It's an understandable reaction to trauma but, yes, it does get a little tiresome after a while.

This was one area that was improved in the 1990 remake.

@Deuteronomy of Gath said:

It's an understandable reaction to trauma but, yes, it does get a little tiresome after a while.

I love everything about this movie except catatonic Barbara. I can't say I felt bad when Johnny got his hands on her.

I'm glad she was. The original script had her as a romantic relationship near the end.

I agree with those who might find Barbra wasted; Tom Savini's remake had her more interesting as a woman who's coming apart while fighting to survive.

Wasted!?! Are you kidding?Judith O'Dea running around miniskirted is a quarter reason this film is so famous!

Once you seen proof of dead people coming back to life it is really super easy to regain your composure. Sarcasm over. She had every right to be sick for good! Not only were they dead and walking around again but they were coming to get her and end her great life and turn her into one of them. She was probably dreading what would happen to her beautiful soul if they captured her. She also felt terrible loss inside for the guy she went to burial ground with. Plenty to be sick about!

This is a movie and it should enjoyed for the great surprisingly realistic looking and appealing film it was. And now, 50 years later, as a great time capsule of a film.

PS Sure the walking dead are not too common but everything else in the film looks like it is from real life. Good use of real places I believe. Excellent leading lady helps.

@Benton12 said:

Wasted!?! Are you kidding?Judith O'Dea running around miniskirted is a quarter reason this film is so famous!

I agree, she's a babe!😍

Yeah, Barbara was set up as the protagonist just to become a background set decoration for most of the movie. I don't disagree she could react that way, but by comparison everyone else seems to be taking it in stride. I think the remake overcompensated by going too far in the other direction, surviving but being an emotional wreck with a questionable future (Sally in Texas Chainsaw Massacre) would have been a good compromise.

THE MOVIE HAS PLENTY OF USEFUL CHARACTERS.HER REACTION IS A FAIR REACTION A LOT OF PEOPLE MAY HAVE TO THOSE EVENTS.BY SEEING HER REACTION AS A WASTED CHARACTER YOURE ACTUALLY LEANING FURTHER AWAY FROM REALITY SIMPLY FOR THE SAKE OF WHAT EXACTLY?...I GUESS BECAUSE SHE IS IRRITATING TO YOU.THATS REAL PEOPLE THOUGH.

@MirrorUniverse said:

@Benton12 said:

Wasted!?! Are you kidding?Judith O'Dea running around miniskirted is a quarter reason this film is so famous!

I agree, she's a babe!😍

Woooo!