Welcome to another Spooktober episode of the podcast! This week, we sit down to talk about a hidden gem of 80s spooky cinema: Disney’s 1983 adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s classic novel, Something Wicked This Way Comes.
Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic rewatch or an entry-level horror film to show the family this Halloween season, this film offers plenty to talk about. Below, we break down our recap, thoughts, and ratings from this week’s Movie Chat!
What Is Something Wicked This Way Comes?
Set in a picturesque 1930s Illinois town during mid-October, this dark fantasy story follows two young boys—Will Halloway and Jim Nightshade—who discover that a traveling carnival called Cooger & Dark’s Pandemonium Shadow Show has arrived overnight.
Run by the mysterious and menacing Mr. Dark, the carnival promises to grant the townsfolk their deepest, most desperate desires—whether it’s youth, beauty, romance, or restored physical health. However, these gifts come at a terrible price: their very souls.
When the town’s elderly librarian (and Will’s father), Charles Halloway, discovers the truth about the carnival’s sinister nature, he must confront his own deepest regrets and find the inner strength to protect his son and save the town’s children.
Key Highlights & Cast
- Author & Screenwriter: Ray Bradbury adapted the screenplay himself, based on his iconic 1962 novel of the same name.
- Director: Directed by Jack Clayton (The Innocence, The Great Gatsby).
- Starring:
- Jason Robards as Charles Halloway
- Jonathan Pryce as the terrifying Mr. Dark
- Vidal Peterson as Will Halloway
- Shawn Carson as Jim Nightshade
- Pam Grier as the Dust Witch
- Diane Ladd as Mrs. Nightshade
- Musical Score: Composed by the late great James Horner, giving it a rich and slightly magical—yet tense—atmosphere.
Early 1980s Disney Didn’t Hold Back
One of the biggest takeaways from our discussion was just how unusual this film is for Disney’s branding today. Released right before Disney established its Touchstone Pictures banner for more mature content, Something Wicked This Way Comes was the final film released under the original Walt Disney Productions label.
Despite its PG rating, the film dives into surprisingly dark themes:
- Creepy Imagery: Real spiders crawling over beds, eerie child-sized coffins, and a dramatic, terrifying climax for Mr. Dark.
- Adult Themes: Themes of aging, grief, lust, and regret drive the main plot far more than traditional kid-friendly tropes.
- Age Appropriateness: While technically PG, the team agreed that the film is best suited for viewers ages 12 and up. Between the slower pacing of the dramatic scenes and a few uncomfortable/scary visual sequences, younger kids might get bored or spooked.
The Podcast Verdict: Ratings & Takeaways
Scores (Out of 10):
- Nicole: 8.5 / 10 — “Great story, creepy tone, and a good entry-level horror movie for teens.”
- Sal: 7.5 / 10 — “Loved the poetic Bradbury dialogue and performances, though the middle drags a bit.”
- Sara: 6.0 / 10 — “Dated and very slow at times, but the atmosphere and background lore make it an autumn classic.”
Overall Impression: While the 90-minute or so runtime can feel slow in the first half while setting up the townspeople’s backstories, the film shines in its literary dialogue, atmospheric cinematography, and standout performance by Jonathan Pryce as Mr. Dark. It holds a distinct place in 1980s dark fantasy cinema and makes a fantastic October tradition.
Where to Watch & Learn More
- Stream it: Available now on Disney+ or check out a DVD copy with your MCPL card!
- Read/Listen: The book and audiobook is available to download or reserve a physical copy, or you can read the eBook here.
- Rotten Tomatoes: Check out critic and audience reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.
- IMDb Page: Explore full cast and crew details on IMDb.
Did you watch Something Wicked This Way Comes as a kid, or is it on your Halloween watchlist this year? Let us know your thoughts! Don’t forget to like, subscribe on YouTube, and tune in next week for another spooky episode!
