Large Fierce Mammal

Writer Richard Matheson, father of my favourite devil doll. (Source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Richard_Matheson.jpg)

Evil and otherwise supernaturally animated dolls or puppets are a recurring theme in the horror genre bringing us, among others, the Puppetmaster series that began with the movie of that name in 1989, and the better known Chucky franchise that kicked off with Child’s Play in 1988. If you spend any time in the world, sooner or later you’ll encounter a creepy doll, whether in life, art, or both.

Cute ain't he?

Growing up depraved, one of my favourite TV shows was Rod Serling’s The Twilight Zone. In 1975, an episode aired that was titled Trilogy of Terror, consisting of three short segments, each based on stories by Bram Stoker Lifetime Achievement award winner Richard Matheson who also wrote the classic Nightmare at 20,000 Feet episode starring the then lesser known William Shatner.

Part three of Trilogy of Terror, titled Amelia, was based on Matheson’s short story Prey that first appeared in the April 1969 edition of Playboy magazine, and is still, to my mind, the best devil doll story ever committed to film. The tale devolves around the title character who buys a “Zuni Fetish Doll” for her boyfriend – an anthropology aficionado – as a birthday gift, and the fiendish tom foolery that ensues.

So now, through the magic of Youtube, sit back and enjoy Amelia. Once again, don’t forget to wait until dark.