The Bad Seed | Enfant Terrible: A Conversation with Patty McCormack | Warner Bros. Entertainment

[@matteusconnollius1203]

She was one of the best child actors I've ever seen.

[@jubalcalif9100]

She really was !! I agree 100 per cent !!

[@Jamestown-y9j]

Patti Duke, she was in a acting zone in the Miracle Worker, brilliant.

[@miriamhavard7621]

Patty Duke also!

[@fairamir1]

Margaret Obrian

[@jeffbassin630]

"The Bad Seed" is one of my favorite movies of all times! The acting on the part of everyone was superb! You and Nancy Kelley - amazing!

[@jubalcalif9100]

I totally agree !

[@swithinbarclay4797]

"Jeff", it would have been trippy if "Dark Shadows'" Lara Parker got together with Ms. McCormack, to compare notes!

[@harleykingman]

PATTY SHOULD'VE GOTTEN AN OSCAR 4 HER PERFORMANCE IN THE BAD SEED !!!!

[@jubalcalif9100]

I must agree with you !!

[@yooneeque1]

@@jubalcalif9100 She was nominated for Best Supporting Actress.

[@yooneeque1]

@Daniel S Actually, one of her competitors was Eileen Heckert (?), who played Claude Daigle's mother.

[@angelacarleton9575]

She really should have because her performance was so excellent as a psychopath child.

[@beverlywoitke5525]

She got robbed!! No one could beat that performance!

[@beverleycooney8659]

I just finished watching THE BAD SEED. I could not believe how great Patty acted for an 8 yr old. Such depth in her scary demeanor. I even liked the movie ending.....Great actress Patty....all through your career.

[@TrangPakbaby]

She was 11 in the film, 8 in the play

[@janeblake7505]

@@TrangPakbaby Actually, she had just turned 10, if we go by her date of birth and imdb's dates of filming. She still passes for 8 1/2, though, so all's well.

[@kathrynbillinghurst188]

Was it on You Tube? Oh Helloooo there…👋🏽🇦🇺🤗🌷💕✌️

[@isabelthurston1790]

It was and now its monetized.​@kathrynbillinghurst188

[@kermit3421]

My two older sisters and I watched this movie with my mom when we were all still living at home. We used to tease mom and say, "I've got the prettiest mother, I've got the sweetest mother.'

[@pollutedyouth]

My son still does that to me, and he’s 45 now! 😂

[@RETROGEMS]

One of the best horror/suspense films ever made...all without gore or excessive violence. For anyone who's a horror buff: check this film out: it is a prime example of the way pacing, character development, and the sheer rising level of dread, can scare the hell out of a viewer, but also linger in their mind long after the movie has ended. I remember being a little girl and being lost in the performances of these magnificent performers. Especially Nancy Kelly's role as Rhoda's mother. WOW! Her last soliloquy as Rhoda sleeps from the overdose of sleeping pills, had me spellbound. The most haunting aspect of the film was the backstory to Rhoda's psychosis--her insane murderous grandmother. She kills her family and stalks her child (Rhoda's mother) as she hides in terror. That was as dark as you could get for 1950s cinema. I always kinda wanted a prequel, as the backstory was mind-blowing. William March's original novel is excellent--I admit, I DO prefer his ending over the slightly absurd ending in the film, but I understand that due to the times, it wouldn't have been considered acceptable. Bottom line, "The Bad Seed" is superb filmmaking on EVERY level.

[@raygordonteacheschess5501]

Lots of scenery-chewing. I like "I saw what you did" better.

[@guillermodozal7166]

I saw this incredible film in the 80s, and I love that its lingering continues.

[@michaelmiller6579]

Very nice interview with Miss McCormack. I had the honor of meeting her a few years ago, what a sweetheart! She signed an 8x10 photo of "Rhoda" with,.. "I'll give you a basket of hugs". Love it!

[@jubalcalif9100]

Thanks for sharing! Patty sure sounds like a sweet lady!

[@tomjones2348]

I recall seeing this when I was about 12....1970. This film chilled me to the bone. Her performance still holds up to this day.

