Child's Play (1988) - Episode 117 - Decades of Horror 1980s

"Hi, I'm Chucky. Wanna Play?" Chucky (Brad Dourif) - a doll possessed by the spirit of serial killer Charles Lee Ray - is one angry little dude. Stuck in a plastic body trying to find a flesh one to return to, Chucky has to dupe a young boy named Andy (Alex Vincent) into transporting him around to extract his revenge. Yet, it's all simply treated as Child's Play. But how playful will the Grue Crew be about this particular toy phenomenon? You'll just have to see how nice our boys play.

Decades of Horror 1980s
Episode 117 – Child's Play (1988)

Chucky is the last of the iconic slashers from the 80s era. Coming off the heels of Freddy Kruger and Jason Voorhees, Chucky had more of a way with words like the former rather than the latter. A foul-mouthed doll that had the voice of a slimier Jack Nicholson impersonator. He may be little, but did he pack a punch. Child's Play was a major success, playing on the modern Cabbage Patch Kids and My Buddy doll crazes of the age with a sinister edge. Child's Play started one of the stranger horror franchises ever, but we wouldn't have the funnier antics that involve Tiffany without this one to set the groundwork.

To discuss all of this, Thomas Mariani brought along his own Goody Guy Doll, Chris...topher G. Moore! The two discuss the context of the late 80s boom in child advertising and how it impacts the world of the Child's Play universe. Despite the seedy underpinnings, the two revel in the sweetness of the adorable Vincent and his struggling single mom Hicks. The two build a solid base that Chucky try to chip away at with his Good Guy hammer. Plus, there are plenty of comparisons to talking dolls old & new, the direction of the Child's Play franchise and whether or not the special effects hold up that well. There's plenty to discuss with this small package, but just you wait until that toy bursts out of its box.

We want to hear from you – the coolest, most gruesome fans:  leave us a message or leave a comment on the site or email the Decades of Horror 1980s podcast hosts at thomasmariani@decadesofhorror.com or docrotten@decadesofhorror.com.

Special thanks to Neon Devils for their awesome song Bone Chillin!

Hellraiser (1987)