Like most anthologies, Dead of Night tries to have something for everyone which will, inevitably, leave some audience members preferring certain segments over other ones. In this film's case, we're stick with two duds out of three, but one story is so excellent that it's worth suffering through the others just to get to it.
Dan Curtis also made Trilogy of Terror which, for all of its classic status, is also similarly uneven with two lackluster tales and one finale kicker. People don't remember the other two stories, but they'll never forget that creepy Zuni doll. In Dead of Night, you'll never forget Bobby.
Bobby is the story of a grieving mother (Joan Hackett) who uses black magic to bring her dead son back to life with terrifying results. It's a 30 minute exercise in true fear and tension and it's stunning to me that Curtis had this in him where he seemed to be phoning in the other segments. The final shot is absolutely unforgettable and terrifying.
Dan Curtis also made Trilogy of Terror which, for all of its classic status, is also similarly uneven with two lackluster tales and one finale kicker. People don't remember the other two stories, but they'll never forget that creepy Zuni doll. In Dead of Night, you'll never forget Bobby.
Bobby is the story of a grieving mother (Joan Hackett) who uses black magic to bring her dead son back to life with terrifying results. It's a 30 minute exercise in true fear and tension and it's stunning to me that Curtis had this in him where he seemed to be phoning in the other segments. The final shot is absolutely unforgettable and terrifying.