Milestone Years
- 40th Anniversary: March 9, 2024
- 50th Anniversary: March 9, 2034
- 75th Anniversary: March 9, 2059
Inspiration Behind the Movie
The film is based on Stephen King’s short story of the same name, originally published in Penthouse magazine in 1977 and later included in his Night Shift collection. King was inspired by his travels through rural America, imagining what would happen if an isolated town fell under the control of a sinister child cult.
You Might Not Know
- Stephen King’s Screenplay Was Rejected – King originally wrote a screenplay adaptation, but the studio opted for a more conventional horror script.
- Real Nebraska Towns Were Used – The film was shot in actual Midwestern locations, giving it an eerie authenticity.
- John Franklin Was in His Twenties – Despite playing the 12-year-old cult leader Isaac, Franklin was actually 23 years old at the time.
- The Cult’s Catchphrase Became Iconic – “Outlander! We have your woman!” is one of horror’s most quoted lines.
- A Franchise Was Born – The film spawned numerous sequels and reboots, though none matched the eerie charm of the original.
Food Ideas
- Cornbread Muffins – A safe way to enjoy corn while avoiding supernatural wrath.
- Bloody Popcorn – Popcorn drizzled with red caramel or strawberry sauce.
- Harvest Cider Punch – A fall-inspired drink, referencing the cornfield setting.
- He Who Walks Behind the Rows Pie – A deep-dish corn and meat pie, dark and mysterious like the entity itself.
Release Date: March 9, 1984
Summary:
Children of the Corn is a chilling horror film based on Stephen King’s short story. When a young couple gets stranded in the rural town of Gatlin, Nebraska, they discover that the children, led by the fanatical Isaac and his enforcer Malachai, have murdered all the adults in service of a mysterious entity known as “He Who Walks Behind the Rows.” Trapped in a nightmarish cult-driven town, the couple must fight to escape.
Genre(s) and MPAA Rating: Horror, Thriller, R
Key Cast Members:
- Peter Horton as Burt Stanton
- Linda Hamilton as Vicky Baxter
- John Franklin as Isaac Chroner
- Courtney Gains as Malachai Boardman
Ways to Celebrate
- Corn Maze Challenge – If possible, visit a corn maze before watching the movie.
- Cult Chanting Contest – Try to mimic the eerie way Isaac delivers his lines.
- Stephen King Horror Night – Pair Children of the Corn with other King adaptations like Carrie or Pet Sematary.
- Corn Recipe Taste Test – Think of all the ways to cook and eat corn.
Filming Locations
- Sioux City, Iowa – Many of the town scenes were filmed here.
- Hornick, Iowa – Used for Gatlin’s eerie, abandoned look.
- Salix, Iowa – Provided the desolate cornfield setting.
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