The 70s were a great time for movies. Filmmakers experimented and created some of cinema history’s greatest classics. The Baby, released in 1973, while not one of these classics is still worth mentioning. Now regarded as a cult classic, this weird and twisted horror-thriller has a story that will probably stay with you for quite some time.

The Wadsworth family consists of a single matriarch (Ruth Roman), two daughters and one Baby. The Baby I’m referring to is actually the name of a twenty-something man (David Mooney) with the mental capacity of an infant. A social worker named Ann Gentry (Anjanette Comer) learns of Baby and develops a special interest in his case. As Ann gets closer to Baby, she becomes emotionally attached to him. This angers Mrs. Wadsworth who is extremely overprotective of Baby and soon, bizarre events start to take place.

The Baby is not your typical horror film. It isn’t about axe-wielding maniacs or giant man-eating monsters. It is about seemingly normal yet sick individuals and the psychology behind said individuals. Ruth Roman (Strangers on a Train) is quite good as the sadistic mother to Baby and Anjanette Comer (The Appaloosa) is a bit melodramatic as the film’s heroine. Very few movies combine elements of horror with the issue of mental retardation. It’s a mix you don’t usually see in a movie. It is a bit disturbing and somewhat tasteless. A word to the wise: if you are easily offended, then this film is not for you.

DVD Bonus Features

The bonus features for The Baby are pretty average. There is an audio interview with director Ted Post entitled Tales from the Crib, an audio interview with star David Mooney entitled Baby Talk and lastly, a theatrical trailer for the film.