[@matthewsigler5191]

This movie scared the crap out of me when saw it so very long ago and still scares the crap out of me. Patty McCormack was the best child actress ever for this movie. I can't imagine a child being able to covey that level of evil as well as she did.

[@frenchieseverine4514]

Is it true that Patty mc cormack played in a version of "the miracle worker"?Thank you for replying. i am french and wish i could see it to compare and see the various versions.Thank you.

[@jimscribner8314]

Yes, in a version of the theatrical play on television that Patty Duke herself enjoyed and admired McCormack's performance in the Helen Keller role.

[@ralphsorrenti1602]

One of the best movies ever made.

[@angelacarleton9575]

It was the best movie which had ALL I could ever want in movies. Especially in the psychological and suspense department - the director went ALL OUT! What a treat!

[@katiecurrie9709]

PATTY MCCORMACK SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN A GOLDEN AWARD SHE WAS FANTASTIC

[@Shakespearelover1717]

I believe she did as supporting actress.

[@Nicovertime]

​@@Shakespearelover1717unfortunately, she didn't win the Oscar. It went to Dorothy Malone in "Written on the Wind"

[@kimberlyhendricks6388]

One of my favorites. Great interview. Great to get to know Patt McCormack. She played Rhoda to the hilt!

[@robbin52018]

A true classic, and for an eight year old to have that acting ability, unbelievable, a movie that should be spread into generations.

[@henryemrich7209]

"The Bad Seed" is one of my favorite films - just a genuinely excellent film.

[@andywood5699]

Patty McCormack you were wonderful in this role and I bet it was very rewarding to see the audience respond to your character. I hear it's a lot more rewarding to play someone evil than someone nice. This is one of those movies I always need to watch when it's on. You shine!!

[@bobbyfrancis8957]

If I interviewed Patty I would've asked her, is the scene missing in the movie, was it at least in the play? On TV in the early 1960s, the movie used to have the only scene showing Mrs. Daigle when she's sober at home, pinning the medal on Claude's shirt ( the novel said she acts like SHE'S the one who won it!) And she's smiling at Claude and hugging him, why was it cut out? I haven't seen it in 50 years now ...

[@RozitaVideo]

60th anniversary of the film this year! I hope that Patricia McCormack is well. Loved this interview.

[@eamestv]

One of the best films ever made. And I'm so glad to see Ms. Mccormack looking and sounding so wonderful. I never tire of this film. Thank you. PS. Eileen Heckart( who played Mrs. Sydney the school teacher in the original stage play 'Picnic' 1953 on Broadway before the great actress Roselind Russell played the character in the movie in 1955} was supered as always.

[@robinlee1804]

She is incredible!

[@sugarlanskee8]

Knowing this.

[@BlindedAlix]

This would be one of my favorite movies of all time.

[@michiganjfrog366]

Everyone's performance in the movie was outstanding... especially Henry Jones and Eileen Eckert too.... But Patty McCormack deserves an Oscar.

[@EllerthePeridot]

I watch TBS at least once a month. It's a fave. I know some people think it's overacted, but I love how "theater" it is. It works for this film, whereas it might not work for others. Rhoda is one of my favorite psychopaths.

[@tonyhoward7004]

Once a month?!?!

[@saphirus1able]

Patty McCormack was amazingly convincing in this movie. I am so glad to see she's such a nice lady in real life! It's great that a movie from 1956 can really resonate with audiences today. Whenever I watch it I still find it disturbing. I wonder if the ending credits (when all the actors get introduced at the end, and Rhoda gets spanked by her movie Mom) was meant to reassure the audience that this was only a movie - and inject a little humor in there to lighten things up after such a dark ending.

[@SpeegBJ]

McCormack is a most intelligent, intuitive actress. This is a perfect interview....she's so articulate. I was 6 years old when it came out, so had to see it much later, as a young adult. Every time see it, Rhoda (even the name) creeps me out. I first saw it when I didn't have children. Seeing it after I became a mother told me volumes more about the story. Again, Rhoda creeps me out every time I see her; even during this interview. Nice to put a modern nice normal woman-face on the younger Patty McCormack. One question I would've asked her is if people treated her in person as if she really was like Rhoda (she's remarkably convincing!). The spanking at the end, indeed, and of course, is there to offset with humor the disturbing nature of the child in this film. Most disturbing. Thank you, Ms. McCormick.

