On October 31, 1992, the BBC aired a 90-minute documentary-style program called Ghostwatch , which was promoted as being broadcast live from “the most haunted house in Britain.” Presenting the show that evening were such trusted BBC personalities as Michael Parkinson and children’s TV host Sarah Greene. This helped lend it some credibility because, in actuality, the whole thing was staged and had been filmed months in advance. Despite that, millions of viewers believed they were watching a real paranormal investigation unfold.

The story revolved around Pamela Early and her two daughters, who were reportedly living with a ghost known as Pipes. The alleged poltergeist was given the nickname due to his habit of banging on their water pipes. As time went on, the family was subjected to more and more terrifying experiences, and Pipes could be spotted lingering in the background during certain scenes.…