The Gremlins Stairlift
Hollywood's most famous stairlift scene — and its most terrifying.
Manufacturer: Unknown (Film Prop)
About This Exhibit
The 1984 film "Gremlins" features perhaps the most memorable stairlift scene in cinema history — and also the most disturbing. In the movie, the character of Ruby Deagle (played by Polly Holliday) meets her end when the gremlins tamper with her stairlift, sending her crashing through a window.
The scene was controversial at the time for its dark humor and was one of several in the film that led to the creation of the PG-13 rating. For the stairlift industry, it was a mixed blessing — sudden widespread awareness of the product, but not in the most positive light.
The stairlift used in the film appears to be a modified commercial unit, though the exact make and model has never been confirmed. The "malfunction" was achieved through practical effects and careful editing.
Historical Significance
While not a real product advancement, the Gremlins scene introduced stairlifts to millions of viewers who had never considered home accessibility before.
Did You Know?
Director Joe Dante has said the stairlift scene was inspired by the common fear of mechanical devices malfunctioning — a fear the stairlift industry has worked hard to dispel ever since.
Technical Specifications
- Weight Capacity
- Unknown
- Speed
- Dramatically enhanced for film
- Track Type
- Straight rail (appears modified)
- Power Source
- Unknown
- Dramatic acceleration
- Audience gasps
- Eternal pop culture status
Quick Facts
- Year
- 1984
- Manufacturer
- Unknown (Film Prop)
- Category
- Pop Culture