| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
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Duane Jones | ... | |
| Judith O'Dea | ... | ||
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Karl Hardman | ... | |
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Marilyn Eastman | ... | |
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Keith Wayne | ... | |
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Judith Ridley | ... | |
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Kyra Schon | ... | |
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Charles Craig | ... | |
| S. William Hinzman | ... |
Zombie
(as Bill Heinzman)
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George Kosana | ... | |
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Frank Doak | ... |
Scientist
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Bill 'Chilly Billy' Cardille | ... |
Field Reporter
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| A.C. McDonald | ... |
Zombie /
Posse Member
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Samuel R. Solito | ... |
Zombie /
Posse Member
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Mark Ricci | ... |
Washington Scientist
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Barbra and Johnny visit their father's grave in a remote cemetery when they are suddenly set upon by zombies. Barbra manages to get away and takes refuge in what seems to be an abandoned farm house. She is soon joined by Ben who stopped at the house in need of gas. Beset by the walking dead all around them Ben does his best to secure the doors and windows. The news reports are grim however with creatures returning to life everywhere. Barbra and Ben are surprised when they realize there are 5 people hiding out in the basement: Harry, Helen and Judy Cooper; and a young couple, Tom and Judy. Dissensions sets in almost immediately with Harry Cooper wanting to be in charge. As their situation deteriorates, their chances of surviving the night lessen minute by minute. Written by garykmcd
A wave of mass murder sweeps across America as the recently dead return to life to kill and feast on their victims. A group of people board themselves up in an abandoned house to try and hold out against a small army of the undead. This is the classic low-budget horror film that is the model for recent hits such as the Evil Dead and The Blair Witch Project. George Romero stages a national disaster but reduces it to a single house for greater effect. The story focuses on the weaknesses of each of the characters in the house - their cowardice, their greedy, their stupidity etc. This makes the drama inside the house almost as palatable as the danger from outside and makes the characters more believable and important.
The undead are not huge works of special effects, nor are they anything other than lumbering beasts. But the threat they pose is well demonstrated
- the film makes them feel unstoppable and relentless and makes their
lingering presence more menacing and less comical than it could have been. The use of an unknown cast also makes it more realistic as none of them have any baggage. Duane Jones is the standout actor as Ben - who is not without flaws himself.The downbeat, realistic atmosphere to the film gives it a greater sense of tension and continues right through to the very depressing conclusion. An excellent flagship for low budget horrors.