The Best Movie Critic   +  review

RIP Zelda Rubinstein

This one goes out to Miranda.

Zelda Rubinstein passed away yesterday at the age of 76. Most will mention her scene-stealing performance in Poltergeist. Rightfully so. I have so much love for Zelda’s character in Poltergeist. She tips the scales, taking it from very good to ‘out of the stratosphere’ amazing. Her arrival late in the movie marks the severe shift from 'creepy and atmospheric' to 'balls out bizarre.' Somehow remembering her as a harbinger of that tonal shift seems like a fitting tribute.

However, Zelda Rubinstein was introduced to me in another capacity, as Madame Serena in Teen Witch. I will always recall with fondness her sage but creepy advice to the titular young protagonist. Even the bitterest pill goes down easier with a good “lap sit” from your favorite dwarf witch.

Quint over at Aint It Cool News posted a write-up with a lot of heart, and really says everything that needs to be said. Read it here.