Poltergeist s scene where robbie is being strangled was real but steven spielberg thought that the boy was just acting when they saw robbins s face turning purple they rushed to removed the clown s arms from robbins s neck

The Terrifying Reality Behind a Famous Poltergeist Scene

When it comes to horror movies, there are often instances where the line between reality and fiction blurs. One such spine-chilling moment occurred during the filming of Steven Spielberg’s iconic horror film, Poltergeist. In a scene where the character Robbie is being strangled by a possessed clown doll, the terror became all too real.

According to IMDb, during the shooting of this particular scene, young actor Oliver Robbins, who portrayed Robbie, was actually being choked by the mechanical arms of the clown prop. Unbeknownst to anyone on set, the arms malfunctioned and gripped Robbins’ neck tighter than initially intended. Spielberg, believing that Robbins was simply delivering a convincing performance, thought nothing of it until he saw the boy’s face turning purple.

When Spielberg and the crew realized the seriousness of the situation, they immediately rushed to remove the clown’s arms from Robbins’ neck. This disturbing and unexpected turn of events left everyone in shock and emphasized the fine line between acting and reality within the horror genre.

While this alarming incident showcased the dedication and talent of young Oliver Robbins, it also raised concerns about the safety measures in place during the filming of intense scenes. The unpredictability of such situations serves as a reminder that even when dealing with fictional horrors, real dangers can lurk beneath the surface.

Despite this unnerving event, Poltergeist remains a beloved classic, captivating audiences with its hair-raising moments and supernatural twists. The film’s success is a testament to the talent involved, including Oliver Robbins, whose commitment to his role inadvertently provided a genuinely terrifying moment that still resonates with viewers today.

Sources:

• IMDb - Poltergeist