[@saphirus1able]

Bonnie Speeg Thanks for sharing your experience - wow its nice to know that someone else is also freshly creeped out by that character each time we watch the movie! It is a relief to see how lovely and normal Patty McCormack is in real life. And seeing it as a parent really strikes at the heart of a parent's fear for how their children will turn out. I myself am glad I didn't see it before deciding to be a mother! ☺

[@jimscribner8314]

As Dante pointed out in "The Divine Comedy" what we see as dark and horrible is largely because of our lack of an ability to see the Big Picture. The film ending was changed from the play in several ways. In the play Rhoda survives and her mother dies but in the film her mother survives the suicide attempt and Rhoda is struck by a bolt of lightning trying to retrieve the medal she murdered the boy for. In the final curtain call scene that was added in the film Leroy and Rhoda are both symbolically raised from the dead and Rhoda's spanking was sort of a symbolic Divine punishment to remind the audience that while we live in a world of imperfect justice full of darkness it can not ruled out that as Shakespeare said all the world's a stage and when the little play of our lives comes to an end and we leave the role we played we too may face an Audience from Whom nothing has been hidden. The remake which left out the curtain call scene was much less successful artistically or financially. As Patty said the film version was essentially the final performance of the play which all the previous performances had merely been rehearsals for learning from the audience what worked and what didn't. The film version was the eternal version of the play that will played and replayed over and over forever.

[@sweetazzpiew8490]

g dc Lol!!

[@Shakespearelover1717]

A powerful part of the story comes when Rhoda wants Monica Breedlove’s songbird, finds out birds don’t live as long as people, and then tells her father she and Monica are going out on a roof for a sunbath. Chilling.

[@jadaparks2564]

1/19/15: Thanx 4 posting this interview. This is one of my favorite movies. I often wondered how the characters /actors came to be and how they interacted with each other. This background interview was EXCELLENT. Yes, it seem that it truly was "A HAPPENING", it all did "come together" and yes, life is very interesting. God Bless & keep you, Patty McCormick.

[@polkcellar]

Thanks Patty McCormack! I was a fifties kid and this movie, (your acting), mesmerized me then and numerous times since. Hearing your perspective is icing on the cake! Perfect casting and directing. I think it's so memorable because the characters are so relatable to people we have known. In my life anyway.🎭

[@janicekociol7702]

I have watched the movie more times than I've watched any other movie. I never get tired of watching it. I get emotional every time.

[@QuantumRift]

You still have it, Patty! I remember the first time I saw "The Bad Seed" as a child and never EVER forgot it. One of my favorite films and one of the best ever made. It's something I've carried with me my entire life (I was born in '57).

[@gogo-word]

The Bad Seed is my favorite movie. The casting is perfect. Each person became the character. The script, excellent, intelligent, and truly imaginative. A true horror work without cheap endless gore, yet far more terrifying . See it! If you haven't had the chance I'm referring to the original not the recent made-for-TV version.

[@juicer67]

The acting in this movie is phenomenal all around. Just saw it yesterday for the first time. “The Bad Seed” is a masterpiece that I plan to see again one of these days.

[@CookieFavorites]

She is great! The film was stupendous and she was perfect in the role. And this interview shows her as a terrific human being, too.

[@anissawilkins6084]

I love love love this movie

[@kylelichter7]

This is fantastic! I love The Bad Seed, and this interview is great!

[@jubalcalif9100]

Yes ! This is great commentary for the home video release !

[@nycdweller]

She looks fabulous!

[@Thomas-zx2yt]

It is so nice to see a child actor that survived..... Ms McCormack seems to have thrived.

[@gregbors8364]

Most do… for example, Leonardo DiCaprio and Christian Bale are doing great!

