Slaughter High 1986

Caroline Munro.  A name that many genre fans should instantly recognize just from her work in Maniac alone, stars in a film about a nerdy loser getting revenge on his high school class mates that did him wrong .The premise sounds simple enough, which it is, and let’s be honest this kind of film always has a simple premise. But what I love about this film is the casting of a 36 year old Caroline Munro as a teenager.  Yup, a 36, albeit still very sexy 36 year old woman plays a teenage.  I know the industry has, and always will, cast older actors for a movie about teenagers. That’s just how the world works, but Christ, that is just over the top. However, let’s be honest, if you are watching a movie called Slaughter High, you don’t give two fucks about the ages of the actors or their acting ability. They are just there to be murdered.

Caroline Munro and Simon Scuddamore

Originally named April Fool’s Day, the film was released at the tail end of the what some consider to be the heyday of the slasher.  Does it show?  Of course it does.  Formulaic plot for starters, but there is a lot to love about this film. Take the score by Harry Manfredini of Friday the 13^th fame.  It is always a joy to see his name in the credits and this is no exception. The main theme is oddly upbeat for this type of film, but it does a superb job setting the tone for what becomes a fun, gory flick.

 

Now for the highlight of any good slasher film; a memorable killer! In this film we have poor, nerdy Marty, fantastically played by Simon Scuddamore in his one and only acting credit (more on that in a bit).  This dude just can’t catch a break.  He is a loner and a loser just trying to survive high school, but this is high school and the cool kids can’t leave well enough alone.  After a few pranks, one of which goes horribly awry, Marty is left badly burned and in the hospital.  A few years down the line and his tormentors are invited back to the high school for a reunion by persons unknown. And thus begins the revenge. See? Basic plot. That doesn’t matter to me because Marty wears a creepy jester mask while exacting his revenge. Seriously, the mask is awesome and just as cool as any other iconic slasher mask from the era.

As for the kills I don’t want to divulge too much because for me, that is one of the best parts of any film of this nature.  Seeing fun and creative kills is always such a joy the first time around and I don’t want to spoil them for anyone reading this that hasn’t seen the film.  People can spoil the plot for me for just about any slasher and I won’t care. However, if you spoil the kills I will drop kick your ass onto the deer antlers hanging from the wall! Not saying they are the greatest kills ever, but some of them are a cut about the rest.

As I mentioned earlier, I would discuss more about Simon Scuddamore in detail.  Sadly, on November 21st, 1984 the promising  young actor chose to end his live at the age of 28.  His role as Marty is by far one of my favorite characters of any horror film, so it is a huge shame that he never got to feel the love from his fans from all over the globe.   

Arrow Video Cover

Released in Italy as Jolly Killer

Over all, this is a film that doesn’t get the love or attention that it deserves and that’s a shame. Many have dismissed it over the years because it was late to the slasher game.  However, if you can look past the flaws, you have a fun as hell film to watch with friends or if you are like me, alone.