John Richard Petersen has made his mark in cult cinema with roles in The Ghost Dance (1982) and Runaway Train (1985). In The Ghost Dance, he embodies a character navigating the supernatural, reflecting the film's exploration of cultural themes and spiritual connections. His performance in Runaway Train adds to the film's gritty narrative, where he contributes to the tension and urgency of the storyline. Petersen's work in these films highlights his ability to engage with the unique styles of 1980s genre cinema.
The Ghost Dance
The spirit of a long-dead warrior possesses the body of an Indian medicine man and turns him into a homicidal maniac. It’s late afternoon on the Arizona desert as workers unearth an Indian body. Dr.Kay Foster (Julie Amato), the director of anthropology at a local university supervises the dig. She finds the remains of an ancient Indian warlord known as Nahaluh. That sinister night an Indian scavenger, Aranjo (Henry Bal) creeps into the excavation and steals an Indian medicine bag. That’s where the horror begins. “Peter F.Buffa’s “The Ghost Dance” is a bloody supernatural slasher flick with a nice Indian angle. The acting is surprisingly good and there is some suspense and gore, including throat slashing and spear impaling. The film is extremely obscure, so grab the copy and treasure it. Highly recommended.”
