This is more of a personal little story I wanted to pass on to anyone who is interested. Everyone who reads this knows the plot, so a review is somewhat pointless.
back in the spring of 1980 I was turning 18 in a few months, out of school and working with United Artists.
I had seen in Fangoria magazine many pics and articles on a little film coming to theaters soon called "Friday The 13th" and it looked mighty interesting to me.
Well, when May 9th arrived I went to check out this film with my mother (yes I actually had her with me as she raised me on horror films). We both we blown away by it, but it really struck a chord with me. I returned to the theater every night during the film's 2 week run in Livingston, Montana.
I was mesmerized by the Harry Manfredini score and I wanted to watch audience reaction to everything. The manager at the theater, a young man named Steve finally started letting me in for free after about the 5th night, and I truly appreciated that.
This little film was made for a mere $550,000 and made over 37 million, a huge hit and it deserved it. The film is a very simple tale of murder but spiced with gore killing and great effects by Tom Savini.
This film spawned literally hundreds of slasher films including many sequels. I only liked this and parts 2 and 3, then gave up on the series.
However, as a teenager and aspiring filmmaker, this was one of the best summers of my life what with working for a studio and then watching others make their magic on the screen. It was an experience I will NEVER forget, and I even got the poster from the theater when the film ended it's run.
Movies had a certain magic about them back in the time which includes the silent era up until the 1990's. Now the magic is gone and new films just don't have that allure for me that they used to, but I can sure get a buzz from films like this via DVD, and I will never lose that feeling about this film.
I am sure anyone reading this has seen this film, but if you haven't, check it out.
My parents took me to the drive-inn to see this and Tobe Hooper's The Funhouse double feature in 1981. I was 7 at the time and scared to death but also loved every minute of it.
ReplyDeleteAhh yes those were the days....I do miss them.
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