A Haunting in Georgia
This chilling docudrama chronicles the tale of 4-year-old Heidi Wyrick (played by Kelsey Lowenthal) and her seemingly imaginary friends, Mr. Gordy and Con — who may be more than just harmless invisible playmates. When Heidi divulges disturbing details about her two chums to her parents, they chalk it up to an overactive imagination … until other family members begin to have supernatural encounters — with the physical marks to prove it.
It all starts in that Amityville sort of way, buying a house where the deal seems to good to be true. And so begins the story of A Haunting in Georgia.
The Wyrick’s young daughter Heidi begins to see and interact with a mysterious Mr. Gordy, a friend no one else can see. They spend hours talking and playing on the swing. No one ever sees Mr. Gordy so they figure their daughter is just talking to an imaginary friend to pass the time.
Later, Heidi tells her mom that a man at the door is bleeding and needs help. Lisa doesn’t see a man and has no idea what her daughter is talking about.
In short order they find out that Mr. Gordy was a lifelong friend of the family but that he’s been dead since the 70’s. The other man is also dead and he lost his hand in a cotton gin accident.
To prove Mr. Gordy is dead the family heads to his gravesite which Heidi is able to find even though she can’t read. These two aren’t the only visitors Heidi sees and over the next several years she feels the presence of many spirits, both good and bad. But the evil spirits seem to be making their presence known, the family begins to hear noises and feel uncomfortable.
They call in a paranormal investigator who ultimately feels that EMF is causing the problems and their daughter is sensitive to high EMF which is why she is seeing things. But the family has experienced claw marks and welts on the skin which EMF wouldn’t explain.
The Wyrick’s have another daughter and as she grows up she is talking to imaginary friends just like her older sister. It’s been nearly a decade and Heidi still feels the presence of spirits and after two mediums have come to look over the house they agree there is some evil energy around the house.
But it’s not only the daughter’s who are seeing and hearing things, now mom is starting to pick up on something. She begins to feel something strange is in the house. The try to put it aside and ignore it all.
After a few more years they call the paranormal investigator back. He ultimately decides the "family" has ESP and that the women of the house are psychic.
You sort of expect this story to head in the same direction as the Amityville Horror, but instead it mainly focuses on the women of the family who seem to be developing psychic abilities as they grow older. There are some interesting tales of activity, but don’t expect a lot of evidence or investigations in this one. It’s certainly an unique thing for both mother and daughter to have psychic abilities, even though it seems to have taken a lot longer to develop in mom. A somewhat interesting tale of a family who doesn’t believe in the paranormal or physics as they come to terms with the fact that they may have their own link to the paranormal world. Can psychic abilities be passed on through generations? Can powers get stronger as the ability is passed down?
While there is a lot of playing up on the evil spirits and even demonic forces in the house there isn’t much in this documentary to support that. Maybe it’s been omitted or they’re downplaying it, but really the only thing that seems to dangerous are the claims of being scratched in the middle of the night. But to me, something like that isn’t true evidence. People can scratch themselves in the middle of the night. That alone isn’t enough to say something demonic is happening. Really the only person speaking of demonic forces is their pastor. I’m not sure where he’s getting that idea, but that’s his take on events.
Some interesting stories and a few ideas to think about. It won’t keep you on the edge of your seat, but it is a slightly different take on the paranormal.
A Haunting in Georgia (Netflix)
A Haunting in Georgia (Amazon)
Other Articles of Interest:
- Paranormal Cops – Meagan’s Ghost – S01E05
- Paranormal State – Do Bad Things – S05E10
- Paranormal State – Season 2
- Paranormal State – Bedroom Eyes – S05E13
- Ghost Adventures – Haunted Victorian Mansion – S08E06
- A Haunting in Connecticut
- Ghost Adventures – Witches in Magna – S14E09
- Amityville – The Haunting
- Ghost Adventures – Ogden Possession – S15E02
- Paranormal State S04E04 – Boy Pushed Me
America’s Most Haunted Inns
Travelers rely on inns that line the byways and highways of the country to rest their weary heads after a day on the road. But in some places, an eerie hospitality awaits, as they share quarters with the spirits that have refused to move on. This chilling documentary visits some of the most haunted inns in America, including a house where maids from colonial times clean the rooms and a hotel that used to be part of the Underground Railroad.
