Mother and daughter take some “medicine”. Image: The Mind Reels
When we were in elementary school, there was a boy who was always in trouble.
Today, we would assume the poor kid had ADHD, but he wasn’t diagnosed with such Back in the Day. We could only see a boy who Never complied with the Rules.
We felt the boy couldn’t help it, but we children often wondered why he behaved that way.
A movie from the 1950s asks the same question about a little girl. The Bad Seed (1956) stars Patty McCormack as a young girl with a Very Dark Side.
“Dark” may be an understatement, because by the time the film is done, we almost can’t believe what we’ve witnessed.
When the film opens, we meet a Typical middle-class American family. There’s a loving husband and wife, along with their 8-year-old daughter. Alas, the husband is in the military and is absent for most of the film. This leaves the mother (Nancy Kelly) to raise McCormack alone.
McCormack is brilliant as a girl who specializes in fooling adults. She acts like a respectful child around her parents and neighbours, but there’s something Off about her. She’s almost robotic in her responses.
We quickly realize the girl has an antisocial personality disorder – to put it mildly – who uses her mother’s blind love as a shield.
A classmate’s mother wants answers. Image: IMDb
After the accidental drowning of McCormack’s classmate at a school picnic, Kelly starts to wonder about her daughter. McCormack displays no curiosity or grief over the boy’s death, even though she publicly fought with him and was the last person to see him alive.
But Kelly sweeps away any suspicions: The girl is in shock, she doesn’t understand, the boy had an accident, these things happen.
There are two adults, however, who have Real Doubts concerning McCormack.
One is Eileen Heckart who, in a heartbreaking performance, plays the dead boy’s mother. Heckart keeps pestering McCormack because she senses the girl knows why her son died.
Heckart has two scenes, and her character is drunk in both. Even inebriated, she knows something doesn’t Add Up. But we do not judge her. Her grief is so enormous, it’s paralyzing.
The other person who has doubts about McCormack is a maintenance man, played by Henry Jones.
Jones’s character is slimy and creepy, and Kelly warns McCormack to stay away. McCormack shrugs it off; she thinks she can handle Jones. However, the maintenance man sees through her façade and accuses her of murdering her classmate.
He taunts her, to his peril.
It’s not until Kelly realizes McCormack has been present at three fatal accidents, that she begins to Piece Things Together.
Then she’s slapped with another horrible truth. She discovers she herself was adopted at a very young age because her birth mother was a serial killer.
Kelly wrestles with several questions. Why is her daughter the way she is? Are her destructive tendencies a product of heredity or environment?
And: Did did she pass along a bad gene to her daughter?
The maintenance man isn’t fooled. Image: Vagebond’s Movie Screen Shots
The Bad Seed is flawed and dated and fascinating.
It’s one of those novel-becomes-Broadway-play-becomes-movie endeavours, which usually turn out well, but there are some cringing scenes here. Kelly, in reprising her Broadway role, doesn’t seem to realize Film is different than Stage, and her overly theatrical gestures look ridiculous.
The movie is best when it takes the action outside, especially in the scenes where McCormack and Jones Square Off. Their onscreen antagonism is the best part of the movie, with each one believing they can outsmart the other.
McCormack is perfect as the troubling child. Her mood darts between charm and fury, and she’s believable in both.
This film (and novel and stage play) must have been shocking for the 1950s. After all, to have a child – a girl – as such an evil character would have been most unusual. Yet, it was one of the biggest films of the year for Warner Bros.
Should you see The Bad Seed? Yes, but know when it’s slow it drags, especially when McCormack is absent from the screen. The movie feels aimless without her.
This is a contribution to BLOGATHON & THE BEAST hosted by the Classic Movie Blog Association.
The Bad Seed: starring Nancy Kelly, Patty McCormack, Gage Clark. Directed by Mervyn LeRoy. Written by John Lee Mahin, Maxwell Anderson & William March. Warner Bros., 1956, B&W, 129 mins.
