#73. patty mccormack in the bad seed

one of the first of many effectively creepy chid actors used in horror films -- this performance, however is arguably the best. as rhoda penmark, mccormack is the quintessential bad seed: pretty, sweet, disarming, pig-tailed and homicidal, in a completely believable portrayal that will genuinely scare the hell out of you. 

*nominated for 1956 best supporting actress oscar;

lost to dorothy malone in written on the wind

greatest moment: see below