Rosemary’s baby in his late 20s living in the Los Angeles area
Rosemary (Patty Duke) finally escapes the coven of satanists when her son is eight years-old. The story then shifts to when Adrian (Stephen McHattie) is in his late 20s living with his “Aunt” (Tina Louise) at a casino in SoCal. Meanwhile the leaders of the goat-suckers (Ray Milland & Ruth Gordon) and Adrian’s father (George Maharis) are hovering nearby. Donna Mills is also on hand as a psychologist in the last act.
"Look What's Happened to Rosemary's Baby" (1976) is a TV sequel to the iconic film from eight years prior. It’s too different to really compare since the original movie is a psychological drama/thriller (with only bits o’ horror) that took place almost entirely in an old apartment building in New York City. This one’s a chaotic coming-of-age television horror mixed with Los Angeles chase flick and 70’s music.
It’s nowhere near as bad as its reputation, but it’s hampered by a slapdash, graceless style that takes time to acclimate to. A better TV movie of this sort is "Bay Coven," aka “Bay Cove” (1987).
Yet it has its highlights despite the gauche tone. For one, McHattie is effective as the protagonist and the cast is generally notable. The psychological struggle between good and evil is interesting. Plus there are entertaining bits throughout, like the band at the casino, a scrap with bikers, the music and a couple noteworthy women.
The concept naturally provokes comparisons to Marvel’s The Son of Satan, aka Daimon Hellstrom, a character that debuted two years before this flick went into production. Of course it lacks the ‘superhero’ angle.
The movie runs about 1 hour, 37 minutes, and was shot at Paramount Studios in Hollywood, Los Angeles.
GRADE B-/C+
