A Stranger is Watching (1982)

Director: Sean S. Cunningham

Starring: Kate Mulgrew, Rip Torn, James Naughton

The 11-year old daughter and girlfriend of a man whose wife had been raped and killed in front of his daughter three years earlier are kidnapped by the same killer. Held captive in a bunker below Grand Central Station, the two plot their escape while the police try to track the kidnapper.

Three years ago, Nina Peterson was savagely attacked, raped and killed in her home while her daughter Julie (Shawn von Schreiber) helplessly looked on in horror. Not able to see the assailant clearly, Julie accused the wrong man, who now stands to be executed for the murder.

Julie’s Dad, Steve (James Naughton), has a new girlfriend, Sharon (Kate Mulgrew). Artie (Rip Torn), the same man who killed Nina, kidnaps Julie and Sharon, and now demands ransom money. He keeps them in a bunker below Grand Central Station. The suspense is nicely crafted as they try to escape.

Meanwhile, the police are trying to find the culprit. ‘A Stranger is Watching’ is a surprisingly good film, and well acted. The film is directed by Sean S. Cunningham, who directed the classic slasher ‘Friday the 13th’ just the previous year.

Would I watch it again? Maybe.