I didn't know about that EC story! Wish I could see a few panels!

There's no doubt, the contrast of frilly little girl skirts and pigtails with the soul of a heartless killer makes for a powerhouse concept. We just don't expect perfect little curtseying girls to be pushing people off rooftops. I thought Patty McCormack caught all of that perfectly.

Incidentally, in the play, Rhoda does indeed get away with murder. Unlike the film, her mother dies, but Rhoda is saved. When Warners made the movie, Hollywood's production code required that Rhoda be punished for her crimes, and I kinda like the "hand of God" conclusion. And I love the scene where little Rhoda stomps to the pier with such grim determination, dragging her flashlight along the fence. Lightning flashes, thunder rolls, and we can hear the crazy piano tune (what IS its name?) she played while Leroy burned.

And mention should be made of Alex North's superlative musical score, especially the opening and closing themes!

Rod