---
title: "The Orphan"
year: 1979
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-orphan-1979"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 167554
imdb_id: null
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 87
community_rating: 3.3
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# The Orphan (1979) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-orphan-1979

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

The Orphan is a film first released in 1979. Catalogued under Horror. Produced and broadcast by Trimedia Southwest Associates, Cinema Investments Company, Gilman-Westergaard Enterprises. Current status: Released.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A grieving boy worships a stuffed chimp god while clashing with his toxic guardian."

### Why Watch
- explores a dark psychological premise
- based on a story by Saki

### Caveats & Content Note
- features a toxic relationship
- deals with a disturbed young protagonist
- Tone & Suitability: The film contains disturbing themes regarding a disturbed child and a toxic guardian relationship.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: disturbing, grim, suspenseful

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/the-orphan-1979#watch.

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: John Ballard
- **Networks / Studios**: Trimedia Southwest Associates, Cinema Investments Company, Gilman-Westergaard Enterprises

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Mark Owens** as *David*
- **Afolabi Ajayi** as *Akin*
- **Stanley Church** as *Dr. Thomson*
- **Malachy McCourt**
- **Joanna Miles**
- **Peggy Feury** as *Aunt Martha*
- **Eleanor Stewart**
- **Jane House**
- **ed foreman**
- **Donn Whyte**

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: When was The Orphan released?
The film was released in the United States on November 2, 1979.

### Q: What is the film's runtime?
The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes.

### Q: What is the genre of The Orphan?
The film is classified as a horror movie.

### Q: What is the premise of the story?
A disturbed young boy, whose parents recently died, worships a stuffed chimp god while his relationship with his aunt and guardian grows toxic.

### Q: Is the film based on existing material?
Yes, the credits suggest the film is based on the short story Sredni Vashtar by Saki.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [The Orphan — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/167554)
- [The Orphan (1960 film) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Orphan_(1960_film))
- [The Orphan (1979)](https://www.sms.cz/film/the-orphan-1979)
- [The Orphan (1920) | ČSFD.cz](https://www.csfd.cz/film/246061-the-orphan/prehled/)
- [The Orphan (1920) - FDb.cz](https://www.fdb.cz/film/188770-the-orphan)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*