The Todd Killings

Director: Barry Shear Barry Shear

Overview

Also known as A Dangerous Friend, this real-life-based drama tells of a young man with a penchant for sex and violence. In addition, he seems to possess a kind of mental control over a group of peers who protect the charismatic murderer from authorities.

Product Details

Release Date:	10/12/2010
UPC:	0883316276228
Original Release:	1971
Rating:	R
Source:	Warner Archives
Presentation:	[Wide Screen]
Sound:	[Dolby Digital Mono]
Language:	English
Time:	1:33:00
Sales rank:	49,059

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits

Robert F. Lyons	Skipper Todd
Richard Thomas	Billy Roy
Belinda Montgomery	Roberta
Barbara Bel Geddes	Mrs. Todd
Eve Brent	Actor
Eddie Firestone	Actor
Meg Foster	Actor
Harry Lauter	Actor
Forrest Lewis	Actor
William Lucking	Actor
Barbara Mallory	Actor
George Murdock	Actor
Jack Riley	Actor
Clete Roberts	Actor
Sugar Robinson	Police Officer
Mike Rupert	Actor
Morgan Sterne	Actor
Frank Webb	Actor
Guy Wilkerson	Elderly Man
Robert Williamson	Actor
Jason Wingreen	Actor
Sandy Wyeth	Actor
Sherry Miles	Amata
Joyce Ames	Haddie
Holly Near	Norma
James Broderick	Sam
Gloria Grahame	Mrs. Roy
Fay Spain	Mrs. Mack
Edward Asner	Fred Reardon
Michael Conrad	Detective Shaw
Leonard Rosenman	Composer

Technical Credits

Dennis Murphy

Joel Oliansky

Barry Shear	Director,Producer
Walter Wood	Producer
Dennis Murphy	Screenwriter
Joel Oliansky	Screenwriter

Editorial Reviews

This grim blend of psycho film and social commentary still packs a punch, even by modern standards. The Todd Killings retains its power because of its dispassionate approach to its often shocking material: the script affects a generally sardonic tone in its dialogue and situations that sets the viewer up for an effective sucker punch when something dramatic or violent occurs. The Todd Killings also boasts stellar performances from a well-chosen cast: Richard Thomas is memorably creepy as the Skipper's envious friend, Belinda Montgomery is heartbreaking as the otherwise smart girl who falls for Skipper and Barbara Bel Geddes creates a memorable portrait of a clueless, indulgent parent with her turn as Skipper's businesslike mom. The crown jewel atop this strong cast is Robert Lyons, who manages the difficult trick of making his sociopathic character clever and funny enough to almost be likeable. Thus, when he commits his murders, the turnaround in the characterization - and our feelings toward Skipper - hits like a slap in the face. Equally important is the stylish, tense direction by t.v. vet Barry Shear: he makes excellent use of jump-cut editing and a creepy musical score from Leonard Rosenman to create a jittery atmosphere that keeps the audience on its toes. He also draws out the blackly comic, grotesque underpinnings of the tale to enhance the film's overall unsettling effect. To sum up, The Todd Killings is a must for any cult movie addicts interested in retro shockers that retain the ability to unnerve a viewer.

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