To put it mildly this is 60 minutes of complete crap with some of the most easily disputed paranormal evidence I have ever seen. We all love stories about haunted inns and rooms with a sordid past where you can spend the night and experience something odd, but this little documentary turns out to be nothing more than Cathe Curtis wandering around a couple of hotels acting like she is having hallucinations. Or she’s drunk. While her demeanor to the spirit world is noteworthy her evidence is a complete farce. She claims to see orbs all over the room and calls these people by their names. She is certainly playing it up as though she can see something. And when you look at the evidence they gather you can spots on the image.
Being a photographer myself, this looks like nothing more than a dirty lens to me. Or, if you want to dispute that, it’s light reflecting off the dust that exists in the room. This is hardly worthwhile evidence. I completely discount orbs as nothing more than dirt, bugs or mosquitoes. You can make blobs appear by having a dirty camera sensor. I remember the first Ghost Hunters episodes where Jay and Grant are saying orbs are useless and aren’t signs of the paranormal. I have to agree. It’s dirt you ninny!
Cathe and her photographer also take some video footage showing dozens of orbs working their way around the room. Again, nothing more than dust or pollen floating around. There is nothing to even suggest this is paranormal activity. It’s not like there are bumps or sounds or knocks or anything to even suggest a presence is in the room with them. In fact, one video clip makes it look like dust is being blown around by the AC unit in the corner. The particles speed up as they pass in front of the grates of the vent.
Another piece of evidence is a bunch of still shots with some sort of mist or fog clouding the image. They have it circled with "Ectoplasm Spirit Image" written in the margin. Uh, no. Not buying that for a second. It looks like nothing more than smoke. Considering the photographer is indeed a smoker it’s not that big of a stretch to think he was smoking while taking these images. Holding the camera with a lit cigarette in your hand would give you the exact same effect. If it’s that easy to recreate, it’s not paranormal, at least not to me.
This has got to be the biggest scam I have ever seen. How anyone could consider this real evidence of the paranormal and a haunting is beyond me. The "evidence" presented here is far worse than those ridiculously blurry photos of Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster. I was laughing too hard to even try and take this documentary seriously. I don’t know who this woman and her photographer are, but this will certainly be the last time I ever watch anything they create. This DVD is so bad you have to wonder if it’s a spoof.
America’s Most Haunted Inns (Amazon)
America’s Most Haunted Inns (Netflix)
Other Articles of Interest:
- America’s Most Haunted Town
- Ghost Encounters: The Queen Mary
- Alone in a Haunted House
- Ghost Adventures – Poveglia Island
- The Ghost Hunters are NOT scientists
- Ghost Adventures Documentary
- Paranormal Challenge – Ohio State Reformatory – S01E04
- Ghost Adventures – Snug Harbor Sailors – S07E19
- Ghost Mine – Disturbance at the Inn – S01E02
- Paranormal Challenge – Rolling Hills Asylum – S01E01
Abuse of child ‘witches’ on rise
I think we can safely conclude that the belief in witches and witchcraft is alive and well. And just like in times past the methods for determining a witch are not what one might call compelling evidence.
"I beat him severely with canes until they broke, yet he never shed a tear," said Eshiett Nelson Eshiett, 76. "One day, I took a broom to hit him and he started crying. Then I knew he was possessed by demons. … Nigerian witches are terrified of brooms."
Abuse of child ‘witches’ on rise
Other Articles of Interest:
- Ghost Adventures – Golden Ghost Town – S15E01
- Ghost Adventures – Salem Witch House – S04E19
- Paranormal State – Season 2
- Destination Truth – Vampire Monster and Island of the Damned – S05E06
- Ghost Adventures – The Haunted Museum (Old Wengert Mansion) – S12E13
- Ghost Adventures – St Anne’s Retreat – S13E08
- Ghost Adventures – Titanic Museum – S15E12
- Ghost Adventures – Twin Bridges Orphanage – S13E09
- Ryan Buell arrested and facing criminal charges
- The Exorcist Files – Infestation – S01E01
Haunted Histories Volume 3
Volume 3 Disc 1
"Bloodlines: The Dracula Family Tree."
