Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983)

In a small American town, a diabolical circus and its demonic proprietor prey on the townsfolk.

Director:

Jack Clayton

Writers:

Ray Bradbury (screenplay), Ray Bradbury (novel)

Stars:

Jason Robards, Jonathan Pryce, Diane Ladd

2 wins & 7 nominations.

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

Storyline

In Green Town, Illinois, the twelve year-old boys Will Halloway and Jim Nightshade are neighbors and best friends. Will's father Charles Halloway is an old man and the local librarian while Jim and his mother wait for the return of the return of their father and husband that will never occur. The boys know everyone in town, including their school teacher Miss Foley that misses her beauty and youth; the lonely barber Mr. Crosetti that has no girlfriend or wife; the greedy owner of a cigar store Mr. Tetley that is obsessed with money; and the bartender Ed that has severed arm and leg and dreams on being a football hero. One day, Jim buys a lightning rod from the salesman Tom Fury that tells that a storm is coming. During the night, the boys overhear a mysterious train and they run through the woods to see the arrival but they do not see a living soul. However, they find the Mr. Dark's Pandemonium Carnival ready to be enjoyed and they snoop around. Soon they realize that frustrated and ...

---

Plot Keywords:

lightning rod | school teacher | reference to zane grey | full moon | clock tower | 

---

Taglines:

Ray Bradbury's classic tale of shadowy dreams come true

---

Genres:

Fantasy | Mystery | Thriller

---

Certificate:

PG

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

29 April 1983 (USA)

Also Known As:

Das Böse kommt auf leisen Sohlen

Filming Locations:

Walt Disney's Golden Oak Ranch - 19802 Placerita Canyon Road, Newhall, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$19,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$2,423,555, 1 May 1983, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$8,400,000

Company Credits

Production Co:

Walt Disney Productions,Bryna Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Sam Peckinpah briefly flirted with the idea of filming Ray Bradbury's story, but was unable to raise the necessary financing.

---

Goofs

Mr. Dark skips the number 41 during the library sequence.

---

Quotes

Charles Halloway: [to Mrs. Nightshade] For God's sake, go home! The man meeting you here isn't your husband!

---

Connections

Version of Something Wicked This Way Comes (1972)

User Reviews

A "pg" rated horror movie that actually works very well.

I enjoyed this movie as a child, it was very interesting and it was nice to watch a horror movie that was rated PG as it would actually come on in the day rather than having to try to stay up late to watch it. Granted, it is not a pure horror movie, it has some other genres mixed in as well, but at its core I say horror is its main ingredient. The movie also features good characters in the form of Mr. Dark and Jason Robards character. The kid who is featured is also quite good here. The story has a carnival coming to town, however this carnival contains a dark secret and it is not just the fact the owner of this particular carnival is named Dark. No it seems he likes to offer those that are a bit weak the thing they desire most and then twist it in a way that makes it not so good. However, that is the price you must pay when dealing with this gentleman. The story moves at a good clip and while it never really gets gory or anything the story more than makes up for this and provides plenty of entertainment.