---
title: "Hysterical"
year: 1982
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/hysterical-1982"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 73626
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 90
community_rating: 4.5
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "PG"
---

# Hysterical (1982) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/hysterical-1982

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Hysterical is a film first released in 1982. Catalogued under Horror, Comedy, Fantasy, Family. Produced and broadcast by Cinema Group Ventures, Embassy Pictures. Current status: Released.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A writer’s seaside retreat turns into a ghostly comedy of terror."

### Why Watch
- Spoofs classic horror conventions
- Includes bumbling scientists for comic relief
- Runs about 90 minutes

### Caveats & Content Note
- PG rating limits intense scares
- Humor is deliberately lowbrow and may not suit all viewers
- Tone & Suitability: The film mixes lighthearted jokes with supernatural scares, suitable for most teen and adult audiences.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: comedy, horror, spoof, fantasy, family

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/hysterical-1982#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Chris Bearde
- **Networks / Studios**: Cinema Group Ventures, Embassy Pictures

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Bill Hudson** as *Frederic Lansing*
- **Mark Hudson** as *Dr. Paul Batton*
- **Brett Hudson** as *Fritz Batton*
- **Cindy Pickett** as *Kate*
- **Richard Kiel** as *Captain James Howdy*
- **Julie Newmar** as *Venetia*
- **Robert Donner** as *Ralph*
- **Murray Hamilton** as *The Mayor*
- **Clint Walker** as *The Sheriff*
- **Franklyn Ajaye** as *Leroy*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: What genre does Hysterical belong to?
It is a horror‑comedy fantasy film that spoofs the horror genre.

### Q: Who directed Hysterical?
The film was directed by Chris Bearde.

### Q: When was Hysterical released?
It opened in the United States on December 22, 1982, and later on July 30, 1983.

### Q: What is the film’s rating?
Hysterical is rated PG.

### Q: What is the basic premise of the story?
A writer staying at a haunted lighthouse encounters a vengeful ghost, prompting two bumbling scientists to investigate.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Hysterical — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/73626)
- [Hysterical (1983 film) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hysterical_(1983_film))
- [Hysterical (1982) | ČSFD.cz](https://www.csfd.cz/film/13053-hysteria/prehled/)
- [Hysterical (1983) - FDb.cz](https://www.fdb.cz/film/67556-hysterical)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*