A significant number of American children and teenagers - from all social backgrounds - suffer from mental disorders, schizophrenia, autism and emotional problems, leading them to isolation from society while treating their issues in mental health facilities. But there's no end in sight for those young individuals when they face obstacles and mistreatment in inadequate places under the supervision of careless and inexperienced professionals. The documentary follows some of those public mental institutions and another private center dealing with troubled kids and reveals what's wrong with their procedures, and the irreparable harm they cause in those patients.
Children of Darkness (1983) is a documentary film directed by Ara Chekmayan, released on May 4, 1983 with a runtime of 57m. It stars Peter Thomas, Richard Kotuk, John Brooks and Billy Calhoun. Viewers rate it 7.0 out of 10 across 15 ratings.
Watch the official trailer for Children of Darkness before you stream it.
Peter Thomas
as Narrator (voice)
Richard Kotuk
as Self - Reporter
John Brooks
as Self
Billy Calhoun
as Self
Mary Calhoun
as Self
Gerald Davidson
as Self
Alice Dunn
as Self
Kenneth Kaufman
as Self
Brian Mcanally
as Self
Jim Mcanally
as Self
Joseph Ricci
as Self
Mark Williams
as Self
Directed by Ara Chekmayan, written by Ara Chekmayan and Richard Kotuk, produced by Ara Chekmayan and Richard Kotuk.
Average viewer score of 7.0/10 from 15 ratings.
Statistically, there are some seriously scary numbers quoted here as we spend an hour with some of the seven million American kids who have some sort of learning or behavioural difficulties. Initially, we visit Pennsylvania’s Eastern State School - the largest in the nation - that cares for over 150 young people with a budget of $13.5 million which roughly equates to just shy of $85,000 to feed, house and medicate…
Reviewed on June 21, 2025
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The main cast of Children of Darkness (1983) includes Peter Thomas, Richard Kotuk, John Brooks, Billy Calhoun and Mary Calhoun. The film was directed by Ara Chekmayan. You can see the full cast and crew list, with character names, further up this page.
Children of Darkness was released on May 4, 1983 and runs for 57m.
Children of Darkness (1983) holds an average rating of 7.0 out of 10 from 15 viewer votes, and is a good pick if you enjoy documentary films. Read the viewer reviews on this page to decide for yourself.
Yes. The official Children of Darkness trailer is embedded in the trailer section of this page and plays instantly, no download or sign-up required.
