Review of The Bad Seed (1956) by Heather K — 26 Apr 2008

This is one of those films I procrastinated on watching for way too long. I knew it was going to be rather kitschy and entertaining, but then again how can it not be when you are dealing with a "child gone bad". Even more entertaining is the fact that this film came out of the '50s and it's so ridiculously campy and lovely that it's hard to resist, even though it's pretty darned bloodless.

So if you don't know, the tale is about a young blonde Rhoda who plays innocent and polite to a tee, that is until nobody is looking. Bad things keep happening around the child and of course her Mother is well, in total denial. As the movie goes on she seems to get worse and worse, and her token tantrum scene is actually all that. One of the most delicious moments in camp history, fabulous!

Now even if you are afraid of older films (which admittedly sometimes I can be) this is pure entertainment. I just wouldn't recommend this to someone who isn't patient and who doesn't have a good sense of humour. Also not expecting a blood bath is a good idea.