In a dilapidated rural mansion, the last generation of the degenerate, inbred Merrye family lives with the inherited curse of a disease that causes them to mentally regress from the age of 10 or so on as they physically develop. The family chauffeur looks out for them and covers up their indiscretions. Trouble comes when greedy distant relatives and their lawyer arrive to dispossess the family of its home.
Acting
Lon Chaney Jr.'s final great role—tender, tragic, totally committed.
Writing
Jack Hill's script balances genuine pathos with sick laughs.
Production
Shot in real crumbling mansion, budget $65,000, looks like a million nightmares.
Director
Jack Hill
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Shot in 1964, shelved for three years because distributors thought 'Spider Baby' sounded too much like a Disney film. Working title was 'Cannibal Orgy.'
The Merrye mansion is the same house from 'The Black Sheep' and 'The Devil's Wedding Night'—Hollywood's go-to for 'decrepit evil family' vibes.
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