Silent Night, Bloody Night, 1974.
Directed by Theodore Gershuny.
Starring Patrick O'Neal, James Patterson, Mary Woronov and John Carradine.
Not to be confused with 1984's Christmas-themed slasher Silent Night, Deadly Night, this low-budget horror from director Theodore Gershuny centres on an old New England mansion and former asylum which has been put on the market by Jeffrey Butler (Tony Award winning actor James Patterson in his final role), the grandson of its original owner. When news of the impending sale reaches a nearby mental hospital it inspires a deranged serial killer to escape and take up residence, with business soon picking up for the local morgue.
Originally completed in 1972 (two years prior to another Yuletide horror Black Christmas, which shares a number of elements), Silent Night, Bloody Night was produced by Troma co-founder Lloyd Kaufman and features a strong cast including Patrick O'Neal, John Carradine (and 'Warhol Superstar' Mary Woronov. Although the film achieved only modest success during its initial drive-in run it is an enjoyable and atmospheric horror, with an eerie extended flashback sequence detailing the mansion's macabre history standing out as a highlight.
After slipping into obscurity for a time after its release, Silent Night, Bloody Night enjoyed renewed attention when it featured on the popular comedy series Elvira's Movie Macabre in 1981 and it has since went on to gain a cult following.
Embed courtesy of Internet Archive.
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