Let me introduce you to the sweet, unassuming Rhoda Penmark. A cute, blond eight-year old in pigtails. She's the cutest thing you've ever seen. Respectful, bubbly and ever so outgoing. The perfect daughter to parents Christine and Kenneth Williams.
Say hello to Rhoda everyone.
Rhoda's very upset because she lost a contest to a boy in her class. What type of contest you may ask? Penmanship, an art that is becoming less common as every year passes these days. The young man, Claude Daigle happened to outdo her in this respect and Rhoda cannot let this fact go.
While the school kids are out at a picnic at the lake, her mother Christine hears about an accident on the radio. A student has drowned in the lake. Absolute panic washes across her face as she fears the worst. Rhoda might be the child the radio announcer is discussing. We all know the real truth.
Sadly, the young Claude Daigle has drowned and we don't know the reason. His last great accomplishment being his winning penmanship and that beautiful medal he wore on his chest. The entire school is distraught and Rhoda's teacher decides to pay a visit to see Rhoda's mother Christine.
Caludia Fern, Rhoda's teacher appears to discuss some important business with Christine. Rhoda was the last person to see poor Claude alive. People were saying Rhoda was grasping at the medal of his. The teacher knows there's something going on but won't openly admit her suspicions. She does make it very clear that little Rhoda will not be welcome at the school next year. A real blow to her mother Christine Penmark. Her daughter is a little angel to her and everyone around her.
The story starts to unfold bit by bit and the mother starts to realize her little angel might be a bad seed. The ever eternal question starts to form. Are we born bad or is it inherited?
The landlady of their apartment happens to be well versed in analysis and boasts about meeting Sigmund Freud. She and others end up delving into discussions involving psychoanalysis. I certainly did not expect this angle to be explored. Welcomed and interesting. The landlady Monica is like an aunt to the little one and believes she's the perfect young lady. Looks can be deceiving but she'll never recognize the signs.
Rhoda's mother eventually finds the penmanship medal in her box of treasures as she calls it. Upon confronting her daughter she tries to play it cool in the beginning. She's a master manipulator and knows how to change the subject at the drop of a hat. When that doesn't work a big hug for mommy might work. The mother sees what she's doing and won't put up with it. The truth eventually comes out and discovers she's involved with the death of the young Claude Daigle.
This is where the film becomes even more interesting. The questions raised are tough ones. The path forward is doubly confusing. Do you inform the authorities about what has happened? Do you sweep the incident under the rug? Do you pretend this is an accident knowing in reality it's anything but?
I'm not going to describe this entire film but I must mention the caretaker of the building, Leroy. He's quite the addition to the cast. The landlady, Monica refers to him as a simpleton with the mind of a child. He's anything but. Leroy can see through Rhoda's act and even alludes that a bad person can spot another bad person. He plays games initially with Rhoda and baits her at numerous points throughout the film. His comments push her buttons, he's usually lying or playing coy to get a reaction from her. A great dynamic between these two characters continue through a good chunk of the film. He knows what she is from the start and never lets up.
This is the way to do a horror movie. The year is 1956 and we are not going to see gore or any violence. Constructing a horror film without these elements takes a true master. The writing and acting is superb. Interesting to note is that this film is based on the play by the same name. The final credits have the actors appear on screen after their name is called. This is so great and something I've rarely seen in film form. You only see this when watching an actual theatrical production.
Horror can take on many forms and I find the scariest movies are those that are based in reality. An unassuming child is the source of all things bad, the bad seed. I can only imagine what the mother was thinking about in this one. I sure hope nobody is afraid of black and white films as you're missing out on a wonderful horror movie here.
I wonder if Rotten Tomatoes has reviews on older films? Apparently they do, 63% critics rating and an 82% audience rating. Interesting scores on this one. For me it's a 75%, a horror that is well worth your time and surprisingly disturbing.
All images provided by themoviedb.org, thank you.
The cutting of trailers during this era is very interesting in comparison to our modern offerings.
Excuse all the typos and grammar issues. I've edited this post too many times now haha
Very pertinent that you bring this film from the middle of the last century, where suspense and terror were worked in a less evident way than nowadays, with a more psychological treatment. Good review and opinion, although I missed that you did not name its director: Mervyn LeRoy. Regards, @buffalobison.
You're right I omitted all major details on this one. I got caught up in the story and completely forgot. Thanks for the reminder
Excellent review, I didn't know the movie, I'm going to take it into consideration.
I like it when they are creative, and don't just do the basics, it will be interesting to see.
They got the creepy factor perfect. She reminds me of this scene from The Simpsons haha
It does ask an interesting and pertinent question and of course one that is on the minds of many of us in Michigan after the tragedy at Oxford High.
I am curious in how she did it now lol.
I've been loosely following that story. A real tragedy especially during pandemic times, this is the last thing you want to hear about.
As for Rhoda, look out she gives me the creeps.
Your content has been voted as a part of Encouragement program. Keep up the good work!
Use Ecency daily to boost your growth on platform!
Support Ecency
Vote for new Proposal
Delegate HP and earn more
Thank you very much