Child's Play (1972 film)
| Child's Play | |
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Theatrical release poster
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| Directed by | Sidney Lumet |
| Produced by | David Merrick |
| Written by |
Stage play: Robert Marasco Screenplay: Leon Prochnik |
| Starring |
James Mason Robert Preston Beau Bridges Kate Harrington |
| Cinematography | Gerald Hirschfeld |
| Edited by | Joanne Burke Edward Warschilka |
| Distributed by | Paramount Pictures |
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Release date
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Running time
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100 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Child's Play is a 1972 American drama-mystery film directed by Sidney Lumet. It stars James Mason and Robert Preston. The screenplay by Leon Prochnik is based on the 1970 play of the same title by Robert Marasco. It was released on DVD and Blu-ray September 4, 2012 by Olive Films.
The film centers on the rivalry between two faculty members at St. Charles, an exclusive Roman Catholic boarding school for boys. Joe Dobbs is an easy-going, well-liked English teacher, while Latin and Greek instructor Jerome Malley is feared and hated by his students. Malley is caring for his dying mother, and his stress is exacerbated by a series of threatening phone calls and written notes he receives. He's certain Dobbs is the source, but his caustic personality prevents him from winning any sympathy or support. Into the fray comes Paul Reis, a former student who has been hired to teach PE, and he soon finds his loyalty torn between Dobbs and Malley, as he becomes increasingly aware of the latter's personal torments. Compounding his situation is the realization that the unbridled violence practiced by the students may be the result of demonic possession.
Marlon Brando originally signed for the role of Joseph Dobbs, but dropped out of the film when he realized James Mason had the better role. He was replaced by Robert Preston, and first-time film producer David Merrick sued Brando for breach of contract.
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