[@clatonferguson539]

I would pay to see it in the theater on the big screen along with the popcorn and candy ❤

[@IwshIcldstrtover]

Wow! I have been hoping to see something like this for so many years! Thank you for posting this. What a wonderful person Patty McCormick is!

[@ClarenceFisher]

3:20 I love her comment about adjusting to life as a child with this career she had. She's really great and really well adjusted, etc. I love Patty McCormack, she's proof positive that actors who play the worst villains turn out to be the best people.

[@janecerrone6161]

I was 12 when I saw this for the first time and she scared the crap out of me. What a good movie. She did such a great job.

[@edwardjames50]

Patty also does an extraordinary commentary, with Charles Busch, on the DVD release of the film. It's the best commentary track I've EVER heard!

[@jacquelinerussell8530]

Agree I have it And watched it👍

[@organboi]

She's wonderful! Thank you for posting!

[@simonovessimon4242]

once one sees this movie..it will have a affect effect ..one never forgets this movie..good on patty..though she is always remembered for this movie..what a superb cast--with henry jones,paul fix and nancy kelly

[@robynhawkins48]

Her pigtails were always perfect

[@pouchfreeman]

I loved hearing all the stories about her fellow actors in The Bad Seed. It must have been truly a magical time for her during those years in the mid 50's. It's an old saying, but it's true: they just dont make em like that anymore.

[@alanisjohnson7537]

My favourite movies rhoda my favourite charecter xxx thank you patty mccormack god bless you xxxx

[@gloriabass9945]

I grew up watching this classic and still crave this incredible movie and watch it once a year, great cast I can't believe how amazing this is and all the hard work that went into this. One of the best movies, patty McCormick was frickin everything in that movie.

[@youtuber5669]

Im happy for everyone who grew up with this movie i whish i could say the same but I'd be lying i mean i was born too late way too late 1993 exactly first time I've seen this movie few months ago and it became 1 of my favourite sometimes i wish i was born in 40s or 50s

[@gloriabass9945]

@@youtuber5669 aww

[@janecerrone6161]

Saw this for the first time in 1966. Scared the hell out of me. I still watch the movie every now and then. Great movie.

[@auntroachkiller6086]

Feigned innocence. Loved that film!

[@never_give_up90]

I love her acting...its one of my favorite films due to all the great acting in it and everyone behind camera did great too. Love it!!!!

[@muffassa6739]

I loved this movie and I've seen it many times before. But it was so nice to see your interview with this talented lady 😊

[@davemattia]

I had the honor of working with Patty in 2012 - 2013 as the writer/producer of the hit web series, "Have You Met Miss Jones: which should continue into 2014. Normally I don't talk about the actors I work with, but Patty is my favorite person on earth. You would have to know her to understand. We never spoke about The Bad Seed -- but you don't have to -- it's part of her mystique -- it's in the air around her.

[@DIDYOUSEETHAT172]

Gorgeous lady, I saw the Bad seed years ago, I do prefer this movie ending to the book. What a performance, she nailed it, the girl creeped me out completely. Especially the scenes when she is caressing her mother. She was nominated for an Oscar, and a Golden Globe but didn't win. She was robbed!!

[@bobbyfrancis8957]

At least Nancy Kelly got a Tony award.

[@jacquelinerussell8530]

Now I realize how political and rigged the Oscars are and almost 59 yrs old. This little girl actress at the time indeed should have won and been rewarded for that performance 👍

[@MrArt1937]

I love Patty McCormack, she is so talented and pretty. I wish I had her autograph.

[@Kidraver555]

Great collective effort, can see the cast were all inspired and very into it, the drunk lady really was so convincing, her little gestures were so well done she must have done a lot of research, sadists blaming others for what they do to them is so american, 'he had it coming' syndrome, perfectly portrayed by a perfect character.

[@angelacarleton9575]

Eileen Hackett was so good I cried at her scenes when she came over to talk to Rhoda. I literally wanted to believe Rhoda could not have done such a thing but there is proof that if we pass on certain good as well as bad traits to our children. God help the human race because we are seeing so much evil in children behavior in terms of their killings and hurtful actions. There are some questions whether it is nature screws up and the brain is not normal when it comes to psychotic behavior the only solution is for parents to pay attention to this to get the child treatment right away to correct with counseling and medication before they become serial killers.

