Day of the Dead (1985)

As the world is overrun by zombies, a small group of scientists and military personal dwelling in an underground bunker in Florida must determine whether they should cure, control, educate, eliminate or escape the undead horde.

Director:

George A. Romero

Writer:

George A. Romero

Stars:

Lori Cardille, Terry Alexander, Joseph Pilato

2 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Lori Cardille	...	Sarah
Terry Alexander	...	John
Joseph Pilato	...	Rhodes (as Joe Pilato)
Jarlath Conroy	...	McDermott
Anthony Dileo Jr.	...	Miguel (as Antonè DiLeo)
Richard Liberty	...	Logan
Sherman Howard	...	Bub (as Howard Sherman)
Gary Howard Klar	...	Steel (as G. Howard Klar)
Ralph Marrero	...	Rickles
John Amplas	...	Ted Fisher
Phillip G. Kellams	...	Miller
Taso N. Stavrakis	...	Torrez
Greg Nicotero	...	Johnson (as Gregory Nicotero)
Don Brockett	...	Featured Zombie
William Cameron	...	Featured Zombie

Storyline

Zombies rule the world, except for a small group of scientists and military personnel who reside in an underground bunker in Florida. The scientists are using the undead in gruesome experiments; much to the chagrin of the military. Finally the military finds that their men have been used in the scientists' experiments, and banish the scientists to the caves that house the Living Dead. Unfortunately, the zombies from above ground have made their way into the bunker.

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Plot Keywords:

bully | bully comeuppance | questioning authority | scientist | military | 

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Taglines:

Once again, the dead have their day

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Genres:

Horror | Thriller

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

During the opening dream sequence when zombie arms attack Sarah through the wall, one of them was Lori Cardille's husband.

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Goofs

When Steele mercy-kills the soldier whose throat was torn out, the man reacts to the headshot and blood comes out of the back of his head. However, no entry wound appears on his forehead.

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Quotes

[first lines]
McDermott: Nothing, nothing at all.
Sarah: Send again.
McDermott: I've been sending up and down the coast from Sarasota to the Everglades and still getting back the same dead air. There's nothing! There's nobody or at least nobody with a radio.
Sarah: All right then let's set down, we'll use the bullhorn.
McDermott: Set down? Wait a minute, that's not in our contract!
Sarah: It's the biggest city within 150 miles and we're going to give it every chance.
McDermott: Jesus, Mary and Joseph!
Sarah: Set down, John!
John: I'll set us down. But I won't leave my seat and ...

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Alternate Versions

The film was released in Australia on the Roadshow Home Video label, and is the complete, uncut version.

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Connections

Referenced in Best of the Worst: Wheel of the Worst #5 (2014)

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Soundtracks

The World Inside Your Eyes
(uncredited)
Composed by Jim Blazer, John Harrison, Sputzy Sparacino, and Talmadge Pearsall
Performed by Modern Man
Vocals Performed by Sputzy Sparacino and Delilah
Keyboard Accompaniment by John Harrison and Talmadge Pearsall
Produced by Tom Cossie

User Reviews

Great Conclusion of a Trilogy

A group of stressed survivors, composed by soldiers and civilians, share an underground military bunker surrounded by an increasing number of zombies. When the commander of the base dies, the tyrannical Capt. Rhodes (Joe Pilato) occupies his spot and the friction with the team of scientist reaches an uncontrollable level. Meanwhile, Dr. Logan (Richard Liberty), the leader of the scientists, develops a kind affection to the zombie Bub (Howard Sherman), showing signs of insanity. Sarah (Lori Cardille), the helicopter pilot John (Terry Alexander) and their alcoholic friend William (Jarlath Conroy) are the only lucid persons, being threatened by the rest of the survivors and the zombies. 'Day of the Dead' is a great conclusion of the George Romero's trilogy. Yesterday I watched it again, maybe for the fourth or fifth time, and I found a very claustrophobic story, having excellent nasty special effects. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): 'Dia dos Mortos' ('Day of the Dead')

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 July 1985 (USA)

Also Known As:

George A. Romero's Day of the Dead

Filming Locations:

Sanibel Island, Florida, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$3,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$1,700,000, 21 July 1985

Gross USA:

$5,000,000

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$5,000,000

Company Credits

Production Co:

United Film Distribution Company (UFDC), Laurel Entertainment Inc.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min 101 min (Unrated Edition) 87 min (Sci-Fi Channel) (TV)

Sound Mix:

Mono 4-Track Stereo (Zombieing Sound System) (Japan theatrical release)

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1