In a London classroom, child psychologist Ian Hendry (as Tom Llewellyn) and genetics scientist Alan Badel (as David Neville) observe fair-haired student Clive Powell (as Paul). They are astonished by the young lad's ability to accomplish a difficult block-building task, in record time. It turns out young Powell is super-intelligent. He's also very strange. Investigating the boy leads Mr. Hendry and Mr. Badel to his self-described virgin mother, who almost immediately suffers a mishap. Powell's aunt Barbara Ferris (as Susan Eliot) moves in to care for the boy. Working for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Hendry and Badel find a total of six strange-acting children, from all around the world...
This follow-up to "Village of the Damned" (1960) deviates significantly from the earlier film. In the opening credits, it is noted to be a sequel to John Wyndham's story (originally called "The Midwich Cuckoos"). During the film, we are given an alternate reality concerning the origin and purpose of the children in question. It's unfortunate screenwriter John Briley's story doesn't exactly demonstrate continuity with "Village", "Children of the Damned" is engaging. An obvious attempt at diversity is welcome, and the co-starring couple has a living arrangement and relationship open to interpretation. Anton "Tony" Leader directs through an artful atmosphere. Mr. Leader's lack of a feature film oeuvre was a plus for television.
******* Children of the Damned (1/29/64) Anton M. Leader ~ Ian Hendry, Alan Badel, Clive Powell, Barbara Ferris
This follow-up to "Village of the Damned" (1960) deviates significantly from the earlier film. In the opening credits, it is noted to be a sequel to John Wyndham's story (originally called "The Midwich Cuckoos"). During the film, we are given an alternate reality concerning the origin and purpose of the children in question. It's unfortunate screenwriter John Briley's story doesn't exactly demonstrate continuity with "Village", "Children of the Damned" is engaging. An obvious attempt at diversity is welcome, and the co-starring couple has a living arrangement and relationship open to interpretation. Anton "Tony" Leader directs through an artful atmosphere. Mr. Leader's lack of a feature film oeuvre was a plus for television.
******* Children of the Damned (1/29/64) Anton M. Leader ~ Ian Hendry, Alan Badel, Clive Powell, Barbara Ferris