Olivia Hussey and Margot Kidder scream of a Scary Christmas in '74.
A very scary Slash-Mess, manlings! In years past, Internet audiences thrilled at The Sleaze-A-Saurus's Silent Night Deadly Night Axe-Mass Terrorthon. Beginning in 2010, we celebrate the new tradition of Slash-Mess embracing both retro and new horror movies in order to counteract the evil of Macy's commercials and crass consumerism! It makes this time of the year kind of hard-to-top, actually.
And so, it only seems fitting that your ol' pal, The Sleaze-A-Saurus, presents to you another special Slash-Mess treat: the original 1970's version of Black Christmas (1974).
The original Black Christmas, recently updated with a lackluster "remake" in 2006, stars the beautiful Olivia Hussey (Zeffirelli's Romeo and Juliet) and Margot Kidder (Superman) as the remaining two residents of a sorority house that has been temporarily abandoned for the holidays. The atmosphere is jolly and carefree, except for an ongoing series of menacing telephone calls, and, oh yes, we've just seen someone climb into the attic with apparent malicious intent.
What's worse? The calls are coming from inside the house! Authentic? You betcha.
Oh that beautiful actress by the wreath. Olivia Hussey being cute-as-a-button in Black Christmas (1974).
The well-written and acted Black Christmas also features Keir Dullea (2001) and John Saxon (Enter The Dragon and the original Nightmare On Elm Street) and was directed by Bob Clark (Porky's, The Karate Dog, Baby Geniuses).
This 70's sorority house the phone is ringing off the hook! And guess who keeps callin'? Who else but a sweaty obscene caller with his mind-on-murder and murder-on-his-mind! Clearly a dedicated professional!
All the David Carradine jokes aside - this never turns out OK.
Before long the whole house is in stitches, gone to pieces and a bit strung out (mostly in piles) as the mysterious caller shares his overwhelmingly bright Slash-Mass spirit with each and every one of these beautiful sorority sisters - in person and in the flesh.
The film is very good - high tension and good performances from the leads and co-stars. Black Christmas earns itself four manling skulls outta a possible four!
References:
IMDB, Black Christmas (1974)
Horrorphile, Bleck X-Mas (1974)
Movie Genie, Black Christmas
DVD Dino-bots, Black X-Mas (1974)
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