Along with 1978's Halloween this was the biggest influence on the slasher glut of the early 80's. Opening with a "through the eyes" slaying this tells the story of some twenty-somethings that are attempting to reopen a summer camp (the now immortal Camp Crystal Lake) twenty-two years later only to start getting killed gorily by an unseen slasher.

Made as an imitation of Halloween this low-budget box-office success went on to become oft-cloned itself. Known today as one of horror's most enduring series, this is a decent and entertaining beginning to the set with a killer musical score by Harry Manfredi, top notch effects by Tom Savini and it sports fine mood; it's probably a surprise to director Sean S. Cunningham and his cast that this went on to be one of the more remembered movies of its genre.

It suffers a little from a bit of a slow first half and some really bad comic relief (the whole dumb "snake" moment and a really lame "cop visit") and it's not that suspenseful or terribly thrilling but it is a watchable effort of historical signifigance.

Throw in Betsy Palmer's controlled yet sinister performance and a pretty effective shock ending, and you have a movie that no real horror fan can do without. Marked Kevin Bacon's film debut.

Followed by ten sequels.

Directed By: Sean S. Cunningham.
Written By: Victor Miller.

Starring: Betsy Palmer, Adrienne King, Jeannine Taylor, Robbi Morgan.