Synopsis
THE DEVIL'S PLAYGROUND explores the lives of a group of young boys who are being prepared to take religious vows at a Roman Catholic College-seminary in 1953. The boys are torn between their faith in God and ¼ù oppresive disciplining of a religious institution. Though they must be self-disciplined and forced to suppress any sexual fantasies, their desires for the flesh become tormenting. The story centers on Tom Allen, a 13 year old who believes he has a vocation and must live by the rules of the seminary. Like the other students, Tom feels oppressed by the school and needs to find some outlet for his confusion and distress. Director Fred Schepisi reveals how institutions of any kind can have harmful effects on the minds of people from all levels of society.