Children of the Corn
Movie Trailer
Release Date
March 9, 1984
Genre
Horror, Thriller
Cast & Crew
- Peter Horton as Burt Stanton
- Linda Hamilton as Vicky Baxter
- John Franklin as Isaac Chroner
- Courtney Gains as Malachai
- Robby Kiger as Job
- Anne Marie McEvoy as Sarah
- R.G. Armstrong as Diehl
- Julie Maddalena as Rachel
Director
Fritz Kiersch
Other Movies Director is Known For
- Tuff Turf (1985)
- Gor (1987)
Producer
- Donald P. Borchers
- Terence Kirby
Writer
- Stephen King (short story)
- George Goldsmith (screenplay)
Budget
$800,000
Production Company
- Hal Roach Studios
- Planet Productions
Running Time
92 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
R
Content Advisory
- Strong violence
- Disturbing imagery
- Themes of cult behavior
- Some gore
Movie Story
“Children of the Corn” is a chilling horror film based on Stephen King’s short story of the same name. Set in the rural town of Gatlin, Nebraska, the story begins with a young couple, Burt Stanton (Peter Horton) and Vicky Baxter (Linda Hamilton), driving through the Midwest on a road trip. Their journey takes a dark turn when they accidentally hit a young boy on a deserted road. Upon further investigation, they discover that the boy was already dead, his throat slit by an unseen assailant.
Their search for help leads them to the seemingly abandoned town of Gatlin, where they encounter an eerie, unsettling silence. As they explore the town, they soon learn the terrifying truth: the children of Gatlin, led by the fanatical Isaac Chroner (John Franklin) and his enforcer Malachai (Courtney Gains), have taken over the town. The children worship a mysterious deity known as “He Who Walks Behind the Rows,” and under Isaac’s command, they have killed all the adults in the town.
Burt and Vicky find themselves trapped in a nightmarish struggle for survival as they attempt to escape the clutches of the murderous children. The film delves into themes of religious fanaticism, the corruption of innocence, and the horrors that can arise in isolated communities. With its tense atmosphere, unsettling performances, and moments of shocking violence, “Children of the Corn” remains a classic of the horror genre.
Special Effects
“Children of the Corn” utilizes practical effects typical of 1980s horror films, focusing on creating an eerie and unsettling atmosphere. The film’s most memorable effects include the scenes involving the mysterious, supernatural force that the children worship, as well as the gruesome depictions of violence. The effects are modest by today’s standards but effectively contribute to the film’s creepy and disturbing tone.
Box Office Performance
“Children of the Corn” was a commercial success, grossing over $14.5 million against its modest $800,000 budget. The film’s success at the box office helped cement its status as a cult classic and spawned a long-running franchise with numerous sequels and adaptations.
Filming Locations
- Sioux City, Iowa, USA
- Whiting, Iowa, USA
- Hornick, Iowa, USA
- Salix, Iowa, USA
Notable Quotes
- “Outlander! We have your woman!” – Malachai
- “He Who Walks Behind the Rows.” – Isaac Chroner
- “No one leaves Gatlin alive!” – Isaac Chroner
Behind-the-Scenes
“Children of the Corn” was filmed on location in various small towns in Iowa, adding to the film’s authentic rural atmosphere. The success of the movie led to a franchise that includes numerous sequels, remakes, and spin-offs, though none have matched the impact of the original. The film’s young cast, particularly John Franklin and Courtney Gains, delivered memorable performances that have become iconic in the horror genre.
Awards
- Nominated for Best Horror Film at the 1985 Saturn Awards
Final Verdict
“Children of the Corn” is a quintessential 1980s horror film that combines the terror of isolation with the dangers of fanaticism. While it may not have the elaborate special effects of modern horror movies, its eerie atmosphere and unsettling premise continue to resonate with audiences. For fans of Stephen King and classic horror, this film is a must-see, offering a chilling tale that lingers long after the credits roll.
IMDb Rating
5.6/10