filming, McDowell was married to star Mary Steenburgen.