Child's Play (1988)

A single mother gives her son a much sought-after doll for his birthday, only to discover that it is possessed by the soul of a serial killer.

Director:

Tom Holland

Writers:

Don Mancini (story), Don Mancini (screenplay)

Stars:

Catherine Hicks, Chris Sarandon, Alex Vincent

2 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Catherine Hicks	...	Karen Barclay
Chris Sarandon	...	Mike Norris
Alex Vincent	...	Andy Barclay
Brad Dourif	...	Charles Lee Ray / Chucky (voice)
Dinah Manoff	...	Maggie Peterson
Tommy Swerdlow	...	Jack Santos
Jack Colvin	...	Dr. Ardmore
Neil Giuntoli	...	Eddie Caputo
Juan Ramírez	...	Peddler
Alan Wilder	...	Mr. Criswell
Richard Baird	...	News Reporter at Toy Store
Ray Oliver	...	Dr. Death (as Raymond Oliver)
Aaron Osborne	...	Orderly
Tyler Hard	...	Mona
Ted Liss	...	George

Storyline

When Charles Lee Ray needs to get a quick escape from cop Mike Norris, he takes his soul and buries it into playful, seemingly good guy doll Chucky. Little does he know a little boy by the name of Andy Barclay will be the new owner of him soon-to-come. Charles confides in Andy while he commits numerous murders and once the adults accept Andy's story as truth, it's too late.

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Plot Keywords:

andy barclay character | spell | animatronic | chucky character | gift | 

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Taglines:

Chucky did it! (VHS release poster)

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Genres:

Fantasy | Horror | Thriller

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Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

Previously, this was the only film in the series to feature or mention Charles Lee Ray's partner in crime, Eddie Caputo. This has since changed due the release of Curse of Chucky (2013).

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Goofs

We see the babysitter pushed backwards out of the window. However, in the next scene she is falling face-down.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Mike Norris: I got the strangler! Wabash and Van Buren.

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Crazy Credits

At the end of the closing credits, the film's title logo is shown above the United Artists logo.

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Alternate Versions

12 seconds were originally cut in the UK from the electrocution of the doctor to make the film suitable for a 15 certificate at the cinema and the video release featured the same print. These cuts were eventually waived for the 2005 DVD (rated 15).

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Connections

Referenced in Best of the Worst: Wheel of the Worst #12 (2016)

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Soundtracks

I'M HANGING
Written by B. Boyle
Performed by D.B. Night

User Reviews

Glad I finally watched it.

Well after years of the movie scaring me(I first saw parts when I was 3) I finally sat down and watched a little movie called "Child's Play" Boy am I glad I did. I watched #1 straight through to Bride, and can't wait for Seed. I will do this in a typical review format.

Story: 10/10

An original concept!?! Yes it is. A rarity these days. Serial killer Charles Lee Ray is being chased, after being mortally wounded he uses voodoo to transfer his spirit into the most populare child's toy on the market, the Good Guy's doll. He is purchased for young Andy Barclay, and soon after his baby sitter dies, and is Chucky his doll accused, of course not, Andy swears it was his doll. Chucky soon discovers that he is becoming human and has to transfer his soul to the body of the person he first told his true identity to, Andy!

Violence: 8/10

I liked the violence in the movie, but it didn't have enough in my taste, but don't get me wrong I love the movie enough to not care.

Language: 10/10

Horror movies should keep then language at about this level, and save the excessive swearing for comedies.

Main Villain: 11/10

Seriously, Chucky is the man. Both voices fit, and the effects used on him are perfect.

Effects: 10/10

Great effects, even by today's standards.

Overall: 10/10

I love this movie.

Buy or Rent: BUY!!

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 November 1988 (USA)

Also Known As:

Blood Brother

Filming Locations:

Illinois, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$9,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$6,583,963, 13 November 1988

Gross USA:

$33,244,684

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$44,196,684

Company Credits

Production Co:

United Artists

Technical Specs

Runtime:

87 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1