Children Shouldn't Play with Dead Things 1972

As the theatre troupe embarks on their voyage to a mysterious island, the group’s director, Alan Ormsby, entices his “children” with spine-chilling tales of the island’s sinister history. Upon arrival, the excitement among the troupe reaches a fever pitch as they venture to a quaint cottage, where they anticipate an evening filled with celebration and enjoyment.

Yet, beneath this festive facade lies Alan’s true, nefarious agenda. As dusk settles, he adorns himself in a mystical robe and unveils a grimoire, setting the scene for a Satanic ritual designed to summon the dead. Initial skepticism cloaks the troupe, but as the clock strikes midnight, they witness a grotesque performance as Alan excavates the grave of Orville Dunworth (played by Seth Sklarey) and begins his incantation.

However, the results are beyond anyone’s wildest fears. While Alan’s initial intent may have seemed like a grotesque joke, his “children” are left with an unsettling feeling. Alan’s frustration is evident, but it quickly dissipates as the evening spirals downward. His cruelty takes center stage as he utilizes Orville’s lifeless body to entertain the troupe with macabre humor.

Just when the atmosphere could not seem any more horrid, a horrifying twist occurs—the dead begin to rise, their once-still bodies shambling towards the group with an insatiable hunger. Panic ensues as they find themselves cornered in the old house, grappling with the necessity of forging a plan to evade their relentless undead assailants.

In a surge of determination, the troupe devises a plan to lure the zombies toward the front of the house while Paul (portrayed by Paul Cronin) attempts to make a daring escape through the rear exit. However, fate has other designs; Paul is ambushed by an unyielding swarm, his screams echoing into the night as he succumbs to the very evil they sought to flee.

Amidst the growing despair, the remaining troupe members beseech the ancient tome, desperate to perform a spell that may banish the undead. Miraculously, their plea appears to bear fruit as the zombies begin to dissolve back into the forest, their lifeless forms dissipating like mist at dawn. However, in their frenzied haste, the group neglects to adhere to the sacred duty of reinterment for Orville’s remains, allowing his restless spirit to awaken yet again.

The repercussions are swift and harrowing: Jeff Gillen and Valerie Mamches fall prey to the inexorable horde, while Alan Ormsby and Anya Ormsby scramble back to the fleeting safety of the cottage. This sanctuary proves to be short-lived as the undead breach the door, their relentless pursuit chasing them upstairs.

In a desperate act meant to salvage his own life, Alan betrays Anya, offering her to the ravenous horde while he seeks refuge from their insistent chase. But solace is fleeting; retreating to the bedroom, he soon encounters Orville’s corpse, which ignites into a ghastly parody of life, fueled by a desire for revenge. With a brutal and merciless strike, Orville takes down Alan, who is soon surrounded by the ravenous undead.

As the credits roll, the camera beautifully pans out to reveal a mass of zombies overtaking Alan’s boat, their mindless moans mingling with the Miami breeze, with the city lights twinkling ominously like diamonds against the encroaching darkness.