Overlooked Horror Films - Day 24 - Stagefright (1987)

Every day in October we will be highlighting one of our favorite overlooked horror films as a way to countdown to glorious Halloween. We are hoping to bring some attention to films that rarely get on horror lists during this time of year. We hope you enjoy!

Stagefright (1987)

What’s it about: A troupe of low-rent stage actors is rehearsing for a small-town production of a play. Everything is going well until one of the cast members turns up dead. In a panic, the others try to get out, only to find they are now locked in the theater with an unknown killer.

Why is it overlooked: Coming out in 1987, the Italian horror wave had all but finished and giallos weren't as popular as they once were. Even slasher films were dying off around this time. The film does move slower than some and despite some clever and bloody kills.

Why is it worth a look: The film is actual tense and effective for what could easily be a typical slasher. The setting is wonderfully used and actors are routinely poked fun at for their oversized egos. The best reason to see it is for the intensely creepy owl costume the killer wears in one of the film's best sequences.