The People
The People

Movie spotlight

The People

1972
Movie
74 min
English

A young woman is assigned to teach school in a secluded valley whose inhabitants appear stern, secretive and anti-pleasure. Following two children who disappear to play in the woods, she finds that this is actually a community of extraterrestrials with mild paranormal powers who are attempting to repress and deny their heritage for fear of arousing prejudice and hatred in their human neighbors. Based on a series of novels by the late Zenna Henderson.

Insights

IMDb6.1/10
Director: Boris SagalGenres: Science Fiction, Horror, Mystery

Plot Summary

A young couple, on the run from a cult, stumble upon a secluded community of people with extraordinary psychic abilities. These individuals have learned to suppress their powers to avoid detection by the government, which seeks to exploit them. However, a threat emerges from within the community, forcing them to confront their abilities and their pursuers.

Critical Reception

The People is a made-for-television movie that, while dated, is often remembered for its intriguing premise and William Shatner's compelling performance. It explored themes of government control and the fear of the unknown, resonating with audiences interested in sci-fi thrillers of the era. Its reception was generally positive for a television production, offering a more thought-provoking experience than many contemporary genre films.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its ambitious science fiction concept and suspenseful atmosphere.

  • William Shatner's performance is a standout element, adding gravitas to the narrative.

  • The film effectively explores themes of societal control and the suppression of unique abilities.

Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the film's cult status and its ability to generate intrigue despite its age. Many viewers appreciate the unique premise and the underlying commentary on conformity and power.

Fun Fact

The film was originally aired as a 'Movie of the Week' on ABC, a common format for showcasing original television films during the 1970s.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
Wuchak

Wuchak

**_Little House on the Prairie with paranormal bits_** A young woman (Kim Darby) takes an assignment as a teacher of a small community in the desolate rolling hills somewhere in the Southwest. She becomes increasingly aware of the peculi...