Dive into the bizarre world of 'Devil Times Five,' featuring a group of disturbed children wreaking havoc after a van crash. The hosts explore the film's cult charm and its tumultuous production journey, revealing quirky behind-the-scenes trivia. Highlights include nostalgic reflections on 70s cinema, humor amidst horror, and the contrast of childhood innocence with dark themes. Don't miss the playful banter as they dissect character dynamics, unexpected plot twists, and the film's unique aesthetic, all wrapped in a delightful mix of laughter and shock.
The film 'Devil Times Five' uniquely combines horror and dark humor, celebrating its bizarre charm and cult classic status.
The portrayal of child actors adds complexity, showcasing innocent behavior juxtaposed with their chillingly violent actions throughout the film.
Production issues, including director changes, resulted in an oddball charm that enhances the film's quirky narrative and visual aesthetics.
Moral ambiguities pervade the story, prompting debates on the children's inherent evilness versus their environment's influence on their actions.
The cultural impact of 'Devil Times Five' endures, with endorsements from contemporary filmmakers revitalizing interest in this lesser-known horror gem.
Deep dives
Introduction to Devil Times Five
The podcast episode begins with hosts discussing the film 'Devil Times Five', also known as 'People Toys', and emphasizes its unique blend of horror and dark humor. They celebrate its 50th anniversary and note its quirky position within the horror genre, highlighting the movie's strange yet entertaining elements. The hosts express their excitement about the bizarre plot involving children who are not mere villains but portrayed as complex characters. Corey's recollection of watching it at a horror event fuels their enthusiasm for the episode.
Child Actors and Dark Themes
The conversation shifts to the performances of the child actors, especially Leif Garrett, who plays a lead role, and the contrasting normality of their portrayals against the film's horrific events. They discuss the chilling depiction of children committing heinous acts while still exhibiting typical kid-like behavior, which adds to the film's unsettling nature. The hosts unpack the intricate character dynamics and the societal commentaries of innocence turning to malevolence contained within the children's dilemmas. This contrast is highlighted as making the film more engaging and disturbing.
Production Troubles and Its Impact
The podcast delves into the production issues that plagued the film, including director changes and reshoots, which influenced the final product. The hosts mention how the film carries an 'oddball' charm, largely due to its inconsistent continuity and chaotic direction resulting from behind-the-scenes turmoil. Such elements have contributed to its cult status among fans, who appreciate the film for its quirks and creativity within limitations. They reflect upon how all of these factors ultimately enhance the film's bizarre storyline.
Unique Kill Scenes and Deaths
Listeners are treated to a vivid description of the various death scenes in 'Devil Times Five', emphasizing the shocking and inventive ways characters meet their demise. The hosts enjoy recounting the brutality of the kills, particularly the memorable piranha sequence, and the creativity behind the traps set by the children. They articulate how these scenes, while outlandish, play effectively into the horror genre, amplifying the thrill for viewers. A specific focus is placed on how the film's violence is balanced with dark humor.
Character Relationships and Development
As the narrative unfolds, the podcast analyzes character dynamics among the adults, particularly between Papa Doc and his daughter Julie, alongside the troubled Harvey and Ruth. The hosts point out the nuanced portrayal of these relationships, illustrating how tension and conflict build throughout the story. They highlight how these interactions provide depth beyond mere caricatures, allowing audiences to invest in their fates. This exploration of personal struggles amid chaos fits the film's overarching theme of the innocence of children juxtaposed with dark adult dilemmas.
The Question of Morality
The podcast raises moral questions surrounding the children’s actions and the adult characters' responses, prompting discussions on whether the kids can be deemed entirely evil or products of their environment. The hosts muse on how morality is blurred within the chaos of the film, reinforcing that what is perceived as innocence can be twisted into something sinister. This moral complexity enriches the film's narrative and compels the audience to question the gusty choices of each character. They conclude that this duality is a key reason for the film’s sustained intrigue.
Visual Style and Cinematic Techniques
Listeners are offered insights into the film's visual aesthetics, particularly the nostalgic 70s style that permeates its setting and cinematography. The hosts fondly remember the vibrant color palette, the stark contrasts in lighting, and how this contributes to atmospheric tension. They note how camera angles and shot compositions enhance the storytelling and engage the audience on a subconscious level. These cinematic techniques, combined with the nature of the film's narrative, create a completely unique watching experience.
Comparisons to Other Horror Films
The episode proceeds to compare 'Devil Times Five' to other horror films such as 'Children of the Corn' and 'The Bad Seed', drawing parallels between the themes of corrupted innocence and child predation. The hosts examine how the film has been inspired by and diverges from these well-known horror narratives, providing a fresh take on similar concepts. This comparison showcases the evolution of horror and offers insight into how 'Devil Times Five' fits within the genre's broader context. Ultimately, they express gratitude for lesser-known horror gems that deserve recognition.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Finally, the podcast explores the cultural impact of 'Devil Times Five' and its lasting legacy within the horror community. The hosts acknowledge their personal affinity for the film and its appeal as a cult classic that has garnered appreciation among modern audiences. They celebrate Quentin Tarantino's endorsement of the film and discuss how such endorsements can revitalize interest in past cinematic works. They end on a note of enthusiasm for future horror discussions and reiterate the film's importance in the genre's history.
Conclusion of Devil Times Five
In closing, the hosts reflect upon their journey through 'Devil Times Five', discussing how it has captivated them with its blend of horror and absurdity. They share fond memories of its outrageous scenes, character arcs, and unique storytelling approach. With laughter, nostalgia, and genuine appreciation, they encourage listeners to revisit or discover this unconventional film. The episode wraps up with a reminder of the joy and unique experience that niche horror films bring to the genre.
Devil Times Five aka Peopletoys (1974)synopsis: “After five insane children are involved in a van wreck, they go to a lodge, where they start killing people who insult them or are rude to them.”
Starring: Sorrell Booke, Gene Evans, Taylor Lacher, and Leif Garrett Director: Sean MacGregor
This week on Podcasting After Dark, Zak and Corey review Devil Times Five aka Peopletoys aka The Horrible House on the Hill! The fact that this film has three different titles should tell you what kind of development Hell it went through. Devil Times Five may not be a perfect film, but it has a certain unique charm and that’s what the boys love about it!
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