[@dm95422]

Loved her as "Ann Brooks" on "The Ropers" (1979 spinoff of Three's Company)

[@gregrak9389]

She probably wished she hadn't done that! SHAME on you for even mentioning it!!

[@donnabernal7775]

Love patty Mcormack she scared the hell outta me when I was younger. love the bad seed

[@CoopyKat]

Patty is so cool. I was watching "The Ropers" one time and looked her up on IMDB and discovered SHE played The Bad Seed! I was shocked. Great actress!

[@angelacarleton9575]

All great actresses and actors who did an amazing performance in "The Bad Seed."

[@teenac718]

I watched this movie in 1967. I was seven. Yeah we watched movies like this. No coddling. What an amazing actress and movie. I have to admit, I cheered when Rhoda was struck by lightning. Excellent movie.

[@enigma1326]

Can't wait to do this play in May!

[@wmpetroff2307]

My gracious what a Classy, Beautiful woman Patty seems to be. She is gorgeous and so eloquent. She would be a fantastic Mentor for many aspiring actor and actresses. WOW!

[@Mike-rp8ev]

A underrated move it's brilliant 👍

[@clatonferguson539]

Thank you for your big part in one of my favorite movies you were so believable and brought the character to life such a great performance from a child 🎉

[@atlasshrugged2u]

This movie scared the shit outta me when I was a kid lol!

[@brendagray4958]

😂😂😂

[@brendagray4958]

😁

[@soozie6able]

Amazing performance absolutely spell binding!!!

[@gracegirl6635]

I totally agree with you Sepia Rose. It is a classic and it is a required watch for my children.

[@tanyag1200]

Great interview. I luv Patty McCormick acting skills and the movie, music. All casts did a Superb job in playing there rolls. My mom seen The Bad Seed as a young girl and in the 80s she brought the VHS tape of the movie. 🎥I watched it in my early twenties with her from there I became a fan of Rhoda/The Bad Seed. Lol I had my girlfriends aka sistas watch with me and they too luv it. It's def 1 of our fav til this day. It's 2017 i'm still watching The Bad Seed & some of the other flics, TV shows Patty acted in. Who knew she's from Brooklyn, NY. Looking good Patty McCormick. Thank You Mom for introducing me, my brothers, and my friends to this movie, and Rhoda she was something else in this play/flic Lol☺👍👍👍👍👍 #Thiswasbeforemytime #ILuvClassicMovies

[@theraceanalystphdprovingha4119]

The movie/story stays with you for life...a very unusual multimedia happening.

[@GradyBaby13]

a very classy lady! she's not a bad seed!!!!!!!!!!

[@josephkane8176]

So agree with you. Played that role so well and emerged as this lovely lady.

[@arethamorgan6613]

During this interview, Patty Mccormack acts amazed. At how this film is still a hit, so many years later. It's a hit because, of quality acting from the stars. Performances, which supercede any limit of time. This film as a result, has no expiration date.

[@asheisadora]

I have this distant memory of her being in a TV show called "Peck's Bad Girl"., maybe in the mid 1950's, with Wendell Corey. I can't find any mention of the show but it sticks in my mind. She was one talented little girl, I'm glad her experience was so positive.

[@turbinexman]

She sure "Blossomed" into a beautiful and gracious woman!! She comes off as a very articulate and very well spoken woman!!

[@Celluloidwatcher]

For a movie about a child murderer, The Bad Seed has become a classic. Patty McCormick was highly impressive as Rhoda and Nancy Kelly, in her last ever film, just as impressive as the troubled mother. I have seen the film for several years after hearing the name of the title mentioned for the longest time, and gained an interest in it the more I watched it. Thank you for posting.

[@nancyel281]

One of the all-time best movies ever!

