Exploring the Legacy of 'Children of the Corn': From Short Story to Film Franchise
Stephen King's 1977 short story "Children of the Corn" has been adapted into numerous feature films over the years. The story revolves around an itinerant couple who stumble upon the remote town of Gatlin, Nebraska, where the adults have disappeared, and the children are part of a bizarre cult that worships a corn deity named He Who Walks Behind the Rows. This premise has spawned multiple movies in the "Children of the Corn" franchise, produced between 1983 and 2020.
The 1984 film adaptation of "Children of the Corn," directed by Fritz Kiersch and released by Roger Corman's New World Pictures, was made on a modest budget of $3 million. The movie starred Linda Hamilton and Peter Horton and was a commercial success, grossing $14.6 million at the box office. Despite its eerie scenes and memorable performances, the film's initial impact did not hint at the franchise it would inspire.
Producer Donald P. Borchers, who had considered Sam Raimi to direct the film, ultimately chose Kiersch for the project. Borchers admired Raimi's work on "The Evil Dead" but needed a director who could meet the tight production schedule. Kiersch, known for his commercial work, proved to be a capable choice for the film, marking his directorial debut in feature films.
Borchers' collaboration with Kiersch on "Children of the Corn" led to a successful partnership, with Kiersch going on to direct several other films in the following years. Despite missing out on the opportunity to work with Raimi, Borchers found a talented director in Kiersch, who brought the eerie world of "Children of the Corn" to life on the big screen.