Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things

Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things

Year: 1972

Runtime: 87 min

Language: English

Director: Bob Clark

HorrorComedy

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.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things (1972) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

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

Unlock the Full Story of Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things

Don't stop at just watching — explore Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things Summary

Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things Timeline

Track the full timeline of Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things

More About Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things

Similar Movies to Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things

Discover movies like Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.