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The Return of the Living Dead (1985)

R  |   |  Comedy, Horror  |  16 August 1985 (USA)
7.3
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Ratings: 7.3/10 from 36,839 users  
Reviews: 293 user | 181 critic

When two bumbling employees at a medical supply warehouse accidentally release a deadly gas into the air, the vapors cause the dead to rise again as zombies.

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(story), (story) (as John Russo) , 2 more credits »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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Spider (as Miguel Nunez)
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Mark Venturini ...
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Cathleen Cordell ...
Colonel's Wife
Drew Deighan ...
Paramedic #1
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Paramedic #2
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Storyline

When a bumbling pair of employees at a medical supply warehouse accidentally release a deadly gas into the air, the vapors cause the dead to re-animate as they go on a rampage through Louisville, Kentucky seeking their favorite food, brains. Written by Todd A. Bobenrieth <TAB146@PSUVM.EDU>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

They're Back From The Grave and Ready To Party!

Genres:

Comedy | Horror

Certificate:

R | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Official Sites:

|

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

16 August 1985 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Return of the Living Dead  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Box Office

Budget:

$4,000,000 (estimated)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

| (Workprint Version)

Sound Mix:

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The trocar used in the embalming scene that introduces Ernie was real. See more »

Goofs

When they open the basement door and the Tarman comes out, you can see smears on the wall and door where his arms have slid. When the group go into the basement afterward, there are no smears on the wall near the door. See more »

Quotes

Burt Wilson: What about the bones Ernie?
Ernie Kaltenbrunner: Bones are no problem. Hardest thing to burn is the heart.
Burt Wilson: A heart, why?
Ernie Kaltenbrunner: 'cause it's just one big tough muscle.
Burt Wilson: Yeah, but Ernie, I mean, c'mon, we don't want the heart sticking around!
Ernie Kaltenbrunner: Then I'll turn it up hotter for the heart.
See more »

Crazy Credits

The credits play over the hilarious scenes of the movie that involve Frank and Freddy. See more »

Connections

Referenced in Skeleton Key (2006) See more »

Soundtracks

Take a Walk
Performed by Tall Boys
Composed by Nigel Lewis, Mark Robertson
Produced by Mr. Fenstein
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
"Straight comedy..."
13 March 2002 | by (USA) – See all my reviews

The best comedy is played straight, and there are few films "straighter" than horror movies (in which the intent is, ostensibly, to terrify). Dan O'Bannon's "straight comedy" is gut-bustingly funny. [I also remember being impressed by his performance in the delightful DARK STAR, which turned up at an art house showing along with the STAR WARS parody, HARDWARE WARS.] Intense, and boasting great music and some of the best performances ever seen in a fright film (including Clu Gulager, James Karen and Don Calfa, veterans all, whose frantic on-screen antics are the cornerstones of this film), RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD is one of those "must-see" movies no serious fan should miss. The cinematography is simply stunning, and the fx are 100% believable. It's amazing that O'Bannon hasn't directed more often: it's clear that he belongs behind a camera.


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