Ernest Scared Stupid (1991)

Ernest accidentally unleashes an ugly troll that plots to transform children into wooden dolls in the town of Briarville, Missouri.

Director:

John R. Cherry III (as John Cherry)

Writers:

John R. Cherry III (story by) (as John Cherry), Coke Sams (story by)

Stars:

Jim Varney, Eartha Kitt, Austin Nagler

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jim Varney	...	Ernest
Eartha Kitt	...	Old Lady Hackmore
Austin Nagler	...	Kenny
Shay Astar	...	Elizabeth
Jonas Moscartolo	...	Trantor
John Cadenhead	...	Tom Tulip
Bill Byrge	...	Bobby Tulip
Richard Woolf	...	Matt
Nick Victory	...	Mike
Alec Klapper	...	Joey
Steven Moriyon	...	Gregg
Daniel Butler	...	Cliff
Esther Huston	...	Amanda
Larry Black	...	Mayor Murdock
Denice Hicks	...	Elizabeth's Mother

Storyline

Life could be pretty if there wasn't someone like Ernest P. Worrell on this planet. In this movie he helps to escape an evil troll out of his grave. That's the start of the end for the world. But... Ernest wouldn't be Ernest if he wasn't planning on saving all the people. This action doesn't make it any better. It's getting worse.

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Plot Keywords:

treehouse | ernest p. worrell character | garbage truck | oral presentation | john wayne impersonation | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Family | Fantasy

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

This is the last Ernest movie to have a home video release available in its original widescreen 1.85:1 ratio. Ernest Rides Again was filmed and released in theaters in a widescreen 1.85:1 ratio, but was later released to home video in a modified full frame 1.33:1 ratio. Ernest Goes to School was filmed in a widescreen 1.85:1 ratio with the intent of it going to theaters, but was later released direct-to-video in a modified full frame 1.33:1 ratio. The rest of the series would be filmed in a native 1.33:1 ratio.

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Goofs

When Old Lady Hackmore is reading the poem about the troll, she flips the page revealing a stanza she had already read.

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Quotes

Old Lady Hackmore: Listen to the last two lines of the troll's poem. There is one who can stop us if he will dare, With the heart of a child and a mother's care. So we need a heart,
[turns to Kenny and Elizabeth]
Old Lady Hackmore: a child's heart!
[laughs]

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Crazy Credits

Eartha Kitt's character stares at the camera briefly when movie ends

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Connections

Followed by Ernest in the Army (1998)

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Soundtracks

Hallelujah Chorus
from "The Messiah"
Composed by George Frideric Handel
Arranged by Louis Knatchbull
Courtesy of Associated Production Music

User Reviews

Horror Film for Kids with Plenty of Laughter

'Ernest Scared Stupid' is a job well done for Ernest. This film combines the slapstick and subtle humor typical of any Ernest film, and it brings in the element of horror. The film is downright frightening for children, but it is not THAT frightening because of the reassurance that it is only a film. It's just made for children, after all.

In this film, a troll breaks free from a curse and starts capturing children and turning them into dolls. It is up to Ernest to save the day and bring Halloween back -- without frightening trolls. I was amazed at how entertaining this film was; I saw it when I was about 11, and it was my first proper 'movie' I saw at the cinema, not counting classic Disney animated films.

Halloween is mainly a children's affair anyway, and it is good to see that Ernest was able to bring it to the children: a little bit of laughter, a little bit of horror, and some child actors in important parts. It's what every child hopes for in a Halloween film.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 October 1991 (USA)

Also Known As:

Ernest Scared Stiff

Filming Locations:

Shelby Park, Nashville, Tennessee, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$4,453,132, 14 October 1991

Gross USA:

$14,143,280

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$14,143,280

Company Credits

Production Co:

Touchstone Pictures, Touchwood Pacific Partners 1

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1