An Analysis of 'The Bad Seed' and Its Controversial Ending

The 1956 film The Bad Seed, a Broadway hit brought to the big screen, has garnered mixed reactions over the years. While it boasted uniformly-splendid performances, its ending presents a stark contrast to the overall shocking narrative. This essay aims to explore the reasons behind the unsatisfactory ending and its impact on the film's reception.

Broadway Origins of 'The Bad Seed'

'The Bad Seed' is based on the play by Maxwell Anderson, which had initially been a huge success on Broadway. Bringing this work to the cinema was an ambitious project, as it required casting many of the original Broadway stars. The film, released in 1956, employs a series of dramatic and suspenseful portrayals that were quite daring for its time, especially in the realm of thematic content. However, the film's narrative about an evil child who commits acts of violence set it apart from its contemporary counterparts, none of which managed to capture the essence of the story better than the young actress, Patty McCormack.

A Shocking Story

The story of The Bad Seed is indeed shocking. It revolves around the character of Patty McCormack, who plays a little girl named Rose. Rose's true nature is ultimately unveiled as an evil presence within her. The film delves into the psychological torment she brings to the lives of her family and friends, culminating in devastating outcomes. For its time, this storyline was highly controversial, reflecting the social and psychological issues of the era in a manner that was both intense and novel.

Uniformly-Splendid Performances

Despite the controversial storyline, the film benefited from top-notch acting. Many of the Broadway cast members brought their expertise to the small screen, contributing to the film's overall quality. Their performances were widely acclaimed, providing a strong foundation for the film's thematic exploration. However, the issue of the ending, as discussed, further complicated the film's impact on audiences.

The Unfortunate Ending

One of the most contentious aspects of The Bad Seed is its ending. The original airing on Broadway saw a different conclusion from what was finally seen in the 1956 film. In the original stage production, the child committed suicide and her friends and family were left unscathed, leaving the story open to interpretation. However, for the film, the ending was drastically altered to placate the production code of the time, which required that evil be punished and virtue rewarded.

The Production Code and Its Impact

During the era of the Production Code, which was still strongly enforced in 1956, certain filmmaking conventions had to be adhered to. One of the unwritten rules was that evil could not go unpunished. The change in the film's ending significantly deviated from the original narrative, resulting in an outcome that seemed contrived and unsatisfying to many viewers. In the final cut of the film, the child's mother, after a suicide attempt, miraculously survives, almost without injury. To further resolve the narrative, an unrelated lightning strike was introduced, ultimately resulting in the death of the child. This was a textually shallow ending that not only detracted from the overall impact of the film but also left a lasting negative impression on many viewers.

Impact on Reception

Despite the strong performances and the initial scare factor, audiences were left with an unsatisfying ending when they saw the film in theaters. Many walked out, feeling that the film's climax failed to deliver on its promise of a stark and profound narrative. Years after its release, when the Production Code had largely been dismantled, the film was remade, and the original ending was restored, further highlighting the unsatisfactory nature of the final edit. Today, discussions about the film often revolve around why the original ending was changed and the lasting impact this had on its legacy.

Conclusion

The unsatisfactory ending of The Bad Seed serves as an important case study in the production code's influence on filmmaking during a specific period. While the film's narrative and performances were commendable, the decision to alter the ending to fit the production requirements resulted in a disjointed and ultimately unsatisfying final product. This case underscores the complexities of translating stage plays to film and the challenges inherent in maintaining a narrative's integrity while adhering to contemporary norms and regulations.