By Melissa Antoinette Garza
Where has this movie been all my life? This is tremendous. Horror fans, if you haven’t seen THE CHILD (1977) watch it, and if you have – why didn’t you tell me about it? I tell you cats about great flicks all the time! Sharing is caring so set Missy up once in awhile!
For those who are also new to this flick, allow me to summarize this baby. Alicianne (Laurel Barnett) is a sexy, dark haired gal in her early 20s. She’s hired to watch over young Rosalie (Rosalie Cole). Rosalie isn’t your average gal though. Her mother died and all indicators show that she takes after that dame quite a bit. She has some strange telekinesis powers that can connect with ghouls and make scarecrows come to life. She’s also got a bit of a temper. It’s like if Anthony Freemont from THE TWILIGHT ZONE’S: IT’S A GOOD LIFE (1961) was a helluva lot more violent and had more than a cornfield to work with.
When Rosalie becomes angry at nosy, old, Mrs. Whitfield (Ruth Ballan) she calls upon the creatures of the night to come attack – and attack they do. Anyone who steps out of line or anyone Rosalie thinks is responsible for her mother’s death is a target for this blonde girl’s rage.
I won’t lie. I like Rosalie. I wish I had her powers. Those ghouls and that scarecrow would be taking care of a lot of peeps for me.
Eventually though Rosalie turns her anger on poor Alicianne, who is really an innocent. She just wanted a job. She’s not trying to start anything with that girl, but Rosalie doesn’t give a fuck. She doesn’t like anyone playing mommy.
The conclusion of the movie sees an all out zombie attack that is fabulous! I love this movie so much.
It’s one part BURIAL GROUND (1981), one part THE PIT (1981) and all parts fan-fucking-tastic. The dialogue is scarce, but the story is told with imagery and it shines in that capacity. The camera angles used, the dark tone and the haunting music all make for a creepy atmosphere from moment one.
This is definitely one to own. This is pure 1970s horror gold, people!
ARROW VIDEO has put this out on a triple movie set entitled Volume Two of the Horror Collection Project. Pick it up. It’s worth it.
Scared Stiff Rating: 8.5/10
