Candyman (1992)

The Candyman, a murderous soul with a hook for a hand, is accidentally summoned to reality by a skeptic grad student researching the monster's myth.

Director:

Bernard Rose

Writers:

Clive Barker (based on "The Forbidden" by), Bernard Rose

Stars:

Virginia Madsen, Xander Berkeley, Tony Todd

5 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Virginia Madsen	...	Helen Lyle
Tony Todd	...	The Candyman / Daniel Robitaille
Xander Berkeley	...	Trevor Lyle
Kasi Lemmons	...	Bernadette 'Bernie' Walsh
Vanessa Williams	...	Anne-Marie McCoy
DeJuan Guy	...	Jake
Marianna Elliott	...	Clara (as Marianna Eliott)
Ted Raimi	...	Billy
Ria Pavia	...	Monica
Mark Daniels	...	Student
Lisa Ann Poggi	...	Diane
Adam Philipson	...	Danny
Eric Edwards	...	Harold
Carolyn Lowery	...	Stacey
Barbara Alston	...	Henrietta Mosely

Storyline

Helen Lyle is a student who decides to write a thesis about local legends and myths. She visits a part of the town, where she learns about the legend of the Candyman, a one-armed man who appears when you say his name five times, in front of a mirror. Of course, Helen doesn't believe all this stuff, but the people of the area are really afraid. When she ignores their warnings and begins her investigation in the places that he is rumored to appear, a series of horrible murders begins. Could the legend be true?

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Plot Keywords:

legend | mirror | artist | hook for a hand | hook | 

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Taglines:

Candyman, Candyman, Candyman, Candyman... Don't Say Again!

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Genres:

Horror | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence and gore

Details

Country:

USA UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 October 1992 (USA)

Also Known As:

Clive Barker's Candyman

Filming Locations:

4222 Agnes Avenue, Studio City, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$6,000,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$25,792,310

Company Credits

Production Co:

Candyman Films, PolyGram Filmed Entertainment, Propaganda Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

On the Shout Factory! Bluray commentary, Bernhard Rose and Tony Todd discuss the movies of 2018 (Avengers: Infinity War, A Quiet Place, and Halloween, etc.) as much as they discuss Candyman itself

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Goofs

During the course of the movie, we hear bells release classes and we see lockers. "Candyman" is set at a university, so there wouldn't be bells or lockers.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Candyman: [Candyman narrating over the swarm of bees] They will say that I have shed innocent blood. What's blood for if not for shedding? With my hook for a hand, I'll split you from your groin to your gullet. I came for you.

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Alternate Versions

Although the versions shown on Channel 4 TV and released on UK VHS video were completely uncut all DVD releases (including the 2006 Collector's Edition) feature the pre-cut R-rated US print. This version edits the killing of the psychiatrist by Candyman and shortens scenes of blood spurting towards Helen's face.

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Connections

Referenced in Lost in the Hood (2009)

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Soundtracks

STATE OF INDEPENDENCE
(uncredited)
Written by Vangelis and Jon Anderson
Performed by Moodswings
Featuring the voice of Chrissie Hynde
Courtesy of Arista Records Inc. / BMG Eurodisc Ltd

User Reviews

Beware of the medicine cabinet!

As far as horror films go, this movie will scare the living daylights out of anyone! Clive Barker's novel "The Forgotten" is the basis for this picture that shows a lot of style under the direction of Bernard Rose. This nightmarish tale is translated for the screen by the author and its director.

The two principals, Helen, brilliantly played by the gorgeous Virginia Madsen, and Tony Todd, as the Candyman, enhance the picture. Ms. Madsen plays Helen the student finishing her thesis in urban legends. She makes the mistake of going to the projects to do some research, only to learn much more of what really happened at the scene of the crime. Helen tempts the Candyman. He comes back to haunt her as we discover that this is a story that is being replayed and must have a closure. Tony Todd makes a smashing appearance and runs away with the movie.

The special effects are cleverly done. The brilliant costumes by Leonard Pollack add a touch of class to the proceedings.

This is a film to watch with someone, as it can cause nightmares for a long, long time.