Production and Style
The film was shot in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. The village of Chester was used, as was the Chester–Hadlyme Ferry crossing the Connecticut River. Tonally similar to Rosemary's Baby and The Haunting, the film tells its story from the vantage point of a female protagonist of doubtful sanity, and emphasizes story and atmosphere rather than excessive gore and violence. Moreover, like its precedents, it ends ambiguously, inviting viewers to draw their own conclusions.
Mariclare Costello was so loath to perform the scene in which her character kills Jessica's pet mole that she hid on the set when it was time to shoot.
When Costello sings a folk song in Jessica's kitchen, the director and producers considered dubbing her voice with that of a professional singer. However, they later decided to keep Costello's voice as it was recorded.
Though it made little impact during its theatrical release, the film later became a cult favorite on late night TV.
Read more about this topic: Let's Scare Jessica To Death
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