1

I'm trying to find the name of a sci-fi/horror movie that would've been released in the US sometime in the late 1970s or early-to-mid 1980s. My parents recorded it from cable, so it would've been on either HBO or Showtime back in those years. I always thought the name was "Disturbing Behavior", but that's a film from 1998. I probably got them mixed up because of the similar premise.

The one I'm looking for has a mad scientist type taking control of people in a small town using some form of hypnosis/brainwashing. Unlike "Disturbing Behavior", I don't think any kind of technology was being put into their heads. The main scene I recall was that the scientist demonstrated his power to the protagonist (town sheriff, maybe?) by forcing his teenage son to slit his wrists in front of him. In case it makes a difference, the son sliced his forearms lengthwise instead of horizontally across the wrists. I want to say the movie ended with the antagonist winning and the protagonist joining the modified townsfolk.

Improve this question

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
3

This is DEAD KIDS (1981) A.k.a. STRANGE BEHAVIOR. It is as you describe it. Here is a bit from the Wiki summary (which also confirms the ending).

"Its plot follows a series of bizarre murders being perpetrated against teenagers in a small Midwestern town, at the same time that the local university is engaging in covert mind control experiments on the youth."

enter image description here

Trailer

Wikipedia

Improve this answer
2
  • According to the Wikipedia page you referenced, the movie is also called "Strange Behavior", which would explain the mixup with "Disturbing Behavior". You might want to mention that. Also, I would recommend adding some excerpts from the Wikipedia page as they describe clearly the scenes mentioned in the question.
    – Basya
    Commented Jan 4, 2023 at 12:10
  • Yep, that's it - I recognize the kid as well as the tall, severe-looking nurse on the poster. Thank you, that's been bugging me for a while now.
    – Omegacron
    Commented Jan 5, 2023 at 23:48

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.