Village of the Damned (1960) ★★★★ Quote:
In a small English village everyone suddenly falls unconscious. When they awake every woman of child bearing age is pregnant. The resulting children have the same strange blond hair, eyes and a strong connection to each other.
|
This is a great adaptation of John Wyndham's The Midwich Cuckoos and a film which is – 60 years on from its theatrical release – still creepy, atmospheric, and unnerving.
George Sanders is brilliantly cast in the main role, lending his gravitas and wonderful voice (it's easy to close your eyes and picture The Jungle Book's Shere Khan) to the professor who hopes to teach the children and learn from them in the process.
In the supporting roles, Barbara Shelley, Laurence Naismith, and Michael Gwynn are solid screen performers, but it's Martin Stevens' portrayal of David, the chillingly gifted child which is the most memorable and a tour de force from the young actor.
Wolf Rilla's direction is very low-key, almost documentary style, making the events seem more realistic and threatening than if the film was particularly stylish and with more visual effects than just the children's glowing eyes.
I've seen this many times over the years and it never disappoints – the HMV Premium Collection Blu-ray release (apparently identical to the Warner Archive one) has very good AV quality and a commentary which I have listened to before and intend to do so again, probably right away.
Addendum
The commentary by Steve Haberman is an authoritative and information-filled track, delivered by somebody who knows the film, the filmmaking process, and those involved in its making.
It's a very good companion to the movie which is well worth your time if you like the film and want to know more about how it was made.