The Deadly Dream (1971)
A paranoid nightmare unfolds as one man's dreams and reality collide in this unsettling 1971 science fiction thriller.
The Deadly Dream - Movie Information
The Deadly Dream - Plot
A scientist keeps having dreams that he is marked for murder by a mysterious tribunal for something that he's not aware that he's done, and that his wife and his friends are part of the conspiracy. Soon he's not sure which is the dream and which is reality.
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The Deadly Dream - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Alf Kjellin
Main Cast
- Lloyd Bridges
- Janet Leigh
- Carl Betz
- Leif Erickson
- Don Stroud
- Yvonne Gilbert
- Richard Jaeckel
- Phillip Pine
- Herbert Nelson
- Arlene Dahl
Writers
- Barry Oringer
Producers
- Stanley Shpetner
The Deadly Dream - FAQs
What is The Deadly Dream about?
The Deadly Dream follows a scientist tormented by recurring nightmares in which a shadowy tribunal has condemned him for an unknown crime. His wife and closest friends appear to be part of the conspiracy, leaving him unable to distinguish between his waking life and the terrifying world of his dreams.
Who are the main actors in The Deadly Dream?
The Deadly Dream stars Lloyd Bridges as Dr. Jim Hanley and Janet Leigh as his wife Laurel. The supporting cast includes Carl Betz, Leif Erickson, Don Stroud, Richard Jaeckel, Arlene Dahl, and Phillip Pine, among others.
Is The Deadly Dream based on a true story?
No, The Deadly Dream is not based on a true story. It is an original science fiction thriller written by Barry Oringer, crafted as a psychological exploration of paranoia, identity, and the blurring boundary between dreams and waking reality.
Can you explain the ending of The Deadly Dream?
The film builds to a deeply unsettling conclusion in which the protagonist can no longer be certain whether he has escaped his nightmare or remains trapped within it. The ambiguous ending deliberately refuses to confirm what is real, leaving viewers to question the nature of the scientist's ordeal alongside him.
Who directed The Deadly Dream?
The Deadly Dream was directed by Alf Kjellin, a Swedish-born actor and director who became a prolific television filmmaker in Hollywood, known for his work on numerous American TV productions throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
When was The Deadly Dream released?
The Deadly Dream premiered on September 25, 1971, as an ABC television movie. It was produced by Universal Television and aired as part of the network's made-for-TV movie programming during the early 1970s.
What genre is The Deadly Dream?
The Deadly Dream blends Science Fiction, Horror, Thriller, and Drama elements. As a TV Movie, it uses a science fiction framework to explore psychological horror, presenting a paranoid nightmare scenario that questions the reliability of perception and the stability of reality.
What are similar movies to The Deadly Dream?
Fans of The Deadly Dream may enjoy similar suspenseful TV films such as The Brotherhood of the Bell (1970), Trilogy of Terror (1975), Gargoyles (1972), All the Kind Strangers (1974), and The Disappearance of Flight 412 (1974), all of which share a comparable atmosphere of dread and paranoia.
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