Iconic Film Character Intros: Tangina's 'Poltergeist' Entrance Is Instantly Iconic

The way Tobe Hooper’s 1982 horror classic Poltergeist introduces eccentric spiritual medium Tangina Barrons (Zelda Rubinstein) is instantly unforgettable. At that time, it seemed like nothing could even come close to beating the iconic arrival of Father Lankester Merrin (Max von Sydow) in 1973’s The Exorcist, which is such a striking image that it made the poster for the movie. However, Poltergeist proved that there were still more avenues to explore in the horror genre thanks to exquisite work from a team of incredible artists.

Tangina’s Entrance Comes at the Perfect Time in Poltergeist

Poltergeist is extraordinarily patient when it comes to introducing its most memorable character. More than two-thirds of the movie has already passed by the time Tangina makes her first appearance, but that time (which amounts to more than an hour) is well-spent, setting the stage for her arrival.

After spending some time introducing the seemingly bucolic suburban neighborhood in which the haunted house movie takes place, the conflict springs into action when young Carol Anne Freeling (Heather O'Rourke) is spirited away through the television. As she remains lost in a ghostly realm, her parents - Diane (JoBeth Williams) and Steve (Craig T. Nelson) - grow increasingly desperate.

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