Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things Poster

Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things 1972

★ 5.3102 votes86 min📅 1972-06-09

"You're Invited To Orville's "Coming-Out" Party... It'll Be A Scream... YOURS!!"

Dive into the eerie yet darkly comedic world of *Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things (1972)*, Bob Clark's cult classic that blends horror with biting satire.

Director: Bob Clark

Cast

Alan Ormsby
Alan
Valerie Mamches
Valerie Mamches
Val
Jeff Gillen
Jeff Gillen
Jeff
Anya Ormsby
Anya Ormsby
Anya
Paul Cronin
Paul
Jane Daly
Jane Daly
Terry
Roy Engleman
Roy
Robert Philip
Emerson
Bruce Solomon
Bruce Solomon
Winns
Alecs Baird
Caretaker

Frequently Asked Questions

What is *Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things* (1972) about?

A group of actors heads to a remote island to perform a necromantic ritual as part of a dark performance art piece. When their stunt goes horribly wrong, they unwittingly unleash the dead, who return the favor with a vengeance. The film quickly spirals from campy experimentation into a nightmarish survival horror.

Who directed *Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things*?

Bob Clark, the visionary filmmaker behind *Black Christmas*, directed this cult horror-comedy.

Who stars in *Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things*?

The film features Alan Ormsby, Valerie Mamches, Jeff Gillen, Anya Ormsby, and Paul Cronin in its core cast.

Is *Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things* (1972) worth watching?

As an unrated but beloved cult classic, it's a must-see for fans of 70s horror who enjoy films that balance dark humor and genuine scares. While not for the squeamish, its offbeat charm and Bob Clark's direction make it a standout in the zombie subgenre.

How long is *Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things*?

The film runs for 86 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things (1972) — Bob Clark's Cult Horror Comedy Explained

Dive into the eerie yet darkly comedic world of *Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things (1972)*, Bob Clark's cult classic that blends horror with biting satire. A troupe of actors travels to a secluded island for what begins as a playful necromantic ritual, only to awaken something far more sinister. Directed by Clark, known for his later horror hit *Black Christmas*, this 86-minute gem thrives on its offbeat tone—equal parts grotesque and gleeful—exploring themes of hubris, mortality, and the unintended consequences of meddling with forces beyond human control. The atmosphere crackles with tension, shifting from campy humor to outright dread as the dead rise to claim their revenge.

With a cast led by Alan Ormsby, whose performance as the arrogant director Orville steals the show, the film balances absurdity with genuine scares. Valerie Mamches and Jeff Gillen round out the ensemble, delivering performances that oscillate between dark comedy and sheer terror. *Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things (1972)* isn't just a zombie flick; it's a subversive commentary on the dangers of toying with the macabre, wrapped in the gritty aesthetic of early 70s horror. Whether you're a fan of cult cinema or just craving something deliciously twisted, this film delivers a unique, unforgettable experience.