Hi

I stuck in chp. 7, the secret door to the theater keeps closing behind me, with no way to open it from the theater, and I can't find the alleged water pipes in the passage with the chasm

I've tried to re-install, but it didn't help, and I really want to play the chapter all the way to the end.

Please help

- Camlla

Actually that's not true. If you die during the chase due to not having a required item, retrying will rewind back far enough to give you the opportunity to get it. So all of the appropriate items can be found during the chase sequence (as long as you find them before getting caught), and running around visiting the extra locations also reveals the phone repairman wasn't Don's only victim so far...

If you die during the chase, the game rewinds properly.
However, if you die after releasing the demon from Don, the game doesn't rewind, since the game saves just before you die in the final sequence.
I did this in the final sequence in one of my playthroughs, and ended up getting macerated by the demon multiple times because I'd forgotten to pick up a sharp or pointy item to draw blood with. Had to replay the 7th chapter to be able to finish properly.

No, I just checked it to be sure. If you don't have a sharp object (maybe you actually did, there are multiple items that can be used) and you die at that point in the ritual, retrying will rewind back to just after the darkroom scene. The same thing happens for any missing item as long as you die at the point where it's meant to be used and not as a result of an incorrect action.

I always vehemently hated Chapter 7 because it's so poorly done. You have this very unforgiving chase sequence involving picking up the right stuff before getting caught, but most people will end up getting caught in the first few seconds because the majority of the game is a standard point and click adventure.

If I hadn't had the guide when I got the game on release - cause I'd been looking forwards to it - I'd have never known about all the stuff hidden throughout the place for you to find during this chase. Of course, because the action sequence sucks, I was never able to find them all. Or hell, even beat the game, because as I said, the action sequences in Chapter 7 are crap.

I would love to find a save that was compatible with the game that would finally let me watch the "perfect" Chapter 7 replay. It's been over a decade and I never did find one, though.

This is why I always looked around everywhere before I went into the darkroom to pick up the book. You're able to find every item you need apart from the book itself when you start off chapter 7.
I usually just stroll around the house to find whatever I'm missing, and then I go for the book. Makes the chase-part quite the walk in the park, really.

If you do play the chase properly though, you're always able to get away each time you find an item. Like with the crucifix in the crypt, you pick it up and then walk behind one of the gargoyle-pillars next to the secret passage-entrance. When Don arrive to search for you, you simply tip the statue over him and make your getaway.
The only thing I didn't find a getaway for was the snowman. I managed to stuff myself into the closet, but Don went straight after me then and stuck me in the chair, so I always went for the snowman last after that first attempt :p

Having played the game close to 80 times, I could walk you through it, or even play you through it, though I don't have the capacity to make a playthroughvideo :p

During my first playthrough I actually had to get the snowman during the chase... It's possible, first hide in the closet, then attack Don with the fire hook and leg it...

I had to get ALL the necessary items during the chase and yes, it is quite possible. The only way to get stuck is:
1: don't get ALL of the required items, but do get the snowman.
2: release the monster
=> Game saves, and you don'T have all the items needed to complete the ritual. Bummer.