The Mangler

William ‘Bill’ Gartley, portrayed by Robert Englund, is the tyrannical owner of a bustling factory in Rikers Valley, where chaos reigns. From his vantage point in a corridor on an upper floor, he barks orders while struggling with peculiar metal crutches attached to his knees, indicative of his mobility issues. The factory, a noisy and steamy environment, is where men and women labor diligently along the assembly line, with enormous Hadley Watson machines that wash, dry, and fold sheets.

Amidst the hustle, Miss Adelle Frawley (Vera Blacker) and Sherry Ourelette (Vanessa Pike) exchange greetings, as Lin Sue (Lisa Morris), the new hire, neglects to assist Sherry with her burdensome equipment. Adelle cautions her to be cautious, but it’s Doris who ultimately lends a hand. The atmosphere shifts dramatically when one of the female workers suffers an injury, resulting in blood splattered across the floor. An electrical failure causes chaos in the production line, infuriating Gartley, who commands his workers—referring to them as boys and girls—to get back to their tasks. The machines drone on ominously, with bloodstains marking the scene.

Outside, Officer John Hunton (portrayed by Ted Levine) narrowly avoids a collision with a delivery van carrying a new electricity generator. Back inside the factory, Adelle experiences a moment of distress, taking medication as her fears escalate. A frightful incident occurs when the machine appears to come alive, and despite her efforts, it consumes her whole body as she reaches for her pills. Amid the ensuing panic, Gartley utters the chilling command, “Daisy May, let’s do like dogs.”

As mayhem unfolds, John Hunton receives urgent notifications about the disaster. Mark Jackson (Daniel Matmor), the delivery van driver, navigates through the tumult to relocate the generator. The aftermath reveals utter disarray outside the factory, where an ambulance is seen transporting Adelle’s remains in a box. Although the safety measures seem adequate, the inquest concludes it an unfortunate accident, leaving Hunton unsettled and confronted with the brutal reality of the gore around him. The repercussions of this tragedy extend beyond the factory, as the entire community of Gates Falls relies on the Blue Ribbon Laundry for its livelihood.

Last Updated: October 27, 2024 at 17:05