One of many early-'80s Stephen King "quickie" adaptations dashed off to cash in on the prolific horror author at the peak of his popularity, New World Pictures' Children of the Corn takes one of King's published short stories as its source material. Stranded in the rural town of Gatlin, Nebraska, the protagonists (Linda Hamilton & Peter Horton) fall into the sinister little mitts of a bizarre religious cult composed entirely of children. Having murdered the town's adult population at the command of their leader Isaac (the spooky-looking John Franklin), the children perform blood sacrifices to their cornfield-dwelling deity -- known only as "He Who Walks Behind The Rows" -- with their two new visitors next in line for crucifixion. This rather colorless adaptation somehow spawned five belated sequels (none of which took the material in any interesting directions either) and serves to remind Linda Hamilton fans how far her skills have developed in the years to follow.
Directed by: Fritz Kiersch Written by: George Goldsmith Produced by: Donald P. Borchers, Earl A. Glick, Terence Kirby, Mark Lipson Original music by: Jonathan Elias
Cast: Peter Horton .... Burt Robeson Linda Hamilton .... Vicky R.G. Armstrong .... Diehl John Franklin .... Isaac Chroner Courtney Gains .... Malachai Robby Kiger .... Job Julie Maddalena .... Rachel Jonas Marlowe .... Joseph John Philbin .... Amos Dan Snook .... Boy David Cowen .... Dad Suzy Southam .... Mom Eric Freeman .... Israel D.G. Johnson .... Mr. Hansen Patrick Boylan .... Hansen's Customer Elmer Soderstrom .... Hansen's Customer Teresa Toigo .... Hansen's Customer Mitch Carter .... Radio Preacher Anne Marie McEvoy .... Sarah
