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Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers:
Release Date:
29 April 1983 (USA)
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Tagline:
After he fulfills your deepest, lifelong dream...he'll tell you the price you have to pay. more
Plot:
In a small American town, a diabolical circus and its demonic proprietor prey on the townsfolk. full summary | add synopsis
Awards:
2 wins
&
7 nominations
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NewsDesk:
(6 articles)
Ray Bradbury To Pitch Miniseries
(From Screen Rant. 15 November 2009, 7:30 AM, PST)
Horror Plus Crime: Se7en
(From Screen Rant. 28 October 2009, 4:22 AM, PDT)
(From Screen Rant. 15 November 2009, 7:30 AM, PST)
Horror Plus Crime: Se7en
(From Screen Rant. 28 October 2009, 4:22 AM, PDT)
User Comments:
Mature and intriguing thriller for adults and kids alike
more (61 total)
Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only) | Jason Robards | ... | Charles Halloway |
 | Jonathan Pryce | ... | Mr. Dark |
 | Diane Ladd | ... | Mrs. Nightshade |
 | Royal Dano | ... | Tom Fury |
| Vidal Peterson | ... | Will Halloway |
| Shawn Carson | ... | Jim Nightshade |
| Mary Grace Canfield | ... | Miss Foley |
| Richard Davalos | ... | Mr. Crosetti |
| Jake Dengel | ... | Mr. Tetley |
| Jack Dodson | ... | Dr. Douglas |
| Bruce M. Fischer | ... | Mr. Cooger |
 | Ellen Geer | ... | Mrs. Halloway |
 | Pam Grier | ... | Dust Witch |
| Brendan Klinger | ... | Cooger as a Child |
| James Stacy | ... | Ed, The Bartender |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
95 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Color (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
Stephen King wrote a rejected adaptation.
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Quotes:
Charles Halloway:
I, uh, have the honor, sir.
Mr. Dark: And have had for many years, I do believe. All that time spent living only through other men's lives. Dreaming only other men's dreams. What a waste.
Charles Halloway: Sometimes a man can learn more form other men's dreams than he can from his own. Come visit me, sir, if you wish to improve your education.
Mr. Dark: I will, and I may improve yours.
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Mr. Dark: And have had for many years, I do believe. All that time spent living only through other men's lives. Dreaming only other men's dreams. What a waste.
Charles Halloway: Sometimes a man can learn more form other men's dreams than he can from his own. Come visit me, sir, if you wish to improve your education.
Mr. Dark: I will, and I may improve yours.
more
Movie Connections:
Spoofed in "The Venture Bros.: Powerless in the Face of Death (#2.1)" (2006)
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FAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more (61 total)
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This film is well made in all regards; the cast is top-notch, the cinematography and direction drive the tone of the movie, the effects inventive and wonderful (even by late-90's standards) and best of all, the storyline superb.
That said, this is arguably the best film made from any of Ray Bradbury's works. I first read the book years ago as a 13-year-old and remember the images the tale concocted, and the questions about myself that the storyline propose ring as true today from the film as they did then from the page.
Owing much to the casting of the film, the director marvelously weaves the story around the principal leads by allowing a score of tertiary characters to guide the plot's tone, mood and motion. Each person, whether major or minor, is an intriguing part of the tale with their own tale to tell. With great efficiency we understand what drives each of the townspeople, and grow more curious and suspicious as to the background of the carnival folk.
Sympathy -- or contempt -- for each of the characters is developed throughout, and best the film's two supporting actors, Jason Robards and Jonathan Pryce. While neither is exactly cast against type here, both provide a driving stability for the film. The two boys that serve as the film's protagonists do an admirable job in portraying both the fear and delight that is part of youth, and inherent to coming of age.
This movie is a fine example of how an effective thriller can be made without resorting to language, blood, sex, or violence. While I am not all opposed to films that use any or all of those conventions, it is a refreshing change from what is otherwise the norm.
One of the greatest benefits is that the resulting film is one that you can watch with your children, a film that will provide them a healthy scare and stimulate their mind as well. As the film does contain some dark and frightening imagery, it could certainly serve as a source of nightmares for younger children.