A somewhat interesting but for the most part uneventful look at some of the descendants of Dracula, or rather enemies of Dracula. A family traces their blood line back to Dracula’s half brother, who then became his enemy. They comb through old records, buildings and relics of the past to see what their connection is. Kind of interesting, but not really spellbinding. But seriously, how cool would it be to be related to Dracula? They travel the countryside looking into old churches, find the headstones of their ancestors and perhaps even the tomb of Dracula himself. They even make the trek to visit the actual castle, complete with full moon.
It’s certainly interesting that there is a bloodline dating back to that time period and from a character so well known, but not exactly the chilling tale for late night viewing.
Volume 3 Disc 2
"Exorcism: Driving Out the Devil."
Perhaps the most interesting documentary out of this volume, this disc delves into the practice of exorcism. The first exorcist? That’s right, it’s Jesus. Jesus is noted to have performed upwards of 2 dozen exorcisms, the most famous is on the man of Gerasenes. A poor soul has been cast out of the village to be chained and left for dead. Jesus comes across the man and begins to speak to the evil which lurks inside him. When asked who possesses him, the man replies "We are Legion". Jesus casts out the demons into a nearby herd of swine who then throw themselves off a cliff. And so begins the practice of casting out the demons.
In 1565 the idea of exorcism is used for political and spiritual gain as a 16 year old girl falls victim to an evil spirit who originally revealed himself as the girl’s grandfather. There is a split between the Catholics and the Protestants and they use this possession to prove which faith has more power. Ultimately the Catholics gain an upper hand and even have an exorcism in public so all can witness the power of their faith. Casting out demons becomes big business for the Church and they use it as a tool to gain new members.
In 1614 the Catholic Church begins to write down how to identity and perform an exorcism. The Rituale Romanum is created so there are rules and guidelines to follow. This against proves the power of prayer and that the Catholics know how to root out evil.
During this time period there is evidence to support that possession or being in league with the devil is used as a revenge for unkind acts. A nun who’s affections are shunned by a priest begins to cast accusations that he is in league with the devil and that his presence at her church has caused afflictions. It doesn’t take much to prove someone guilty of working for the devil and quickly the priest is convicted and burned at the stake.
The Salem Witch Trial further the idea of demonic possessions for personal gain. The townspeople feel that the devil is close at hand and that they must keep busy and vigilant lest they be taken over. As we all know, the finger pointing begins, blame is cast in every direction and the idea of exorcising the demon by killing the afflicted becomes common practice. Plenty of land changes hands and more people end in court than ever before. It basically turns into a bloodbath.
Modern times also see the belief in the devil and exorcism. In 1949 a boy is believed to be possessed by the devil after he and his Aunt play with a Ouija board to try and contact his recently deceased mother. Soon he hears noises, feels a presence and welts appear on his body. This case becomes the basis for the movie "The Exorcist". And once the book and the movie hit the mainstream the belief in the devil and possession are renewed.
Exorcism has been used as a cure-all through much of history. If something is wrong with you, exorcising the demons will make you better. You have to admit, it’s a step above blood letting. But is this just covering up mental illness? Are the symptoms of demonic possession and schizophrenia too close to be ignored? Are hearing noises and seeing spirits the results of a failing mind? Does demonic possession put people in the limelight and give them the attention they crave? Is exorcism still being used as quick therapy or do the dark forces really take hold of innocent victims?
A pretty interesting documentary with lots of information.
Volume 3 Disc 3
"Witch Hunt"
More information on the infamous Salem Witch Trials. We are presented with the main characters and many explanations as to why the hysteria was spreading, from evil sprits to ergot poisoning. People of the time were so fearful of the devil that when doctors couldn’t come up with any other diagnosis to explain an ailment they were said to be bewitched. Considering the rather primitive treatments and lack of medical understanding of the time, bewitchment was prescribed on a regular basis.
But what really got things going in Salem? What was the spark that ignited it all? Was it the power hungry judges? The lawmakers trying to make a name for themselves? Ill tempered residents who were looking to get revenge against their neighbors? Misbehaving kids looking to relieve some of the boredom and drudgery of their lives?
Yes it was. It all comes to a head when Tituba, the slave of Rev. Parris is found working "magic" right in his own home. After being completely railroaded in court, Tituba says she was visited by a dark figure and says she is in league with several of the townspeople which are already under suspicion. And then the game is on. Blame is leveled at every turn. Accusations fly. Evidence is in short supply. And the body count is on the rise. Exorcising the devil means putting people to death. Satan has a strangle hold on their town and the only way to get rid of him is to kill his agents. Cure a cold by killing the patient.