This is a fabulous tribute to Rhoda’s Dark Side and Patty McCormack’s ability to pull off an 8-year-old psychopath! Nancy Kelly as the tragic mother and Eileen Heckart as a heartbreaking hysterical drunk are outstanding in their roles even if the picture is outdated and a bit over-the-top theatrical. I’d still grab the popcorn and my tap shoes and watch it all the way through.
Just a note… I met Patty McCormack the other night at the Chiller Theatre Expo. She is the absolute opposite of Rhoda. Still has that wide smile and is extremely gracious and totally hilarious! When I asked if people wanted to know if she’d like a basket of kisses, she pointed to an actual basket of Hershey’s kisses on the table! and a little medal haha!… Thanks for joining the CMBA Blogathon & the Beast! Cheers, Joey
Loved this write-up, Ruth. I remember first seeing The Bad Seed when I was a little girl — it was so creepy. It’s been many years (decades, probably) since I’ve seen it, but I still remember it so well, especially Patty McCormack and poor Eileen Heckart, who totally deserved her Oscar nomination (and Golden Globe win) for her performance!
Even though this film is a bit dated and can be very slow in places, it’s still worth it. Some excellent performances, especially Patty McCormack. That kid is a pro! I hope you do get the chance to see it.
This does sound an interesting film and interested on this premise of nature vs nuture. Adding this to the review list, thanks for highlighting this one with a fab review.
How did I not think of this one for the blogathon? Perfect. McCormack was great in it. Despite its dated and cringey elements, it’s fun to watch, and has a dark humor in WHAT the “Bad Seed” thinks worthy motives for killing. If they ever remake it, it’ll be a dark comedy for sure, but what a shame it would be, not not have this actress in that version! You’re right that the movie loses its entertainment when she’s offscreen.
I’ve heard so much about this film, but never about the pacing when the lead in absent. When I finally watch it, I’ll keep your (great) review in mind.
Greetings!
Le
Hi Le! Yes, the girl brings a lot of tension to her scenes. She was 10 when she made this film, and she’s every bit the Pro. She was in the Broadway production, but even so.
This is an excellent film and character to write about for the blogathon. It is a chilling film made even more-so by you starting your article about a real child from your past whose behavior had people asking the same question this film asks. You nailed it perfectly by saying that by the end, viewers aren’t sure what we just witnessed. Great article.
I didn’t know this film before. I’m impressed because it seems to me that this 1956 film was way ahead of its time. Because he presents a magical child as a cruel serial killer to a disturbed audience. The girl with the blonde, long braids and a beautiful strappy dress looks like a sweet, well-behaved and pretty doll. I think I’ll see if I can get the DVD in German because I’d like to watch the film. Thanks for the good tip!
Greetings from the beautiful Rhine-Highlands / Germany…..Rosie 🌻🌻
Silver Screenings 
This is a fabulous tribute to Rhoda’s Dark Side and Patty McCormack’s ability to pull off an 8-year-old psychopath! Nancy Kelly as the tragic mother and Eileen Heckart as a heartbreaking hysterical drunk are outstanding in their roles even if the picture is outdated and a bit over-the-top theatrical. I’d still grab the popcorn and my tap shoes and watch it all the way through.
Just a note… I met Patty McCormack the other night at the Chiller Theatre Expo. She is the absolute opposite of Rhoda. Still has that wide smile and is extremely gracious and totally hilarious! When I asked if people wanted to know if she’d like a basket of kisses, she pointed to an actual basket of Hershey’s kisses on the table! and a little medal haha!… Thanks for joining the CMBA Blogathon & the Beast! Cheers, Joey
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That’s a wonderful story about meeting Patty M and the basket of kisses. (She had a medal? Hilarious!!) So glad you were able to meet her in person.
Thanks for your kind comments! Even though this film has its flaws, I’m up for a re-watch any time.
