Well, a real haunted house story usually has elements such as a history of tragedy. Maybe someone died a violent or sudden death in the house. Then there are the paranormal activities. This can include lights flickering for no electrical reason. There might be a feeling of dread or unease as soon as you enter the house. And often, there are smells that are out of place, like the smell of old - fashioned perfume or cigar smoke when no one in the present smokes cigars or wears that kind of perfume. These elements all contribute to making the haunted house story seem more real and spooky.
Ghosts are common. Like a shadowy figure that appears and disappears suddenly. Creaking sounds, like old floorboards or doors. Also, a feeling of unease or dread that the characters experience as soon as they enter the house.
Ghosts are a common element. For example, the ghost of a past Christmas reveler might haunt the place where they had their last celebration. Another element is cursed objects like a Christmas ornament that brings bad luck or strange happenings. Also, haunted locations such as old churches or abandoned houses that seem especially spooky during Christmas time are often in these stories.
One common element is unexplained noises. Like in many haunted houses, people hear footsteps, creaking doors, or whispers when there's no logical explanation for them. It sends chills down your spine.
Ghosts are often an element. They can be the main source of the haunting, like the apparitions that people see in old mansions. Another element is strange noises, such as creaking doors or unexplained bangs.
One element could be the setting. Old, large, and isolated houses are often associated with real - life haunted tales. The movie might have taken inspiration from such real - life settings.
It's the feeling of helplessness. In a real haunted house story, you're often powerless against whatever is causing the hauntings. You can't fight a ghost or spirit with normal means. If things keep getting moved around, or you keep hearing strange noises no matter what you do, it makes you feel like you're at the mercy of some unseen and unexplainable force. For instance, a family might try everything from changing the locks to blessing the house, but if the hauntings continue, it's a really scary feeling of being unable to stop what's happening.
Alien beings are often found. These can be small gray creatures or tall, spindly ones with large eyes. Another element is strange lights, like bright flashes or an otherworldly glow that fills a room or an area. Also, there's often a sense of paralysis or inability to move, as if some force is holding the experiencer in place.
The 'Haunted Hill House' may draw from real - story elements. There are places that have a reputation for being haunted. These places often have a long history, and sometimes their architecture or location might play a role. For instance, an old mansion on a hill that has been through many generations and has a history of family tragedies. People might have heard strange sounds coming from it at night or seen lights when no one was supposed to be there. All these real - world haunted - place stories could be related to the 'Haunted Hill House' concept.
It's hard to say for sure. If there are details that match real-life experiences or if others can corroborate parts of it, then it might have some reality to it. But often, haunted house stories are more for entertainment and don't have to be completely real.
The feeling of being watched is a very scary part of these stories. In Michigan haunted houses, people often describe a sense of unease, like there are eyes on them all the time. And sometimes, there are unexplained smells, like a musty old perfume or a smell of decay that has no obvious source. These elements all add to the overall scariness of the haunted house tales.