Directed by
Fritz Kiersch
Made by
New World Pictures
Discover the intricate plot of Children of the Corn (1984). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In the eerie, fictional town of Gatlin, Nebraska, the tale unfolds, narrated by Job, who reveals the dark history of how this seemingly peaceful place became a refuge for a group of young cultists. The town’s economic lifeblood revolves around agriculture, with vast cornfields surrounding it. One fateful year, the corn crop fails, prompting the inhabitants of Gatlin to turn to fervent prayer, hoping to ensure a bountiful harvest. It is during this desperate time that a mysterious boy preacher, Isaac Chroner, emerges. He leads the town’s children into a cornfield, sharing ominous prophecies of a malevolent deity known as “He Who Walks Behind The Rows.”
With the aid of his lieutenant, Malachai (Courtney Gains), Isaac incites a violent uprising, resulting in the brutal slaying of all the adults in the community. Over the years that follow, the remaining children capture any adults who venture into their territory, offering them as sacrifices to their dark god.
Fast forward three years, and we meet Burt (Peter Horton) and his girlfriend Vicky (Linda Hamilton), who are traveling through Nebraska on their way to Burt’s new job as a physician in Seattle. As they navigate the highways, their lives take a grim turn when they accidentally hit one of the Gatlin children while driving. In a panic, they conceal the boy’s body in their trunk, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead.
Their journey takes them to an old mechanic, who offers little help as he is under duress from the cult, ultimately leading to his demise. After hours of searching for a phone, Burt and Vicky find themselves trapped in Gatlin, where an alarming struggle ensues against He Who Walks Behind The Rows and the relentless children of the town. They manage to rescue Job and his sister Sarah, both of whom seek to escape the cult’s grasp.
However, things take a dire turn as Vicky is captured by Malachai, who intends to use her as a sacrificial offering. Tensions rise as Malachai grows weary of Isaac’s leadership and commands his sacrifice instead. As night descends upon the haunted cornfields, Burt bravely ventures into the darkness to rescue Vicky, just as a gruesome ritual begins. In a climactic battle, Burt confronts Malachai, stirring the children to reconsider their blind devotion to the false god that has ensnared their minds and souls.
In a shocking twist, Isaac’s reanimated corpse, now under the influence of He Who Walks Behind The Rows, exacts revenge on Malachai, further entangling the cult’s fate. As ominous storms gather above, Burt and Vicky lead the frightened children to safety within a barn, hoping to protect them from the wrath of their tyrannical deity. With chaos raging around them, Job reveals a crucial Bible verse, urging Burt and Vicky to destroy the cornfield to quell the chaos.
In a desperate act, Burt ignites the cornfield using a Molotov cocktail, seemingly vanquishing the sinister demon. As the flames consume the cursed crops, Burt, Vicky, Job, and Sarah manage to escape Gatlin, leaving the tormented town behind. However, as they prepare to leave, a member of the cult ambushes Burt from the back seat. Vicky swiftly intervenes, allowing the four to forge ahead into an uncertain future, where dangers may still lie in wait.
Track the key events of Children of the Corn (1984) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Introduction to Gatlin
The story begins in the eerie fictional town of Gatlin, Nebraska, narrated by a character named Job. This seemingly peaceful town hides a dark history of young cultists who have taken control over the community.
Economic Collapse
Gatlin's economy relies heavily on agriculture, particularly its cornfields. One fateful year, the corn crop fails, leading the inhabitants to turn to desperate prayers for a successful harvest.
Emergence of the Boy Preacher
During this time of desperation, a mysterious boy preacher named Isaac Chroner emerges. He captivates the town's children with ominous prophecies about a deity known as 'He Who Walks Behind The Rows.'
The Cult's Rise
With his lieutenant Malachai by his side, Isaac incites the children to revolt against the town's adults. This results in a tragic uprising where all the adults in Gatlin are brutally slain.
Sacrifices to the Dark God
In the aftermath of the uprising, the remaining children form a sinister cult. They capture any adults who enter their territory, offering them as sacrifices to appease their malevolent deity.
Arrival of Burt and Vicky
Three years later, Burt and Vicky are traveling through Nebraska towards Burt's new job as a physician in Seattle. Their journey takes a dark turn when they accidentally hit one of the cult's children while driving.
Concealing the Crime
In a state of panic after the accident, Burt and Vicky decide to conceal the child's body in their trunk. This choice puts them in grave danger as they remain oblivious to the cult's presence.
The Mechanic's Betrayal
The couple seeks help from an old mechanic, who is under duress from the cult and offers little assistance. His ultimate demise at the hands of the cult foreshadows the dangers that lie ahead for Burt and Vicky.
