The Dark Half (1993)

A writer's fictional alter ego wants to take over his life...at any price.

Director:

George A. Romero

Writers:

Stephen King (novel), George A. Romero (screenplay)

Stars:

Timothy Hutton, Amy Madigan, Michael Rooker

3 wins & 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Timothy Hutton	...	Thad Beaumont / George Stark
Amy Madigan	...	Liz Beaumont
Michael Rooker	...	Sheriff Alan Pangborn
Julie Harris	...	Reggie Delesseps
Robert Joy	...	Fred Clawson
Kent Broadhurst	...	Mike Donaldson
Beth Grant	...	Shayla Beaumont
Rutanya Alda	...	Miriam Cowley
Tom Mardirosian	...	Rick Cowley
Larry John Meyers	...	Dr. Pritchard
Patrick Brannan	...	Young Thad Beaumont
Royal Dano	...	Digger Holt
Glenn Colerider	...	Homer Gamache
Sarah Parker	...	Wendy Beaumont / William Beaumont
Elizabeth Parker	...	Wendy Beaumont / William Beaumont

Storyline

When Thad Beaumont was a child, he had an operation to remove a tumour from his brain. during the operation, it was discovered that far from being a tumor, the growth was a twin brother of Thad's that never developed. Years later, Thad is a successful author, writing his serious books under his own name, and his pulp money-makers under the pseudonum "George Stark". When blackmailed by someone who has discovered his secret, Thad publically "buries" George Stark. From that point on, Thad increasingly becomes the prime suspect in a series of gruesome murders.

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Plot Keywords:

based on the works of stephen king | three word title | family relationships | husband wife relationship | doppelganger | 

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Taglines:

Iconic terror from the No 1 bestselling writer.

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Genres:

Horror | Mystery | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for violence and language

Details

Official Sites:

MGM

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 April 1993 (USA)

Also Known As:

La mitad siniestra

Filming Locations:

Corner of Tyler and 1000-1015 Jefferson Ave, Washington, Pennsylvania, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$15,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$3,250,883, 25 April 1993

Gross USA:

$10,611,160

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$10,611,160

Company Credits

Production Co:

Orion Pictures, George A. Romero Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

122 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

For its release in Germany, the film was re-titled "Stark".

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Goofs

When Stark opens his straight razor to threaten Marian in her apartment, the sound effect is that of a switch blade opening. A straight razor opening would make no sound at all.

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Quotes

George Stark: You are disturbing the peaceful mood I'm in. You are disturbing the peaceful frame of mind I'm in. You are disturbing my peaceful frame of mind.

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Connections

Featured in The Dark Half: The Sparrows Are Flying Again! - The Making of the Dark Half (2014)

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Soundtracks

Are You Lonesome To-night?
By Roy Turk & Lou Handman
Performed by Elvis Presley
Courtesy of the RCA Records Label of BMG Music

User Reviews

Good adaptation from a great book.

I saw this movie after i read the book and i have to say pretty much of the book was also in the film, although not all. Some parts with the sparrows for instance weren't in the film, probably because the budget wouldn't allow special effects that elaborate. And the murders, although violent enough in the movie, were particularly more gruesome in the book.

Ultimate conclusion: great acting from top notch actors/actresses who usually are nowhere to be found in horror (if you discount Michael Rooker's performance in "Henry"), pretty good special f/x and direction from a director who has made his mark in horror.