A Stranger Is Watching

A Stranger is Watching is a 1982 American horror film directed by Sean S. Cunningham. The screenplay was written by Earl Mac Rauch and Victor Miller, based on the 1977 novel of the same name by Mary Higgins Clark. Plot Steve Peterson's wife, Nina is murdered in front of their young daughter Julie. Three years later, Julie and Peterson's new girlfriend Sharon Martin are kidnapped by the same killer, the psychotic Artie Taggart. Taggart imprisons them in a bunker below Grand Central Station, throwing the police into a race against time to save the girl. Cast Kate Mulgrew as Sharon Martin Rip Torn as Artie Taggart James Naughton as Steve Peterson Shawn von Schreiber as Julie Peterson Barbara Baxley as Lally Stephen Joyce as Detective Taylor James Russo as Ronald Thompson Frank Hamilton as Bill Lufts Maggie Task as Mrs. Lufts Roy Poole as Walter Kurner Maurice Copeland as Roger Perry Eleanor Phelps as Glenda Perry Joanne Dorian as Nina Peterson Stephen Strimpell as Detective Marlowe David Allen Brooks as Big Bum William Hickey as Maxi Jennie Ventriss as Kathy Green Critical reception Allmovie gave the film a mildly favorable review, writing "Sean Cunningham's first post-Friday the 13th film was shrugged off by most critics, but it is better than its reputation might lead one to believe." Janet Maslin of The New York Times thought the film is "a lot better" than Friday the 13th, and noted: "The story offers a few surprises, and the bowels of the railway station are scenic, in their grubby way."