Trapped in Gatlin
Burt and Vicky eventually find themselves trapped in Gatlin after a desperate search for help. They are confronted by the cult and the vengeful spirit 'He Who Walks Behind The Rows,' leading to a fierce struggle for survival.
Rescue of Job and Sarah
In their effort to escape the cult's grasp, Burt and Vicky manage to rescue Job and his sister Sarah. Together, they realize they must find a way to fend off the evil forces controlling the children.
Vicky's Capture
Things take a dire turn when Vicky is captured by Malachai, who intends to sacrifice her to their dark deity. The tension escalates as Malachai's loyalty to Isaac begins to waver.
Climactic Confrontation
As night descends, Burt bravely ventures into the darkness to rescue Vicky during a gruesome ritual. In a climactic showdown, he confronts Malachai, challenging the children's blind faith in their false god.
Isaac's Revenge
In a surprising twist, Isaac's reanimated corpse, influenced by 'He Who Walks Behind The Rows,' exacts revenge on Malachai, sealing the fate of the cult. This dark act deepens the chaos gripping the town.
The Escape Plan
As storms gather ominously above, Burt and Vicky lead the frightened children to safety within a barn. Job reveals a crucial Bible verse that suggests destroying the cornfield is the key to stopping the chaos.
Destruction of the Cornfield
In a desperate final act, Burt ignites the cornfield using a Molotov cocktail, which seems to banish the sinister demon once and for all. The flames consume the cursed crops as they make their escape from Gatlin.
Meet the characters that bring Children of the Corn (1984) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Burt (Peter Horton)
Burt is a compassionate and determined individual whose values clash with the violent reality of Gatlin. As a physician, he embodies a sense of duty and care that drives him to rescue Vicky and the children. His bravery and quick thinking are critical in confronting the horrifying cult and its twisted beliefs.
Vicky (Linda Hamilton)
Vicky is strong-willed and resourceful, caught in a terrifying situation that tests her resilience. Her character undergoes significant growth as she navigates the horrors of Gatlin, showcasing her courage when faced with the threat of sacrifice. Vicky's fight for survival alongside Burt reveals her determination to protect the vulnerable children.
Isaac Chroner (John Franklin)
Isaac is the enigmatic and chilling boy preacher who leads the cult of children in Gatlin. His character epitomizes blind faith and fanaticism, as he manipulates the younger children into believing in the dark deity. Isaac's chilling presence and unwavering conviction drive the film's central conflict.
Malachai (Courtney Gains)
Malachai serves as Isaac's lieutenant and exhibits a more aggressive and ruthless demeanor. He is the muscle of the cult and grows increasingly frustrated with Isaac's leadership. His brutality and desire for power create a dangerous rivalry within the cult, reflecting the theme of rebellion against authority.
Job
Job acts as the narrator of the tale and represents the innocent victims of the cult's tyranny. His demeanor is timid yet insightful, highlighting the stark contrast between childhood innocence and the horrors that envelop Gatlin. Job’s revelations aid in the fight against the malevolent forces at play.
Sarah
Sarah is Job's sister, who embodies the pure and vulnerable aspects of childhood. Her character serves as a poignant reminder of what is at stake in the battle against the cult. Through her interactions, viewers understand the tragic consequences of a lost childhood amid horror.
Uncover the settings of Children of the Corn (1984), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Contemporary
The events of the film are set in contemporary times, revealing the consequences of fanaticism and the clash between innocence and horror. It brings forth themes of desperation and the fragility of societal norms as adults face the terrifying influence of a radicalized group of children.
Location
Gatlin, Nebraska
Gatlin is a fictional town known for its vast cornfields that play a crucial role in its economy and dark history. Once a peaceful place, it transforms into a refuge for a cult of children who follow a malevolent deity. The eerie atmosphere is amplified by the town's remote location, with secrets lurking in every shadow.
Explore the core themes of Children of the Corn (1984). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Farming Gone Wrong
The film explores the consequences of agricultural failure and the lengths to which the inhabitants of Gatlin are driven. The cornfields, initially a source of sustenance, become a site of horror and sacrifice. This theme highlights how desperation can lead to dark decisions and the unsettling connection between nature and humanity.
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Sacrifice
The theme of sacrifice is prevalent throughout the movie, as the children become willing participants in a dark ritual. Their blind obedience to the cult's teachings raises questions about faith and the loss of innocence. The film illustrates how the need for a sense of belonging can drive individuals to commit atrocious acts in the name of a false god.
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Rebellion
Burt's fight against the cult embodies the theme of rebellion against oppressive forces. As he confronts the twisted belief system imposed by the child preacher, the film asks if one can challenge long-standing traditions and brainwashing. It highlights the importance of questioning authority and seeking freedom from fear-based control.
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