"The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane" is a 1976 cross-genre film directed by Nicolas Gessner, starring Jodie Foster as the 13-year-old protagonist, Rynn Jacobs. The film is based on Laird Koenig's 1974 novel of the same name and was a Canadian-French co-production. It blends elements of thriller, horror, and mystery genres

Plot Summary

Rynn Jacobs lives alone in a small seaside town after her poet father, who had arranged for her independence before his death, committed suicide. The story begins on Halloween night, when Rynn celebrates her 13th birthday alone. She faces suspicion and intrusion from her conservative neighbors, especially the landlady Cora Hallet and her son Frank Hallet, who makes inappropriate sexual advances toward Rynn. When Mrs. Hallet tries to enter Rynn's cellar against her wishes, she accidentally dies after the cellar door falls on her head. Rynn hides the evidence with the help of Mario, a disabled teenage magician and nephew of a local policeman. Frank Hallet suspects Rynn is involved in his mother's disappearance and attempts to blackmail her, but Rynn ultimately outsmarts him by poisoning him with cyanide. Throughout the film, Rynn is portrayed as a resourceful and independent girl protecting her secret life and autonomy in a hostile environment

Themes and Reception

The film explores themes such as children's rights, independence, and the dark undercurrents in small-town life. Jodie Foster's performance was highly praised, earning her a Saturn Award for Best Actress, and the film itself won Best Horror Film at the Saturn Awards. Initially receiving mixed reviews, it later gained cult status and critical reevaluation for its screenplay and thematic depth

Notable Facts

• The film was originally intended as a play.
• Jodie Foster had conflicts over a nude scene, which was ultimately performed by her 21-year-old sister as a body double

• The film was shot on a small budget in Quebec.
• It premiered at the 1976 Cannes Film Festival and was generally released in 1977

In summary, "The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane" is a suspenseful and provocative film about a young girl's fight for independence amid sinister threats in a small town, anchored by a standout performance from Jodie Foster