‘Poltergeist’ Lives On As ‘Uninvited’

If you’ve seen 1982’s “Poltergeist” (and who hasn’t?), you will recognize most of the script has been ripped off in CBS’ “The Uninvited” at 9.

A family moves into a new home in a sprawling suburban tract; odd things begin to happen; a horrifying entity seizes one of the children; a portly female psychic suggests that the house is built over a cemetery; and a brave mom snatches her child back from the evil spirit.

Many of the special effects and a violent lightning storm throughout the terrifying final scenes are almost identical to “Poltergeist.”

Beau Bridges and Sharon Lawrence play the terrorized couple.

One of the few twists is that the husband doubts this wife’s insistence that the house is haunted. He’s so sure she’s losing it that he has her admitted to a psychiatric hospital.

Also, a short prelude set 80 years in the past tells us up front that the house was built on the same spot where two murders took place.

But the big difference is that “The Uninvited” unwinds so slowly that it becomes annoying.

There are too many scenes of spooky things happening that only Patty Johnson (Lawrence) sees. Her husband Charles (Bridges) isn’t around to witness these strange incidents.

Despite the film’s lack of originality, Lawrence turns in a gutsy performance that can catch you by surprise. About the time you’re ready to laugh at what a cheesy movie this is you find yourself deeply involved in her character.

And like JoBeth Williams in “Poltergeist,” Lawrence deserves applause for surviving the role’s physical demands.

Highlights

“Roseanne,” ABC at 8: “Absolutely Fabulous” stars Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders guest star in character in the series’ annual Halloween bash. Roseanne and Jackie are guests at a posh party on New York’s Upper West Side that takes on the ghoulish ambience of “Rosemary’s Baby.”

Marlo Thomas, Arianna Huffington and Mo Gaffney also guest star.

“Promised Land,” CBS at 8: The Greenes are sidetracked in Roswell, N.M., where they get involved with a clan of UFO believers. Russell (Gerald McRaney) tries to solve the mystery of a missing astronaut.

James Brolin and singer Leon Redbone guest-star.

“Goosebumps,” FOX at 8: “Haunted Mask II,” a sequel to last year’s Halloween special, will give kids a thrill.

A 13-year-old boy (John White) who thinks he’s too old for Halloween costumes meets up with a mysterious figure who leads him to the scariest mask in town. He’ll wish he never put it on.

“Something So Right,” NBC at 8:30: As Halloween approaches, Carly (Mel Harris) is too busy trying to land a big corporate client to spend time with Jack (Jere Burns), who is preoccupied with his bid to be named head of the English Department. An uneven script with a hokey ending makes this Halloween episode no treat.

“Home Improvement,” ABC at 9: Tim, Jill and Mark (Tim Allen, Patricia Richardson, Taran Noah Smith) conspire to get Brad and Randy (Zachery Ty Bryan, Jonathan Taylor Thomas) into the Halloween spirit.

“Clio Awards,” FOX at 9: Bill Maher (“Politically Incorrect”) hosts this always-entertaining telecast that honors the best TV advertising in the world. The big winner: a black-andwhite Levi’s 501 ad that ran in Britain.

Wayne Knight (“Seinfeld”) makes an appearance.

Cable Calls

“Vampire in Brooklyn” (1995), HBO at 8: Eddie Murphy is the fanged villain in this easily forgotten film by horror master Wes Craven. Murphy plays a Caribbean vampire who attempts to seduce a New York police officer (Angela Bassett).

This is a film that never should have seen the light of day.

“Invasion of the Body Snatchers” (1978), TNT at 5: Director Philip Kaufman brought new excitement to the original film, but a convoluted ending keeps it from total success. It’s still the stuff nightmares are made of, though.

Donald Sutherland and Brooke Adams star.

Talk Time

“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actor Richard Dean Anderson, Rhea Perlman (“Pearl”) and singer Alan Jackson.

“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actress Mary Tyler Moore, Jeremy Piven (“Ellen”) and music group Black Crowes.

“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Dave Foley (“NewsRadio”) and musical guest The Lemonheads.