A young black man and his family move into a home in rural Ohio, and discover that during the Civil War it was used by a Dutch immigrant to smuggle runaway slaves to freedom. Soon they begin to suspect that the ghosts of slaves who passed through there are haunting the house.—Anonymous

The 1984 movie adaptation of The House of Dies Drear closely follows the plot of Virginia Hamilton's novel, though there are some differences due to the change in medium. The movie centers on Thomas Small, a young African American boy, and his family who move into an old, historical house in Ohio. The house, known as the Dies Drear house, was once owned by Dies Drear, an abolitionist who used it as a station on the Underground Railroad. The house is infamous for being haunted, following the mysterious deaths of Dies Drear and two escaping slaves. As the Small family settles in, Thomas begins to explore the house and uncovers its hidden passageways and secret rooms. He quickly realizes that the house is filled with strange, eerie occurrences, such as mysterious noises and moving objects, which seem to confirm the rumors of it being haunted. The family's neighbor, Mr. Pluto, adds to the mystery. He is a reclusive and enigmatic figure who seems to know a lot about the house's history. Thomas is both intrigued and frightened by Mr. Pluto, who eventually becomes central to unraveling the house's secrets. Throughout the film, Thomas and his family learn more about the house's past, the history of the Underground Railroad, and the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom. The story builds to a suspenseful climax as the mysteries of the house are revealed, blending elements of history, suspense, and the supernatural. The film adaptation emphasizes the themes of history, legacy, and the importance of understanding one's roots, much like the original novel.