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

In this darkly comedic horror film, a novice necromancer and his troupe of amateur mediums attempt to summon the spirit world, but their rituals go awry when they conjure a chatty cadaver named Orville. As the night wears on, the group's antics lead to a series of eerie and hilarious consequences.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things (1972)
Trace every key event in Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things (1972) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

Departure for the Island

The theatre troupe, excited and eager, embarks on their journey to a mysterious island led by their director, Alan Ormsby. This voyage promises adventure, but little do they know of the sinister events awaiting them.

Theatre
2

Tales of Sinister History

As they sail towards the island, Alan captivates the troupe with spine-chilling tales about the island's dark past. His stories create an atmosphere of intrigue, hinting at the horrors that lie ahead.

On the boat
3

Arrival at the Cottage

Upon reaching the island, the troupe arrives at a quaint cottage, eager to celebrate and enjoy their new surroundings. They set the stage for a night filled with laughter and camaraderie.

Cottage
4

Unveiling the Grimoire

As night falls, Alan reveals his true intentions by adorning a mystical robe and unveiling a grimoire for a Satanic ritual. The troupe is skeptical but intrigued by the bizarre turn the evening has taken.

Dusk Cottage
5

The Grotesque Performance

At the stroke of midnight, Alan begins to perform a sinister act, digging up the grave of Orville Dunworth. The troupe witnesses this grotesque display, initially believing it to be part of the ritual.

Midnight Grave site near the cottage
6

Cruel Entertainment

What starts as a horrid joke turns into a chilling reality as Alan uses Orville's dead body for morbid humor. This dark turn leaves the troupe unsettled, as Alan's true cruelty begins to emerge.

Late night Cottage
7

Rising of the Dead

In a terrifying twist, the dead begin to rise from their graves, wandering towards the troupe with a hunger for flesh. Panic envelops the group as they realize they are in grave danger.

Night Cottage
8

Desperate Measures

As the undead close in, the remaining troupe members devise a frantic plan to lure the zombies to the front of the house. Meanwhile, Paul attempts a daring escape through the back, hoping to find safety.

Cottage
9

Paul's Demise

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Paul is ambushed by the relentless horde while trying to escape. His screams resonate in the night, marking a turning point in the group's desperate battle for survival.

Cottage
10

A Plea for Salvation

Determined to rid themselves of the undead menace, the troupe appeals to the ancient tome for a spell. Their desperate incantation appears to work as the zombies begin to dissolve, offering a glimmer of hope.

Cottage
11

The Awakening of Orville

In their haste to escape, the troupe forgets the sacred duty of reinterment for Orville’s remains. This oversight awakens his restless spirit once again, unleashing more horror upon the group.

Cottage
12

Betrayal and Despair

As the undead breach the cottage, Alan betrays Anya in a desperate attempt to save himself. This act of cowardice leads to a sense of despair as the group is pushed to their limits.

Cottage
13

Orville's Revenge

Retreating to the bedroom, Alan encounters Orville’s corpse, which comes back to life with a thirst for vengeance. In a ghastly turn of events, Orville attacks Alan, leading to a vicious end.

Cottage Bedroom
14

The Undead Invasion

As the credits roll, the camera pans out to show the overwhelming number of zombies overtaking Alan's boat. Their moans mix eerily with the Miami breeze, signifying an impending doom for the city.

Alan's boat

Last Updated: November 17, 2024 at 19:49

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