The Mangler 1995
Directed by
Tobe Hooper
Made by
New Line Cinema
Plot Summary
William ‘Bill’ Gartley, portrayed by Robert Englund, is the tyrannical owner of a bustling factory in Rikers Valley, where chaos reigns. From his vantage point in a corridor on an upper floor, he barks orders while struggling with peculiar metal crutches attached to his knees, indicative of his mobility issues. The factory, a noisy and steamy environment, is where men and women labor diligently along the assembly line, with enormous Hadley Watson machines that wash, dry, and fold sheets.
Amidst the hustle, Miss Adelle Frawley (Vera Blacker) and Sherry Ourelette (Vanessa Pike) exchange greetings, as Lin Sue (Lisa Morris), the new hire, neglects to assist Sherry with her burdensome equipment. Adelle cautions her to be cautious, but it’s Doris who ultimately lends a hand. The atmosphere shifts dramatically when one of the female workers suffers an injury, resulting in blood splattered across the floor. An electrical failure causes chaos in the production line, infuriating Gartley, who commands his workers—referring to them as boys and girls—to get back to their tasks. The machines drone on ominously, with bloodstains marking the scene.
Outside, Officer John Hunton (portrayed by Ted Levine) narrowly avoids a collision with a delivery van carrying a new electricity generator. Back inside the factory, Adelle experiences a moment of distress, taking medication as her fears escalate. A frightful incident occurs when the machine appears to come alive, and despite her efforts, it consumes her whole body as she reaches for her pills. Amid the ensuing panic, Gartley utters the chilling command, “Daisy May, let’s do like dogs.”
As mayhem unfolds, John Hunton receives urgent notifications about the disaster. Mark Jackson (Daniel Matmor), the delivery van driver, navigates through the tumult to relocate the generator. The aftermath reveals utter disarray outside the factory, where an ambulance is seen transporting Adelle’s remains in a box. Although the safety measures seem adequate, the inquest concludes it an unfortunate accident, leaving Hunton unsettled and confronted with the brutal reality of the gore around him. The repercussions of this tragedy extend beyond the factory, as the entire community of Gates Falls relies on the Blue Ribbon Laundry for its livelihood.
Timeline
Introduction to William Gartley
William 'Bill' Gartley, the factory owner, is introduced as a tyrant who oversees the bustling factory from a corridor. His peculiar mobility issues are evident from the metal crutches he wrestles with, highlighting his authoritarian presence in the chaotic environment.
Busy factory environment
The factory is alive with activity, with men and women working diligently along the assembly line. The noise of the enormous Hadley Watson machines washing, drying, and folding sheets creates an overwhelming atmosphere of productivity amid the chaos.
Meet the workers
Miss Adelle Frawley and Sherry Ourelette exchange greetings while the new hire Lin Sue neglects to assist Sherry with her heavy equipment. This interaction underscores the camaraderie and struggles among the workers trying to navigate their demanding environment.
Injury in the factory
The atmosphere shifts dramatically when a female worker suffers a severe injury, resulting in blood splattered across the factory floor. This incident reveals the underlying dangers of the work environment and raises tensions among the already overburdened workers.
Electrical failure
An unexpected electrical failure causes chaos along the production line, infuriating Gartley. His commands to the workers become more desperate as chaos ensues, showcasing his inability to maintain order in the face of crisis.
Gartley's command
With machines droning ominously and bloodstains marking the scene, Gartley barks orders at his workers, referring to them as boys and girls. His cold demeanor emphasizes the worker's plight and the harsh reality of their situation.
Officer Hunton's close call
Outside the factory, Officer John Hunton narrowly avoids a collision with a delivery van. The moment heightens the two-fold sense of danger and urgency as multiple troubling events unfold simultaneously.
Adelle's distress
Inside the factory, Adelle experiences acute distress and takes medication, highlighting her escalating fears about the hopelessness of their situation. Her struggle emphasizes the mental toll that the chaotic environment inflicts on the workers.
Adelle's terrifying fate
As Adelle reaches for her pills, a horrifying incident occurs when the machine seems to come alive, consuming her whole body. This shocking event marks a turning point in the story, plunging the factory into chaos and fear.
Gartley’s chilling command
In the midst of panic and horror, Gartley utters the chilling command, 'Daisy May, let's do like dogs,' further indicating his cold demeanor amidst the unfolding tragedy. His words encapsulate the desensitized atmosphere within the factory.
Notification of disaster
Officer John Hunton receives urgent notifications about the disaster that has just unfolded in the factory. His response reflects the rippling impact of the incident, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the community's reliance on the factory.
Delivery driver's challenge
Mark Jackson, the delivery van driver, navigates through the tumult at the factory as he tries to relocate the generator amidst the chaos. His struggle showcases the external pressures that compound the turmoil inside.
Aftermath of the accident
The aftermath reveals utter disarray outside the factory, where an ambulance is seen transporting Adelle's remains. This somber moment highlights the tragic consequences of the day's events and serves as a stark warning to the community.
The inquest conclusion
In an official inquest, the incident is deemed an unfortunate accident despite the chaotic circumstances. Officer Hunton remains unsettled, confronting the brutal reality of the gore around him and questioning the safety measures in place.
The community's reliance
The repercussions of the tragedy extend beyond the factory, emphasizing the entire community of Gates Falls' reliance on the Blue Ribbon Laundry for its livelihood. This incident prompts a deep reflection on the balance between industry and safety in their daily lives.
Characters
William 'Bill' Gartley (Robert Englund)
Gartley is the tyrant owner of the factory, characterized by his harsh demeanor and physical limitations due to mobility issues. His authoritative style instills fear in his employees, and he remains oblivious to the dangers within his factory. His fixation on productivity leads to tragic consequences, showcasing his moral depravity.
Officer John Hunton (Ted Levine)
Hunton represents the outside authority trying to grapple with the unfolding chaos. His role in the film portrays the struggle of confronting the disturbing reality of workplace incidents while dealing with the community's expectation for justice and accountability. His character embodies the moral dilemmas faced by law enforcement in industrial crises.
Setting
Time period
The events unfold in a contemporary setting, highlighting the industrial challenges and workplace dangers of the modern era. There is a focus on the machinery and its impact on the workforce, which reflects the ongoing issues related to labor safety in factories.
Location
Rikers Valley, Gates Falls
Rikers Valley is home to a bustling factory known as Blue Ribbon Laundry, where workers engage in intensive tasks alongside massive Hadley Watson machines. The grim atmosphere is marked by noise and steam, signifying the hard labor and the dangers that lie within. Gates Falls, the surrounding community, heavily relies on this factory for its employment and livelihood.
Themes
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Safety
The theme of workplace safety is prevalent throughout the film, reflecting the hazards that workers face daily. The gruesome incidents stemming from mechanical failures and neglect serve as a critique of the industry's safety protocols and the often-disregarded well-being of employees.
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Power Dynamics
The film explores the power dynamics between the factory owner, William Gartley, and his workers. Gartley's tyrannical leadership and detachment from the reality of his workers’ struggles highlight the disparity between management and labor, underscoring the exploitation faced by employees in oppressive work environments.
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Horror
The horror theme is emphasized by the machine's overt violence and the injuries that occur within the factory. The transformation of the industrial setting into a source of terror not only amplifies the fear among the workers but also creates a chilling atmosphere that amplifies the film's suspense and tension.
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