Year: 1972
Runtime: 87 min
Language: English
Director: Bob Clark
A group of novice paranormal enthusiasts tries to contact the spirit world, but their séance goes horribly wrong. They accidentally summon Orville, a talkative corpse, unleashing a series of increasingly bizarre and humorous events. The inexperienced necromancer and his friends must deal with the chaotic consequences of their botched ritual as the night unfolds.
Get a spoiler-free look at Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things (1972) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In a remote, weather‑worn cottage perched on the edge of a mist‑shrouded island, a tight‑knit troupe of amateur paranormal hobbyists gathers for a night that promises more thrills than the usual rehearsals. The setting, half‑lit by flickering candles and the soft hiss of the sea, feels like a stage set for something both eerie and oddly playful, where every creak in the timber seems to echo an unspoken invitation to the unknown.
Leading the crew is Alan, a charismatic director whose love of spooky folklore borders on obsession, and who gently nudges his “children” toward a daring séance. Among the group, the eager but inexperienced necromancer—still learning the delicate balance between curiosity and caution—finds a reluctant ally in Orville, a surprisingly chatty corpse whose sudden appearance turns the night’s solemn ritual into a bewildering conversation with the beyond. Other members, like the skeptical yet good‑natured Paul, provide a steady counterpoint, their banter hinting at both camaraderie and the inevitable tension that surfaces when the line between performance and genuine peril blurs.
The film’s tone walks a tightrope between dark comedy and low‑key horror, dripping with a dry, self‑aware wit that lets the absurdity of summoning a loquacious dead man feel almost endearing. As the clock ticks toward midnight, the atmosphere hums with a mingling of anticipation and nervous laughter, promising a series of increasingly bizarre and humorous mishaps. The audience is invited to wonder what will happen when a group of well‑meaning novices accidentally opens a door they never intended to, setting the stage for a night where the boundaries of reality and theatricality hilariously collapse.
Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 14:17
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