The Texas Chain Saw Massacre 1974 * * * 1/2 Stars

Director: Tobe Hooper
Year: 1974
Rated R
Rating: * * * 1/2 Stars     Cole's Rating: * * * Stars
Cast: Gunnar Hanson, Edwin Neal, Marilyn Burns

Brilliantly horrific, imitated but never duplicated, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre represents the purest form of terror known to any cinema buff. Thousands of countless ripoffs and average remakes have tried to capitalize on its success, but with minimal gore and a grainy, sadistic edge, the original 1974 "Chainsaw" is still untouchable. The fact that an unknown director (Tobe Hooper of Poltergeist fame), a cast of nobodys, and a shooting schedule in 100+ degree Texas heat could produce a horror flick light years ahead of its time, is a miracle in itself. Give credit to actress Marilyn Burns who coined the term "scream queen" before Jamie Lee Curtis could even get her hands on it. Let me just put it right out there, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is one of the greatest films of the 1970's. It will haunt you for days after you view it. Guaranteed.

Written by Jesse Burleson