Patty McCormack Revisits The Bad Seed Legacy in New Hollywood Podcast

Patty McCormack, the original evil child of horror, is reflecting on her iconic role. She recently appeared on The Hollywood Reporter’s podcast. The actor discussed her time as Rhoda Penmark in the 1956 classic, The Bad Seed.

The film was a massive box office and critical success. It earned four Oscar nominations, including one for McCormack herself.

The Making of a Cinematic Sociopath

McCormack was only eight years old when she first played Rhoda on Broadway. Director Reginald Denham gave her a key piece of guidance. He told her that her character was always right, no matter what.

This direction shaped her chilling performance. She focused on being selfish and chilly rather than on the gore. The result was a uniquely unsettling villain.

Film director Mervyn LeRoy brought the Broadway cast to Hollywood. According to McCormack, he was kind and knew how to handle a child actor. He famously gave her a red bicycle to ride around the Warner Brothers lot.

From Has-Been to Counterculture Hero

For years, McCormack tried to distance herself from the role. She feared being typecast as a “has-been” from a young age. The cultural landscape is different now, with fans appreciating an actor’s full history.

Interestingly, Rhoda’s legacy has evolved over the decades. She is now seen as a counterculture hero and a rebel. Her character went against the grain, which resonated with audiences questioning societal norms.

She is a rebel in pretty clothing, subverting expectations. This duality continues to captivate new generations of horror fans.

The legacy of The Bad Seed and Patty McCormack’s performance remains deeply influential. Her portrayal of Rhoda set the standard for the evil child archetype in horror. This classic film continues to shock and intrigue audiences nearly seventy years later.

Thought you’d like to know

Q1: How old was Patty McCormack when she was in The Bad Seed?

She was eight years old when she originated the role on Broadway. McCormack was eleven when the film was released and she received her Oscar nomination.

Q2: Was The Bad Seed a successful film?

Yes, it was a major hit. The film earned $4.1 million on a $1 million budget and received four Academy Award nominations.

Q3: What made Rhoda such a memorable villain?

McCormack played her as selfish and chilly, not overtly monstrous. Her belief that she was always right created a uniquely unsettling presence that differed from typical horror villains.

Q4: How did the director help McCormack’s performance?

Director Mervyn LeRoy gave her a red bicycle to burn off energy. This simple gesture helped her focus during filming and made the experience positive.

Q5: Why is Rhoda considered a counterculture figure?

She represented a rebellion against 1950s conformity. Her character subverted the image of the perfect, well-dressed child by being a ruthless sociopath.

Trusted Sources

The Hollywood Reporter