Quite a bit of this information can be gathered from other sources, but it’s still a good documentary on the hysteria of the time and how the idea of Satan, witchcraft and exorcism go completely out of control and cost the lives of dozens of innocent people.
Volume 3 Disc 4
"Exorcising the Devil."
The word "Exorcism" conjures up the images from the movie, of a young Regan with pasty skin, dark lips and foul mouth as priests gather round to cast the demon out of her body. But is this sort of thing real? Can someone be possessed by evil spirits and if so what can be done to save that soul? There is in fact an exorcism ritual that is part of several different religions from Catholicism to Santeria. The exorcism ritual is still practiced on a regular basis and many people feel the devil or an evil influence has control over them. Some churches have exorcism rituals on a weekly basis, in front of the whole congregation.
What we get is a broad summary of exorcism and how it is used. Exorcism can be traced back to the time of Jesus and his work to free several souls which he feels are being tortured by the devil. There is also mention of the case in 1949 which became the focus of the movie "The Exorcist" as well as a young man who feels he is possessed by multiple evil spirits.
Many decades ago exorcisms were common place and even done in public. While the practice of the exorcism didn’t appear during the Salem Witch Trials, the idea of a devil, evil sprits and even possession were certainly at work. When odd behavior presented itself it was almost immediately considered the work of the devil.
Exorcism is still close at hand and is used to heal when other methods seem to fail. Just tune into an episode of Paranormal State and you’ll be witness to an exorcism of the demonic. And Hollywood capitalizes on the idea each year with movies that show the nature of evil or dark forces that drive people to do the devil’s work.
Participating in the discussion are several priests who have either performed or been part of the exorcism ritual, including one of the priests who was part of the 1949 case. We also get commentary from those in the medical field who believe that demonic possession can be explained through mental illness or other mental/emotional disease. Many feel that demonic episodes can be the result of emotional trauma or even sexual abuse.
While it may be easy to discount the original uses of exorcism and the quick prescription of the devil for when things go wrong or feeling melancholy, what about today? Is the devil a prevalent force that can take over a body and spirit and make it act out? There is little doubt that we have people who act in a bad way and cause harm to others, but is this the work of the devil and someone possessed or at least working under his influence? Or is this untreated mental illness coming to the surface? Does the exorcism actually rid someone of evil spirits or is it merely a "clean start" so to speak to get them to change their behaviors?
Volume 3 Disc 5
"Voodoo Secrets."
The notion of voodoo brings to mind curses, spells and blood sacrifice. And while some of that does play a part in voodoo, many popularly held beliefs about the religion have come from sensationalized books and accounts that really have no basis in the actual religion. Through this documentary we are shown what parts really make up voodoo and what the practices mean. When you peel away the layers many comparisons can be made between the beliefs and practices of this religion and any other religion out there. The sacrifice of the animal is similar to the ritual of Thanksgiving. The use of blood seems similar to communion. And while possession and other aspects seem foreign and unusual they can be compared to other facets where believers try to communicate directly with their God.
Even though voodoo may seem strange its roots go back hundreds if not thousands of years and have tens of millions of followers around the world. While many seek solace and forgiveness in God, the practitioner of voodoo seeks the same spirituality in a variety of gods and has a more tangible connection with the spirit world.
There are several stories about the power of voodoo and how it has been used to defeat armies, to ward off evil, bring prosperity to a village, heal the sick and even influence the legal system. And no, the voodoo doll has nothing to do with voodoo.
Overall this is a much better set than Volume 2 (which I thought was quite bad), with the discs on Exorcism being the most informative and interesting. Still, I think they’re reaching with the use of spine-tingling, but there is a fair bit of entertainment value in this set.
Other Articles of Interest:
- Haunted Histories Volume 2
- Paranormal State – S04E01 – Suicide Possession
- Dracula Season 1
- Paranormal State – Season 2
- Ghost Adventures – The Domes of Casa Grande – S12E09
- Ghost Adventures – The Exorcist House – S08E07
- Dracula – Season 1
- Zozo, Darren Evans, Robert Murch and Darkness Radio – A Zozo Hoax?
- Ghost Adventures – Exorcism in Erie – S14E06
- Ouija – Cardboard and Plastic Toy or Mystical Portal?
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