Episodes 13 & 14: Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%

Thrilled to have Sam Schreiner join us, we take a deep dive, not only into Tobe Hooper's classic horror movie, "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre," but also into the very core of the horror genre itself. From first impressions to lasting impacts, we share our personal experiences with the film, and how it contrasts with its contemporaries and influences the slasher sub-genre. Be prepared for a fascinating exploration of cliche and trope, dissecting the very DNA of horror movies, from the screams and chases through the woods, the off-putting third wheel, to the unsettling intrusion into an uninvited house.

Turning our critical focus onto what hasn't aged well in "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre," we explore the flawed special effects and makeup, and the unintentionally hilarious scene of the disabled man rolling down the hill. And if you've ever wondered about the peculiar Dracula references in the movie, we've got you covered. The controversial scenes, including the finger sucking and the multiple takes of the broom attack, go under our microscope too, promising a lively debate.

We even take a light-hearted detour, speculating on the eclectic range of supplies a group of hippies might take on a road trip, from umbrellas to guitars, and the difficulty of opening a can of beans.

We don't stop at the surface level. Prepare to be enthralled as we delve into the continuity error involving the gas station attendant, the blood smear on the van, and the implications of the over-the-top dinner scene. We also have intriguing theories about the mysterious savior at the end of the film. If you pride yourself on being a trivia king or queen, we've got you covered with behind-the-scenes facts like the near shutdown of production and the infamous 27-hour shoot day leading to the dinner scene.

And of course, we couldn't discuss "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" without acknowledging its lasting impact on the horror genre. Join us as we reminisce about the making of the film's most memorable shots and the tension between actors Paul A. Partain and Marilyn Burns. What's more, we look back at the film's reception, its influence on future horror films, and its surprising connection to White Zombie’s song ‘Real Solution Number Nine’. From its theatrical release to its status as a cult classic, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre has truly left its mark on horror cinema.

Plot Summary:

Five friends head out to rural Texas to visit the grave of a grandfather. On the way they stumble across what appears to be a deserted house, only to discover something sinister within. Something armed with a chainsaw. (Taken from IMDb)

Watchability Scale

When we recorded, we were having such a great time that we forgot to rank the film. In a post-production meeting Sam ranked it 8.5, Mike gave it a 9, and Chad ranked it an 8. It has landed at 8.5 on the Watchability Scale.

Links

IMDb Page

Rotten Tomatoes Page

Cinefantastique brief review

White Zombie’s “Real Solution #9”

Grindhouse Database

Roger Ebert’s Review

Texas Chainsaw Restaurant Guide