Comedy Cult Classic

A haunted train car, a vengeful ghost conductor, and college life derailed by murder.

THE SLEEPING CAR

1990 · 1h 36m · R · Comedy / Horror · IMDB TMDB

After his recent divorce, Jason (David Naughton) takes up residence in a converted railroad car with the intention of finishing up his college education. His plans are soon disrupted, however, when the ghost of a vengeful railroad conductor begins to haunt and slay Jason's visitors. A horror classic.

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Quick Answer

What is The Sleeping Car about?

The Sleeping Car is a 1990 American comedy-horror film directed by Douglas Curtis about a divorced college student who moves into a converted railroad car, only to awaken the homicidal ghost of his landlady's late husband.

Programmer's Pick

Where else will you find phone sex operators, slasher horror, and sitar music in a haunted train car? The Sleeping Car piles supernatural mayhem onto a killer ghost premise with a knowing wink at genre conventions.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

After a divorce, Jason McCree seeks a fresh start by moving into a converted railroad car, hoping to complete his college education in peace. His tranquil plans quickly unravel when he inadvertently stirs up the ghost of his landlady’s deceased husband, known ominously as The Mister. This murderous spirit haunts the old train carriage, targeting Jason and those around him. As the supernatural danger escalates, Jason turns to Vincent Tuttle in hopes of banishing the relentless ghost. Blending horror and comedy, The Sleeping Car delivers a setup that pits an everyman against a uniquely themed haunting, where the past refuses to stay buried and the living become unwelcome passengers.

Details & Specs

Director: Douglas Curtis
Writer: Greg Collins O'Neill
Release: 1990
Runtime: 1h 36m
Country: United States of America
Language: English
Genres: Comedy, Horror

Cast & Crew

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Director: Douglas Curtis Writer: Greg Collins O'Neill

David Naughton Jason McCree

Judie Aronson Kim

Kevin McCarthy Vincent Tuttle

Jeff Conaway Bud Sorenson

Dani Minnick Joanne

Ernestine Mercer Mrs. Erickson

John Carl Buechler The Mister GB Gary Brockette Ghost Mister SL Steve Lundquist Dwight

Bill Stevenson Kerry

Nicole Hansen Clarice

Tiffany Million 19-year-old Girl

Explore More

Slasher Horror Independent Film Female Nudity Murder Blood Sex Scene Flashback Female Star Appears Nude Supernatural Power Murderer Serial Murder Slasher Horror Train Ghost Possession Murdered With An Axe Reverse Footage

Why Cult

Haunted Train Car

The action unfolds within the claustrophobic confines of a converted railroad carriage, turning an unusual home into a supernatural battleground.

Killer Ghost Conductor

The vengeful spirit of a railroad conductor—The Mister—brings slasher-style killings to Jason’s doorstep.

Genre-Blending Comedy-Horror

The film balances gruesome supernatural threats with comedic touches, from one-liners to quirky supporting characters.

Offbeat Cast and Details

With a cast featuring David Naughton and Kevin McCarthy, plus oddball elements like phone sex operators and sitar music, it’s a true B-movie cocktail.