The '56 production of 'The Bad Seed'. Another astounding child actor - in the same caliber as Bobs Watson: Patty McCormack. (I'm probably preaching to the choir here if you've seen it!) Before the film, she did over 340 performances on Broadway of her role as Rhoda Penmark, the scheming, murdering, self-possessed, narcissistic little 8-year-old 'snot.' She's two years older than me and still gets fan mail from astounded viewers praising her basically 'timeless' performance. One of my favorite scenes is from an interchange with Leroy (Henry Jones), the self-possessed, equally scheming gardner/handyman Rhoda sets on fire when he gets in her way! "You hit him with them shoes!!!!!" Even the stubborn Henry is 'floored' by her hard-core antics!
Alex North does an excellent job with the score that pushes key scenes to the 'breaking point!' Its fun to hear him weave in and out of Patty's 'new' piano piece 'au Clair de lune.' "That means: by the light of the moon Daddy!"
Nancy Kelly, as Patty's perplexed, confused mother is a bit theatrical, but acceptable. Evelyn Varden as Rhoda's 'effusive' landlady is a real 'kick'. "I'm LARGE!" Even Jesse White has a bit part. William Hopper (from 'Perry Mason' "Thank you Paul!") plays her ignorant father who only sees Patty as the little angel in her red and white dotted 'Swiss' with puffy sleeves.
Patty digs herself - and her mother into 'seriously deep shit' and things fall out of the frying pan into the fire. If you've never seen it, I won't wreck the ending for you. (A placard at the end of the movie tells viewers not to disclose the ending to others who haven't seen the movie!)
Another real 'stand-out' is Eileen Heckart as the drunken, bereaved mother of the little boy Rhoda 'hammers' to death with her shoes to get a penmanship medal she thinks is rightly hers. It's quite amusing to watch things go from bad to worse - to even worse! If you have seen it, it's worth a re-look just to see Patty's 5 star performance and Eileen's 'stumbling' intimidation attempts: "Rhoda knows something and she won't tell me!!!!!"
Making it in black and white just improves the experience. Patty's 'self-righteous sneer' when she finds she's got her mother under control is more than worth the price of admission! Patty's adult narration under the soundtrack is also very amusing and she reveals what a wonderful, intelligent, modest person she has become. For me, it's in the top 10 of my favorite 'Silver Screen Classics!' Don't hesitate. 128 minutes of real moviemaking.
"Seed" has always been a favorite since I first saw it in the early 60's. It offers a much more real sense of horror, as if it could really happen, with real people, rather than most of the contrived Hollywood monsters!
The movie is a classic that I love but I wondered if the quality of the picture would be good on a big screen since in 1956 when the movie was filmed there were no hi def TVs. This DVD had a great pic with great resolution on my 55" screen. I don't regret buying it.
This is an amazing thrilling movie, and the commentary section with the actor that played the little girl is priceless! I only saw the movie once as a child, and it was scary, but as an adult, it still holds some intense moments. Additionally, the movie was in great shape considering it a classic movie from the early 50's.
Very good film noir. I like it because I'm an old movie buff and have quite a collection of movies from that era. I really liked the plot and the surprise ending leaves the watcher with a few intriguing questions. I'm happy to have it in my collection
To me the bad seed is a excellent movie! And i was so happy i could get it on Dvd. To me its a classic, all the actors...i mean all of them were exceptional! Love the product.
Ordered the product as a Movie Night birthday gift which arrived in a timely manner and was clean wholesome entertainment for everyone present from my 8yr old daughter to my 84yr old uncle. A real classic treasure!