The People (1972)

The People Poster

A young woman is assigned to teach school in a secluded valley whose inhabitants appear stern, secretive and anti-pleasure. Following two children who disappear to play in the woods, she finds that this is actually a community of extraterrestrials with mild paranormal powers who are attempting to repress and deny their heritage for fear of arousing prejudice and hatred in their human neighbors. Based on a series of novels by the late Zenna Henderson.

Film Overview
"The People", a 1972 made-for-television scary movie directed by John Korty, is based on the unique "Zenna Henderson's traditional sci-fi". The film stars popular celebs, such as Kim Darby and William Shatner. Set in a rural California mountain community in the early 20th century, this movie explores styles of heritage, adjustment, and the obstacle of coexistence in a foreign environment.

Plot Summary
The movie opens with a young and dynamic schoolteacher, Melodye Amerson, represented by Kim Darby, who moves to a secluded neighborhood to teach at a one-room schoolhouse. The neighborhood, occupied by a group calling themselves The People, is identified by a strange, spooky quietness and an evident lack of kids playing outside, which Melodye finds upsetting. As she engages with the neighborhood, she reveals that All The People have supernatural powers, which they consider "gifts" and not "magic".

The People, led by Doctor Curtis (William Shatner), live an easy, austere life. They are pacifists who have left their war-ravaged home world and showed up on Earth decades before looking for security. Nevertheless, considering that their arrival, their numbers have actually decreased due to their inability to have children. The People, nevertheless, have actually kept their abilities a secret from outsiders fearing extra persecution, suffering, and interruption.

Dispute and Resolution
Melodye's arrival stirs the status quo and the schoolteacher ends up being an important part of the community's life, out of a growing empathy for The People and a romantic involvement with Doctor Curtis. Despite initial apprehension from The People, she eventually makes their trust and ends up being privy to their trick.

A significant conflict emerges when the town's outsider, Harvey Ellerson, Elisha Cook Jr.'s character, starts to believe The People and treats them with hostility. In a twist of events, The People break their pacifist vow to safeguard themselves and their secret from Harvey by using their psychic abilities to affect him to leave them alone.

Towards the end of the motion picture, a groundbreaking event happens changing The People's non-breeding curse. One of the young female occupants goes into labor, exposing that The People are now efficient in giving birth in the world. This sudden worry and joyous minute portrays their concern about adapting totally to the Earth's environmental conditions.

Impact and Conclusion
The movie concludes on an enthusiastic note as Melodye chooses to stay and cope with The People, leaving her earlier life behind. The birth of the newborn represents a clean slate for The People, indicating that they can finally call Earth their home.

"The People" is a compelling movie delivering an initial and poignant take on the sci-fi genre. It checks out dark styles linking to regrowth and survival, but ultimately leaves the audience with a positive message about adaptation and durability. The People's battle and ultimate success in protecting their future on Earth presents a narrative of triumph over misfortune and the value of neighborhood strength in the face of difficulty. Despite the passage of a number of years, "The People" remains an engaging and underappreciated gem in the Sci-Fi horror category.

Top Cast

  • Kim Darby (small)
    Kim Darby
    Melodye Amerson
  • William Shatner (small)
    William Shatner
    Dr. Curtis
  • Diane Varsi (small)
    Diane Varsi
    Valancy Carmody
  • Dan O'Herlihy (small)
    Dan O'Herlihy
    Sol Diemus
  • Laurie Walters (small)
    Laurie Walters
    Karen Diemus
  • Johanna Baer
    Bethie
  • Chris Valentine
    Clement Rancher
  • Stephanie Valentine
    Talitha
  • Jack Dahlgren
    Kiah
  • Andrew Crichton
    Thann