Is Evil Roy Slade Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Evil Roy Slade is definitely worth watching if you enjoy TV Movie movies.
It features a runtime of 97 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Evil Roy Slade Review
Last updated: January 10, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1972, Evil Roy Slade enters the TV Movie genre with a narrative focused on Orphaned and left in the desert as an infant, Evil Roy Slade (John Astin) grew up alone—save for his teddy bear—and mean. Under the direction of Jerry Paris, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from John Astin, Mickey Rooney, Dick Shawn. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, Evil Roy Slade offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, Evil Roy Slade resonates with current cultural themes in the TV Movie space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of January 2026, Evil Roy Slade is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of Evil Roy Slade centers on a unique premise within the TV Movie landscape. Orphaned and left in the desert as an infant, Evil Roy Slade (John Astin) grew up alone—save for his teddy bear—and mean. As an adult, he is notorious for being the "meanest villain in the West"—so he's thrown for quite a loop when he falls for sweet schoolteacher Betsy Potter (Pamela Austin). There's also Nelson L. Stool (Mickey Rooney), a railroad tycoon, who, along with his dimwitted nephew Clifford (Henry Gibson), is trying to get revenge on Evil Roy Slade for robbing him. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1972 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of Evil Roy Slade has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Evil Roy Slade sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for Evil Roy Slade (1972): with an audience rating of 6.2/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of TV Movie, Western, Comedy cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Cast of Evil Roy Slade
- John Astin – Evil Roy Slade
- Mickey Rooney – Nelson L. Stool
- Dick Shawn – Marshal Bing Bell
- Henry Gibson – Clifford
- Dom DeLuise – Logan Delp
Top Highlights
John AstinEvil Roy Slade
Mickey RooneyNelson L. Stool
Dick ShawnMarshal Bing Bell
Henry GibsonClifford
Dom DeLuiseLogan Delp
Edie AdamsFlossie
Pamela AustinBetsy Potter
Milton BerleHarry Fern
Arthur BatanidesLee
Larry HankinSnake
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Evil Roy Slade has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.2/10, and global collection metrics, Evil Roy Slade stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1972 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Evil Roy Slade movie hit or flop?
Evil Roy Slade has received mixed reviews with a 6.2/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Evil Roy Slade worth watching?
Evil Roy Slade is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of TV Movie, Western, Comedy movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is Evil Roy Slade?
Evil Roy Slade is a TV Movie, Western, Comedy movie that Orphaned and left in the desert as an infant, Evil Roy Slade (John Astin) grew up alone—save for his teddy bear—and mean. As an adult, he is notorious...
