The Bad Seed

Rhoda Penmark seems like your average, sweet eight-year-old girl. When her rival at school dies in mysterious circumstances at the school picnic her mother starts to suspect that Rhoda was responsible. However, if she is correct what should she do about it?

An intriguing thriller directed by Mervyn LeRoy (Waterloo Bridge, Little Women, The Wizard of Oz, Mr Roberts, I am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang). Initially not that compelling: things seem to progress in fits and starts. The plot will meander for a while, then something significant happens and makes you think that the film has kicked up a gear only for it to revert to meandering. There's enough interesting stuff happening to keep you watching but there's long stretches where it is quite easy to zone out (and not miss much). These stretches are quite dialogue-filled and dry, making me think I was watching a play rather than a movie.

However, from about the halfway mark the pace does quicken and the last quarter or so is very tense, making for riveting viewing. The ending is great and contains a wonderful, poetic twist.

While the script and direction can be a bit frustrating at times, I can't fault the performances. Ten-year-old Patty McCormack is excellent as Rhoda and Nancy Kelly is great as her mother. However, Eileen Heckart almost steals the show as Mrs Daigle, the dead boy's mother. All three received Oscar nominations.