Children of the Corn

Name: Children of the Corn
Released: 1984-03-09

Fritz Kiersch

(1984)

A traveling couple end up in an abandoned Nebraska town inhabited by a cult of murderous children who worship a demon that lives in the local cornfields.

CHILDREN OF THE CORN ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK (1984)

Cast

Burton Stanton: Peter Horton

Vicky: Linda Hamilton

Diehl: R.G. Armstrong

Isaac Chroner: John Franklin

Malachai: Courtney Gains

Crew

ScreenplayGeorge Goldsmith

ProducerDonald P. Borchers

EditorHarry Keramidas

ProducerTerrence Kirby

Director of PhotographyJoão Fernandes

Executive ProducerEarl A. Glick

DirectorFritz Kiersch

Original Music ComposerJonathan Elias

Visual EffectsMax W. Anderson

CastingLinda Francis

Synopsis

Children of the Corn (1984), adapted from Stephen King’s short story, follows a young couple who become stranded in the rural town of Gatlin, Nebraska, where all the children have formed a cult worshipping a mysterious entity called 'He Who Walks Behind the Rows.' As the couple confronts the children’s fanatical obedience and deadly rituals, the story explores themes of innocence corrupted, religious fanaticism, and small-town isolation, building tension with eerie landscapes and a pervasive sense of dread.

Fun Facts

The film was shot in actual cornfields in Nebraska to enhance authenticity and isolation. The young actors were trained to deliver their lines with a chilling, uniform cadence to convey the cult’s unsettling cohesion. The movie spawned numerous sequels and became a staple of 1980s horror culture. Its combination of rural eeriness and supernatural themes influenced future horror films set in isolated communities.

Production Context

Produced with a modest budget, Children of the Corn emphasized location shooting, practical effects, and atmospheric lighting to create suspense. Director Fritz Kiersch used long tracking shots through cornfields to heighten tension, while careful sound design amplified the oppressive silence and whispers of the children. The narrative relied on psychological unease rather than overt gore, allowing the story’s cult theme to dominate the horror.

Reception

Initially receiving mixed reviews, the film became a cult favorite for its creepy premise, rural horror setting, and unsettling performances by child actors. Over time, it has been appreciated as a key example of 1980s supernatural horror and a faithful adaptation of Stephen King’s short story.