The Haunting of Harrington House

The Haunting of Harrington House is a made for TV film and the second installment of the anthology series CBS Children's Mystery Theatre, that aired on September 8, 1981. It is directed by Murray Golden. It stars Dominique Dunne and Roscoe Lee Browne.

Plot
Polly Ames is a fourteen year old girl returning to her father’s hotel, Harrington House, after some time away. Upon arriving home, her father, Walter, tells her that strange events have been occurring, resulting in a loss of clientele. Due to the declining business, he may be forced to sell the hotel. Polly, who is an avid photographer, decides to investigate the mysterious events.

While investigating, Polly meets a tenant, Diogenes Chase (D.C.), who offers to help her find the source of the disturbances. As a former teacher, D.C. encourages her to follow the clues, and use her problem solving skills.

Cast

 * Dominique Dunne – Polly Ames
 * Roscoe Lee Browne – Diogenes Chase
 * Edie Adams – Madame Zenia
 * Phil Leeds – Uncle Max
 * Vito Scotti – Marco Roselli
 * James T. Callahan – Walter Ames

Production
The episode was filmed in a Los Angeles mansion. The mansion required several alterations, as well as lighting and camera techniques, to attain the mysterious atmosphere the director wanted.

Dominique Dunne, who plays a photographer in the film, had also worked professionally as a photographer in the past. Similarly, Vito Scotti, who plays the illusionist Roselli, had also worked as a professional illusionist.

The Haunting of Harrington House was the second of five installments of The CBS Children’s Mystery Theatre. It was preceded by The Clue According To SHERLOCK HOLMES. The intent of the series was to teach children problem solving skills, specifically, the use of deductive reasoning.