Rarely have I seen a movie so creepy as "The Other"; I think that only "The Shining" can really equal this. It portrays Niles and Holland Perry, twins in 1935 Connecticut. They look like perfectly ordinary boys, except that one of them is good while the other is viciously evil. But, there's even more than we don't know about them.

I don't think that I can tell you very much about this movie, lest I spoil the whole thing. But I can tell you that everyone is in for a rude awakening...deadly rude. Maybe the movie isn't exactly a masterpiece, but it's not supposed to be. It's supposed to scare you - or at least shock you; and if it doesn't, then you must already be dead! I will say that there's one aspect that gives the movie a slightly non-horrific, maybe even silly feeling: the presence of John Ritter, whom we mostly know for "Three's Company". But overall, that doesn't really dampen the movie. You should definitely see it. Because if you don't, then you may never be able to trust yourself again. Also starring Uta Hagen.

"The Other" succeeds in creating a creepy atmosphere. While it might not be a perfect film (a few of the characters behave in ways that are not too believable),it does satisfy overall.

The film is set on a farm in rural Connecticut in the 1930s. Much of the first part of the film shows the relationship between two brothers--one good (Niles) and one bad (Holland). After a while, you see just how evil and unbalanced Holland is, as you realize that he's killed...more than once--which is pretty fantastic for an 11 year-old. However, when you discover that Holland actually died many months ago, you realize that Niles is, in fact, 100% bonkers. However, you'd THINK this realization would have occurred at the end of the film--but there actually is a lot more to go....and a lot more killing.

With all the murders and action, this film will NOT bore you. My complaints, and they're minor, is that the family members who realized that Niles was a nut SHOULD have reacted much differently and a heck of a lot sooner. Knowing your son or grandson is a homicidal maniac, you'd THINK you'd tell others and NOT keep this to yourself! This just didn't ring true. So, I have to knock off a few points for this--though, on balance, the good far, far outweighs the bad.

This is the strange story of twin brothers, Martin and Chris Udvarnoky, tragically separated whenone of them is killed in a freak accident on their farm. They are presented as rambunctious, typical kids, getting into all sorts of mischief, yet involved in strange games, and the sudden tragedy leaves the surviving brother in denial Jackie has been left behind.

The brother's death is presented in a very strange way to where you're not even sure that it was an actual death scene, but a fantasy by the brother who would that point was fantasizing about flying across the farm like a crow, and all of a sudden feeling the pains of a pitchfork in his chest. at that point, the accident happens and a casket is seeing being loaded into a hearse. Then, the brother is discovered in their room, and the audience must begin to play guessing games as to what is fantasy and what is reality. The surviving brother when he realizes the truth begins to show more bizarre behavior, leading to some horrific twists.

The film marks one of the rare big-screen appearances of stage legend and acting teacher Uta Hagen as the boy's grandmother, with Diana Muldaur as their mother. It's hard to categorize whether or not this is a horror film, a psychological drama or a supernatural thriller. still, the film keeps your attention especially with Hagen commanding her limited number of scenes.

Portia Nelson is amusing in a smaller role as a neighbor who was often a victim of the boys pranks. You have to look sharp for "General Hospital's" Aunt Ruby (Norma Connolly) as a family relative, but John Ritter in one of his early appearances is instantly recognizable as is Victor French from "Little House on the Prairie". Chilling photography, a beautiful musical score and quiet editing are other places in a film that I could see watching again to pick up on details I may have missed the first time. It's a unique entryin the film credits of director Robert Mulligan, best known for "To Kill a Mockingbird".