[@Mickkie]

I think THE ONLY 2 other child actresses "at the time", that "POSSIBLY COULD HAVE" pulled this role off, would be Natalie Wood, and Patty Duke. But Patty McCormick is "GENIUSLY BRILLIANT" in leading role, at such a fair young age! I ❤LOVE❤ The Bad Seed so much, i could watch it Every, day, all day long. It's, The Psychology of the movie for me.❤👏🏽👏🏽❤

[@BANTIES09]

excellent movie. one of my very favorite ones.

[@BANTIES09]

mine too as well. sad though, but the ending for that hateful little girl was definently justified!!!!!!! i loved that part!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TotzkeMike]

She's wonderful!

[@angelacarleton9575]

One of the best film I ever saw as a teen is "The Bad Seed." Loved Patty McCormick who was incredible in her performance. All actors outstanding by being supportive in their scenes. I like the suspense and more psychological film and realized this was something that was never done until then. It was so damn good!

[@jubalcalif9100]

Well said and well put ! Thank you for an insightful & perceptive comment ! :-)

[@susanphillips2221]

My daughter and I love playing these roles! Great movie! Mom Looked like she was in her late 70s

[@joannehack7588]

Favorite movie of all time

[@joannehack7588]

🌚

[@dougmac6803]

Superb superb ACTING without a whole lot of special effects. An Absolutely excellent film.

[@nightowl4137]

Great a acting for someone so young . 👍❤💙💚💛🧡💜❤🤗

[@jubalcalif9100]

Amen to that !! :-)

[@mikesterSTLMO]

No matter how many times I've seen it, The Bad Seed is one of those movies that I have to record whenever it's on (usually TCM), and always hate to delete when it's over.

[@jubalcalif9100]

Thank heavens TCM shows it regularly...mostly due to the fact that they own the Warner Bros library and this was a Warner Bros production.

[@Aggression-hc3yp]

I didn’t know about this film until I saw it being thrown out by a library. It caught my attention and I liked how it was different from the novel and play, something that I was grateful for.

[@johnrico1174]

Great interview - enjoyed it thoroughly.

[@m.e.d.7997]

Order in from Sardi's. How lovely!

[@ionthetarget]

...excellent interview thank you for posting

[@virgilrw]

#Excellent Interview! ☆☆☆☆☆ And a very frightening movie! 😳

[@paulkenny105]

What a great movie especially considering the times it was released. Just amazing

[@valb9963]

I was 6 years old when I saw this movie . It was and is my favorite to this day

[@jubalcalif9100]

Heavens to Murgatroid ! Enjoyed Ms McCormack's commentary about the making of this 50's classic very much ! THANKS so much for uploading ! Very informative & entertaining ! I am surprised she didn't mention that silly spanking scene the studio (Warner Bros) tacked onto the end of the film. I've read the producers figured they needed to add something "light hearted' after presenting the shocking story of an adorable little girl who was also a murderer !

[@rodrigoca3288]

She was fantastic. Without her that movie would have flopped

[@m.e.d.7997]

Very talented child actress. Would love to have seen this on stage. Some kids are born bad. Look at Bundy.

[@patshaw51]

WHAT a delightful woman!

[@jubalcalif9100]

How true ! She comes across as quite intelligent, articulate, funny, humble, kind & sweet ! A class act ! And of course a lovely lady & gifted actress !

[@jacquelinerussell8530]

PATTY you were badaas in this movie. One of my all time FAVS

[@mrcspmjr]

My favorite movie and play of all time.

[@mskiara18]

I am curious if there exist screen tests or behind the scenes footage for The Bad See that has yet to be publicly shown. I wish the other cast members was able to share their opinions of the film, as I am curious to hear Ms. Kelly or Mr. Jones comment on this move.

[@Barnabas45]

Just bought the Blu-Ray, Cult classic!

[@SalvationinCHRISTalone888]

11/11/2023: Watched it today. Most, if not all, of the actors in this movie, are gone now. WOW!

[@southcentralgrad7347]

So Classic...so memorable...so...

[@rfldnz6487]

I have italian dvd, the movie is fantastic!! I have see it 100...

[@jonathanmichiels175]

Patty McCormack's performance in this movie is a thing unto itself even apart from William March's novel which is brilliant.