The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992)

Director:

Curtis Hanson

Writer (WGA):

Amanda Silver (written by)

Release Date:

10 January 1992 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Horror | Thriller

Tagline:

... is the hand that rules the world.

Plot:

Peyton Flanders seemed to be the perfect nanny, but secretly she was out to wreck the lives of the family she was supposed to be helping...

Plot Keywords:

Fall From Height | Premature Birth | Dysfunctional Family | Planting Evidence | Family In Danger

Awards:

5 wins & 5 nominations

US TV Schedule:

Fri. Aug. 22

6:00 PM

TMC

Cast

Annabella Sciorra	...	Claire Bartel
Rebecca De Mornay	...	Mrs. Mott / Peyton Flanders
Matt McCoy	...	Michael Bartel
Ernie Hudson	...	Solomon
Julianne Moore	...	Marlene Craven
Madeline Zima	...	Emma Bartel
John de Lancie	...	Dr. Victor Mott
Kevin Skousen	...	Marty Craven
Mitchell Laurance	...	Lawyer
Justin Zaremby	...	Roth, the Schoolyard Bully
Eric Melander	...	Joey 'Joe' Bartel
Jennifer Melander	...	Joey 'Joe' Bartel
Ashley Melander	...	Joey 'Joe' Bartel
Cliff Lenz	...	Seattle Today Host
Penny LeGate	...	Seattle Today Host

Runtime:

110 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Iceland:16 | Argentina:13 | Australia:M | Chile:14 | Finland:K-16 | France:-12 | Germany:16 | Peru:14 | Singapore:NC-16 | South Korea:18 | Spain:13 | Sweden:15 | UK:15 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Issaquah, Washington, USA

Company:

Hollywood Pictures

Trivia:

The musical theme that is featured in the opening credits, that Payton hums when strolling the baby through the park, and that Michael hears on the radio at the climax is "Poor Wandering One", from the William S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan musical "The Pirates of Penzance".

Goofs:

Audio/visual unsynchronized: When the kids are getting into the closet to hide in the end, the baby can be heard crying although his face is clearly still.

Quotes:

Peyton Flanders: When your husband makes love to you, it's my face he sees!

Movie Connections:

Edited into "30 Even Scarier Movie Moments" (2006)

Soundtrack:

MY GALLANT CREW GOOD MORNING

Rocked my seat

This is a nice chilling thriller to spend a day or night before the television screen. Rebecca De Mornay is outrageously evil as "Peyton Flanders," making you wonder with suspense what wicked deed she has planned up her sleeve. And, the part where Claire Bartel, played by Annabella Sciorra, starts suspecting Peyton's evil doings is spectacular. This is one of those films that captures your suspense and your suspicion, making this film exciting and heart pounding.

With this film, De Mornay poses as a nanny for Claire Bartel (Sciorra) character's family, with the intention of raising hell for Bartel and stealing away her husband and children.

The plot is good; the only problem I have is the method Claire (Sciorra), interviews Peyton (De Mornay) for the nanny job. She only asked "How did you become to be a nanny?" leaving out relevant questions like health, personal background, prior jobs, resumes, way with kids, etc. Other than that, I enjoy watching this movie again and again. This is also one of Julianne Moore's first featured films. She shines in this movie, making smart, acid wit remarks. I especially like her line "You have a Harvard education, make something up." Good movie-plenty of action as well.

Grade A-