IF THIS MOVIE DOESN’T MAKE YOUR SKIN CRAWL… IT’S ON TOO TIGHT.

During a Christmas party in a sorority house, a stranger climbs up into the attic where he hides, emerging only to commit murder.

An early slasher movie that became a clear inspiration for many genre films, not least Halloween (1978), which borrowed the way we see things from the warped perspective of the killer. Inspired by an urban tale, the story moves slowly at times and the characters are far from exciting. But the murders are well staged and it has an effective, open ending.

The filmmakers give the holiday an irresistibly dark and creepy touch. 

1974-Canada. 98 min. Color. Produced and directed by Bob Clark. Cast: Olivia Hussey (Jess Bradford), Keir Dullea (Peter Smythe), Margot Kidder (Barbara Coard), John Saxon, Art Hindle, Douglas McGrath. 

Trivia: Alternative titles: Silent Night, Evil Night and Stranger in the House. Bette Davis was offered a role, but declined; Gilda Radner was cast as Phyllis, but dropped out. Remade in 2006 and 2019.