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The Ninth Configuration 1980

A military psychiatrist, Colonel Vincent Kane, is assigned to a castle asylum to evaluate patients exhibiting bizarre behavior. Among them is Captain Billy Cutshaw, an astronaut haunted by unsettling experiences. As Kane investigates, the boundaries between reality and delusion become increasingly unclear, forcing both men to confront profound questions about science, faith, and the fragility of the human mind. Their interactions lead to a disturbing exploration of existential crises and the potential for madness.

A military psychiatrist, Colonel Vincent Kane, is assigned to a castle asylum to evaluate patients exhibiting bizarre behavior. Among them is Captain Billy Cutshaw, an astronaut haunted by unsettling experiences. As Kane investigates, the boundaries between reality and delusion become increasingly unclear, forcing both men to confront profound questions about science, faith, and the fragility of the human mind. Their interactions lead to a disturbing exploration of existential crises and the potential for madness.

Does The Ninth Configuration have end credit scenes?

No!

The Ninth Configuration does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of The Ninth Configuration

Explore the complete cast of The Ninth Configuration, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for The Ninth Configuration

See how The Ninth Configuration is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where The Ninth Configuration stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Metacritic

46

Metascore

5.9

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

%

TOMATOMETER

review

0%

User Score

IMDb

6.8 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

65

%

User Score

Take the Ultimate The Ninth Configuration Movie Quiz

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The Ninth Configuration Quiz: Test your knowledge on the intricate plot and themes of 'The Ninth Configuration.'

Who is the former astronaut residing in the castle?

Awards & Nominations for The Ninth Configuration

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Discover all the awards and nominations received by The Ninth Configuration, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how The Ninth Configuration and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


38th Golden Globe Awards 1981

Nomination

Best Motion Picture – Drama

Scott Wilson
Nomination

Best Supporting Performance in a Motion Picture – Drama, Comedy or Musical (Supporting Actor)

Scott Wilson
Nomination

Best Screenplay

William Peter Blatty

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for The Ninth Configuration

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Read the complete plot summary of The Ninth Configuration, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


Billy Cutshaw, portrayed by Scott Wilson, is a former astronaut who has succumbed to madness and now resides in a grand castle nestled within the scenic forested regions of the Pacific Northwest. Meanwhile, Colonel Vincent Kane, played by Stacy Keach, a former United States Marine Corps officer plagued by recurrent nightmares, is en route to this enigmatic castle. On his journey, he encounters a pickup truck brimming with a raucous biker gang, and to his horror, he notices an elderly man bound to a chair in the back.

Upon his arrival at the castle, Kane quickly realizes that maintaining order among the unruly and irreverent patients is a daunting task for the castle’s military staff. He initially attempts to converse with a doctor, only to discover that the supposed physician is, in fact, another patient masquerading as one. It is then that Colonel Ed Flanders, who identifies himself as the genuine doctor, reveals the deception. Kane opens his office doors to several patients, encouraging them to share their personal delusions, warmly asserting his readiness to listen. In an unanticipated exchange, Cutshaw willingly offers Kane his saint’s medallion, prompting Kane to remark on the therapeutic effects of “shock therapy” as he inspects the medallion.

Later, Kane finds himself awakened from another tormenting nightmare by Fell, who inquires about the source of his distressing dreams. Kane shares that they belong to another man, someone he had heard describe them—the nightmare belongs to his brother, a man labeled as a “murderer.” This brother, notoriously known as Vincent “Killer” Kane, had a dark history, attributed to the deaths of countless enemies during his time as a guerrilla soldier. Kane reflects on the haunting truth that “Killer” Kane is now deceased, leaving Fell, who is actually Kane’s brother Hudson, to reminisce in sorrow as he departs.

As the story unfolds, Cutshaw engages in a thought-provoking conversation with another patient, questioning Kane’s sanity, and suggesting that those within the psychiatric profession often succumb to madness themselves. Cutshaw articulates a vehement denial of purpose or divine plan, prompting Kane to present his belief that God’s existence is more plausible than the randomness of human origin. The debate intensifies when Cutshaw demands an anecdote of selfless sacrifice from Kane’s own life, which Kane struggles to provide.

In a pivotal moment, Cutshaw persuades Kane to attend a church service with him. However, the service takes an unexpected turn when Cutshaw disrupts proceedings with his outbursts, while Kane grapples with a vivid hallucination of a Vietnamese boy. After the service, the gratitude expressed by Cutshaw turns into a request for a sign from Kane regarding the afterlife, an oath Kane earnestly promises to uphold.

