Review of Lady in White (1988) by Charles W — 15 Sep 2016

"Lady in White" is that rare supernatural thriller which transcends its genre. The film is deceptively complex, and weaves its story through a number of different levels. On the surface it appears to be a simple ghost story, but beneath that is a suspenseful quest to uncover the identity of a serial killer.

The film also has a social conscience, depicting the harrowing plight of a Black man too easily labeled as a scapegoat for a series of child murders. The foundation of the story lies in the warm, loving relationships of Frankie Scarlatti's family.

Frankie is a young boy whose friends lock him in the class cloakroom on Halloween. Trapped, he falls asleep and awakes to the vision of a young girl who is doomed to relive her brutal murder again and again.

As the story develops, Frankie becomes the conduit through which the murderer is unmasked and the secret of the tragic "Lady in White" is revealed. Frank LaLoggia has accomplished the near impossible with his film: The producer, director, and writer has created a truly frightening horror film that is also a heartwarming family drama with social relevance.

The movie is set in a small town in the 1960's and is accompanied by a musical score, also written by the multi-talented LaLoggia, which brilliantly evokes the joys of childhood and small town life.

"Lady in White" has deservedly earned a devoted group of followers for its passionate and graceful storytelling...