Children Shouldn’t Play with Dead Things (also known as Revenge of the Living Dead, Things from the Dead, and Zreaks) is a 1972 comedic horror film directed by Bob Clark which later became a cult classic. It also has the dubious honor of being the first USA horror movie with gay characters, abet stereotypical ones but still.
The story focuses on a theatre troupe who travel by boat to a small island off the coast of Miami that is mainly used as a cemetery for deranged criminals, to have a night of fun and games. Their director Alan (Alan Ormsby), a twisted, sadistic individual, tells his group — whom he refers as his “children” — numerous stories relating to the island’s history and buried inhabitants. He leads them to a cottage, where they are supposed to spend the night. He then opens a chest they have brought with him, puts on a mystical robe and prepares them for a summation at midnight, with threats of firing them if they do not do as he pleases. At midnight, using a grimoire, Alan begins a ritual to raise the dead after digging up the body of a man named Orville Dunworth (Seth Sklarey). Though the original intent of the ritual may have been just a joke, Alan appears disappointed that nothing happens. Or did it?
Shot in 14 days on a budget of $50,000 the second true zombie movie after Night of the Living Dead and cult classic: Children Shouldn’t Play With Dead Things
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