Are You in the House Alone?

Are You in the House Alone?

Year: 1978

Runtime: 96 mins

Language: English

Director: Walter Grauman

MysteryThrillerHorrorTV MovieHorror the undead and monster classics

After a brutal assault shatters her ordinary high‑school life, Gail finds herself stalked by an unseen tormentor. Threatening notes appear, unsettling phone calls echo, and the intimidation escalates, leaving her to confront a relentless nightmare that has only just begun.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Are You in the House Alone? yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Are You in the House Alone? (1978)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Are You in the House Alone? (1978). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Set in a contemporary suburban American setting, the story unfolds with high school life, dating, and family tensions. The era's communication means—letters, phone calls, and early media—shape the tension. The tone reflects concerns about privacy and safety in late 20th-century life.

Location

San Francisco

The story moves between a quiet, suburban town and the bustling urban backdrop of San Francisco. This contrast highlights a protected family life while exposing Gail to lurking danger and the stalker's reach.

🌁 City setting 🎨 Cultural hub 🏙️ Urban life

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:17

Main Characters – Are You in the House Alone? (1978)

Meet the key characters of Are You in the House Alone? (1978), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Gail Osborne (Kathleen Beller)

A 16-year-old high school student with a passion for photography, Gail is lively and romantic but becomes the target of a chilling stalking campaign. Her courage grows as she confronts fear, asserts her voice, and seeks protective action from adults in her life.

👧 Teen 📷 Photographer 💪 Courage 🕵️‍♀️ Determined

Phil Lawver (Dennis Quaid)

The antagonist who stalks Gail with calculated manipulation, turning everyday interactions into threats. He underestimates Gail and the strength of those who support her, ultimately facing legal consequences that reflect the film's commentary on accountability.

👿 Aggressor 💢 Violent 🧭 Manipulative

Steve Pastorinis (Scott Colomby)

Gail's boyfriend who appears in the midst of danger, offering support and help to bring the stalker to light. He represents a protective yet imperfect response to a crisis, and participates in stopping the immediate threat.

💬 Supportive 🤝 Loyal

Anne Osborne (Blythe Danner)

Gail's mother, who is overprotective and preoccupied with maintaining appearances and Neil's reputation. Her reluctance to acknowledge Gail's fear creates tension, highlighting familial pressures during a crisis.

👩 Protective 🗣️ Distant

Neil Osborne (Tony Bill)

Gail's father, recently fired from his job, whose pride and anger are intertwined with family honor. He embodies the conflict between personal scandal, parental protection, and the drive for justice.

👔 Father figure 🥊 Angry

Chris Elden (Alan Fudge)

Gail's teacher, whose relationship with his students and his own moral compass situate him as a figure of trust and authority. He encourages Gail not to be afraid and supports her pursuit of truth.

👨‍🏫 Teacher 🧭 Authority

Allison Bremer (Robin Mattson)

Gail's best friend who initially treats the stalking as a prank. Her input and connection to Phil as a boyfriend introduce tension and highlight how communities can misinterpret danger.

👭 Friend 🧭 Influence

Jessica Hirsch (Tricia O'Neil)

A figure within Gail's social circle who becomes part of the surrounding dynamics as the story unfolds. She interacts with Gail's world through dating Gail's teacher and the local community.

👩‍⚕️ Social circle 🕵️‍♀️ Witness

Malevich (Magda Harout)

Gail's art teacher and ally who reinforces courage and self-expression. He stands as a voice of reason during Gail's difficult journey through fear and its aftermath.

👨‍🏫 Teacher 🎨 Mentor

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:17

Major Themes – Are You in the House Alone? (1978)

Explore the central themes of Are You in the House Alone? (1978), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👁️ Stalking

Gail's experience centers on a relentless observer who uses notes, phones, and secrecy to threaten her security. The film shows how stalking erodes trust and safety, especially when adults doubt warning signs. The emotional toll pushes her toward silence before she seeks help, highlighting the need for belief and accountability.

💪 Resilience

Despite trauma, Gail attempts to reclaim agency by returning to school and pursuing answers. A supportive teacher encourages speaking up, helping her overcome fear. The story portrays resilience as a process that involves seeking help, confronting shame, and continuing with daily life.

⚖️ Justice and accountability

The aftermath tests the balance between truth and power, including the legal system's handling of the case. Phil pleads guilty to assault but avoids a rape charge, illustrating the complexities of prosecuting sexual violence. Gail's decision to name her attacker underscores the importance of belief and justice, even if the outcome remains partial.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 18:17

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Are You in the House Alone?

Don't stop at just watching — explore Are You in the House Alone? in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Are You in the House Alone? is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Are You in the House Alone? Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Are You in the House Alone?, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Are You in the House Alone? Summary

Are You in the House Alone? Timeline

Track the full timeline of Are You in the House Alone? with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Are You in the House Alone? Timeline

More About Are You in the House Alone?

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Are You in the House Alone?: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Are You in the House Alone?