“Poltergeist III” (1988) Trivia
The tagline “he’s found her” was used to entice moviegoers to grab their popcorn and soda to follow the last sequel in the “Poltergeist” trilogy, which sees Carol Anne leaving behind her mother and father to live with relatives. In this article, you will learn trivia and facts associated with the third and final Poltergeist movie.
The Plot
Sent to live with her aunt and uncle, it is the hope of Carol Anne’s family that she will stay hidden from the clutches of the ghostly Reverend Kane. Yet, he still is able to hunt the young girl down and unleash his nightmarish reign of terror those who come in his way. Residing in a tall building made out of glass, Carol Anne lives with her relatives. In this film, none of the original family members (except for Carol Anne Freeling , played by the late Heather O’Rourke) appears in this movie.
Other cast members include Nancy Allen (as Patricia Wilson-Gardner , the aunt); Tom Skerritt (Bruce Gardner , the uncle); Zelda Rubinsteing (Tangina Barrons , the psychic); and Lara Flynn Boyle (Donna Gardener , Carol Anne’s cousin).
Trivia and Facts
Heather O’Rourke was a fraternal twin to a brother that was never born.
In the middle of filming the movie, Zelda Rubinstein had to take a leave of absence to mourn the death of her mother.
When it comes to actors and actresses that have appeared in all three Poltergeist films, there are only two people who hold that record , Heather O Rourke and Zelda Rubinstein.
Carol Anne’s name is spoken a total of 118 times throughout the film.
The third Poltergeist is the first movie that Lara Flynn Boyle would appear in. She would go onto play Donna Hayward in the popular “Twin Peaks” television series amongst other movies and TV show appearances.
Heather O Rourke was laid to rest in a mausoleum that is situated next to Truman Capote and Mel Torme.
During the filming of Potergeist III, Heather O Rourke encountered symptoms that mimicked the flu. Unfortunately, these symptoms were actually the sign of congenital intestinal stenosis (basically meaning that her intestines were suffering blockage). In the end, this was the ailment that would take her life.
Poltergeist III was the last movie that Heather O Rourke would make , she passed away while she was on hiatus from filming the third installment of the popular horror film. The final movie was dedicated in her memory and a stand-in with blond hair overtook her final parts. Towards the end of the credits, you will see a message reads “This Film Is Dedicated To HEATHER O’ROURKE 1975-1988.”
Director Gary Sherman was quite impressed with Heather O Rourke, as she performed all of her own stunt work while filming the movie.
Heather O Rourke was born on December 27th, 1975 in San Diego, California and died on Debruary 1st, 1988 in the same city and state. Her final cause of death was listed as cardiopulmonary arrest and intestinal stenosis.
Tom Skerritt, who played Carol Anne’s uncle in the last Poltergeist movie served as one of the pallbearers at Heather O Rourke’s funeral.