Some legendary movies are build with mediocre performances. The Bad Seed is a decent film built around a legendary performance. Just about any element in this movie is interchangeable, except one: Patty McCormack as Rhoda Penmark. Nominated for an Oscar at the age of 11, Patty McCormack’s performance of Rhoda is the perfect complicated amoral demon child. One who knows they’re testing the limits and soaring right past them with gusto.

Adapted from a Broadway play, which was adapted from a novel, The Bad Seed is a couple days in the life of the Penmarks. With a military husband constantly off to duty, Christine has to raise Rhoda with the help of her doting neighbor, Monica Breedlove. Rhoda, having been spoiled by Monica and Christine, is a determined girl who will stop at nothing to get what she wants, especially the award for best Penmanship.

At times campy, egotistical, pandering, manipulative, mean, cruel, and downright sadistic, Patty’s performance glides over Rhoda’s shifting tonalities with ease. Rhoda is a glamorous character entitled to the many privileges of her life. Scary and intimidating, Rhoda commands everybody’s attention even as she wraps them around her little finger. What makes her so enticing when she’s so blatantly amoral?

The Bad Seed airs at 9:45 on 10/16/2015 on Turner Classic Movies