Cutshaw meets another unique patient, Jason Miller, who is creatively directing a rendition of Hamlet featuring dogs as cast members. The interactive dialogue provides a moment of levity, as they discuss the blurred lines between sanity and madness, reflecting on the power of performance art. However, the atmosphere shifts as Kane confronts a moment from his past when a new soldier arrives, sending him spiraling into a traumatic flashback from Vietnam—a haunting episode that solidifies his trauma and guilt.

Kane’s internal battle continues as the staff, now aware of his true identity as Vincent “Killer” Kane, carefully orchestrates a façade, permitting him to play the role of the commanding officer in hopes of treating his mental state. After collapsing from his overwhelming memories, Kane’s unravelling forces him into a chilling confrontation.

In a desperate act, Cutshaw manages to escape the confining walls of the castle, only to be confronted and mercilessly assaulted by the very biker gang he previously encountered. In a moment of violent clarity, Kane arrives to rescue him, unleashing a terrifying fury that results in the demise of the bikers.

Back at the castle, Cutshaw finds Kane wrapped in a blanket and lost in his thoughts about God and the essence of human goodness. As Cutshaw departs, he witnesses a blood-stained knife slip from Kane’s grasp, leading him back to Kane’s office where he uncovers the harrowing truth: Kane has sacrificed himself to exemplify the very act of selflessness he could not articulate earlier.

Eventually, Cutshaw returns to uniform, revisiting the now-desolate castle. In an emotional moment, he discovers a heartfelt note from Kane, who hoped to provoke a return to sanity in Cutshaw’s heart through his ultimate sacrifice. As Cutshaw steps back to his car, he finds the saint’s medallion resting on the seat—a miraculous sign that rekindles hope and belief in a higher purpose.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for The Ninth Configuration

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from The Ninth Configuration. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


FANTASY FILM FESTIVAL: William Peter Blatty

The Ninth Configuration - Interviews - The Party Behind the Curtain

The Ninth Configuration (Denny Brooks - San Antone)

The Ninth Configuration

The Ninth Configuration "The Hamlet Theory" (and narrative context)

Twinkle Twinkle Killer Kane

The Ninth Configuration entire swordfish scene. Masterpiece of cinema history.

Howie Scream (First Appearance)

The Ninth Configuration but only when Jason Miller is onscreen

Mark Kermode introduces Blatty's "Ninth Configuration" (1980)

Cars Featured in The Ninth Configuration

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Explore all cars featured in The Ninth Configuration, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


Chevrolet

1969

Chevelle

Chevrolet

1969

Impala

The Ninth Configuration Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


post traumatic stress disorderpsychiatric hospitalmental illnessinsanityharassmentdelusionvietnam war veteranpsychiatric patientatheismnervous breakdownbiker gangtherapyschizophreniabelief in godthree word titleself sacrificepsychotherapyhumiliationviolencepsychopathangerdoctoranti heronightmareimpersonationpsychiatristsecrethallucinationcastleflashbacksymbolismreligionphilosophyexistentialismcult filmcrucifixionadaptation directed by original authormurderastronautbased on novelnumber in titletitle spoken by characterall male castbeerbikersuperman costumemedalrainreference to franz kafkareference to william shakespeare

The Ninth Configuration Other Names and Titles

Explore the various alternative titles, translations, and other names used for The Ninth Configuration across different regions and languages. Understand how the film is marketed and recognized worldwide.


Twinkle Twinkle Killer Kane La Nona Configurazione De Negende Formatie A Nona Configuração Den Niende Kombination Nionde Sinnet Yhdeksäs Aisti La Neuvième Configuration A Kilencedik Alakzat トゥインクル・トゥインクル・キラー・カーン Más allá de la Locura Skjebner i Mørket Девятая конфигурация La Novena Configuración La nona configurazione La novena configuración 疯人院惊魂 O Crepúsculo dos Heróis A noua configurație 9번째 배치

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Other Names for The Ninth Configuration

Explore the alternate titles, translations, and working names for The Ninth Configuration. Learn how the film is known in different regions, languages, and releases, and discover the variations that reflect its cultural reach and marketing choices.


Twinkle Twinkle Killer Kane La Nona Configurazione De Negende Formatie A Nona Configuração Den Niende Kombination Nionde Sinnet Yhdeksäs Aisti La Neuvième Configuration A Kilencedik Alakzat トゥインクル・トゥインクル・キラー・カーン Más allá de la Locura Skjebner i Mørket Девятая конфигурация La Novena Configuración La nona configurazione La novena configuración 疯人院惊魂 O Crepúsculo dos Heróis A noua configurație 9번째 배치

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