This historical and critical look at slasher films, which includes dozens of clips, begins with "Halloween," "Friday the 13th," and "Prom Night." The films' directors, writers, producers, and special effects creators comment on the films' making and success. During the Reagan years, the films get gorier, budgets get smaller, and their appeal wanes. Then, "Nightmare on Elm Street" revives the genre. Jump to the late 90s, when "Scream" brings humor and TV stars into the mix. Although some criticize the genre as misogynistic (Siskel and Ebert), most of the talking heads celebrate the films: as long as there are teenagers, there will be slasher films, says one.

Starring:

Adrienne King, Alfred Hitchcock, Alicia Witt, Amy Steel, Andrew Bryniarski, Anthony Hopkins, Anthony Perkins, Anthony Timpone, Betsy Palmer, Bill Moseley, Bill Randolph, Brian Andrews, Camilla Belle, Cary Elwes, Christa Campbell, Christopher Collet, Corey Feldman, Courteney Cox, Dana Kimmell, Daphne Zuniga, Dario Argento, David Arquette, David Boreanaz,

Genre:

Documentary