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Loved this write-up, Ruth. I remember first seeing The Bad Seed when I was a little girl — it was so creepy. It’s been many years (decades, probably) since I’ve seen it, but I still remember it so well, especially Patty McCormack and poor Eileen Heckart, who totally deserved her Oscar nomination (and Golden Globe win) for her performance!
— Karen
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Eileen Heckart breaks your heart, doesn’t she? Her performance is a masterclass, if you ask me.
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I so want to see this one now.
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Even though this film is a bit dated and can be very slow in places, it’s still worth it. Some excellent performances, especially Patty McCormack. That kid is a pro! I hope you do get the chance to see it.
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The Bad Seed is a really good film, quite unsettling in places, although the pace is a bit dated by today’s standards.
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Agreed. Every time I see it, I wonder why they didn’t tighten up the pacing. But a good film nonetheless, like you said.
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I remember seeing this when I was quite young and found it both fascinating and terrifying! Patty McCormack was so good in it.😳
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It’s a film that sticks with you, doesn’t it? That Patty McCormack makes me believe she’s really that monstrous little girl!
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This does sound an interesting film and interested on this premise of nature vs nuture. Adding this to the review list, thanks for highlighting this one with a fab review.
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Gill, you must, MUST see this one, despite its flaws. I really think you’ll like it.
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How did I not think of this one for the blogathon? Perfect. McCormack was great in it. Despite its dated and cringey elements, it’s fun to watch, and has a dark humor in WHAT the “Bad Seed” thinks worthy motives for killing. If they ever remake it, it’ll be a dark comedy for sure, but what a shame it would be, not not have this actress in that version! You’re right that the movie loses its entertainment when she’s offscreen.
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Oh yeah, I’d forgotten about all the philosophies about Motives for murder, but you’re right.
A remake would be interesting, but as you pointed out, it would desperately miss McCormack’s presence. I think she gives a perfect performance.
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I loved that movie, might be time for another rewatch 🙂
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It’s a movie you never forget, hey? It must’ve been SO shocking for audiences of the day. Were you quite young when you first saw it?
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Yes, I likely was, but really don’t remember the first time I did so 🙂
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Yikes – Patty McCormick is unforgettable. Great post about evil disguised in such an innocent package.
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She plays both the evil and “innocent” sides well, doesn’t she? A real pro!
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One thing, though. It was Nancy Kelly’s character’s mother who was a murderer, not her father.
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Oh! Thanks for that!
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Sure. The film was great, didn’t like Patty’s spanking at the end though. A real cop-out, imo.
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EXACTLY. Cop-out is right.
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I’ve heard so much about this film, but never about the pacing when the lead in absent. When I finally watch it, I’ll keep your (great) review in mind.
Greetings!
Le
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Hi Le! Yes, the girl brings a lot of tension to her scenes. She was 10 when she made this film, and she’s every bit the Pro. She was in the Broadway production, but even so.
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This is an excellent film and character to write about for the blogathon. It is a chilling film made even more-so by you starting your article about a real child from your past whose behavior had people asking the same question this film asks. You nailed it perfectly by saying that by the end, viewers aren’t sure what we just witnessed. Great article.
Toni R.
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Thanks for dropping by, Tony, and thanks for your nuce comments.
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(Premature send!) I meant to add this film has a way of keeping you off kilter, doesn’t it? That kid is capable of anything!
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I didn’t know this film before. I’m impressed because it seems to me that this 1956 film was way ahead of its time. Because he presents a magical child as a cruel serial killer to a disturbed audience. The girl with the blonde, long braids and a beautiful strappy dress looks like a sweet, well-behaved and pretty doll. I think I’ll see if I can get the DVD in German because I’d like to watch the film. Thanks for the good tip!
Greetings from the beautiful Rhine-Highlands / Germany…..Rosie 🌻🌻
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Hi Rosie! The movie is a bit slow in places, but that girl is an amazing actress. If you do come across the film, Id love to know what you think.
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