On this day May 16, 1983, the horror film Deadly Eyes premiered in theaters. Directed by Robert Clouse, best known for Enter the Dragon, the film starred Sam Groom, Scatman Crothers and Sara Botsford. Loosely based on the novel The Rats by James Herbert, Deadly Eyes offered a gruesome take on creature horror with a distinctly urban twist.
Set in Toronto but presented as an unnamed American city, the story centered around genetically mutated giant rats that begin attacking humans after feeding on contaminated grain. With life sized rat costumes worn by dachshunds, the film combined practical effects with a low budget creature feature aesthetic that gave it cult appeal among horror fans.
Though it received mixed reviews upon release, Deadly Eyes has gained a reputation over the years for its bizarre charm, memorable scenes and status as one of the more unique entries in 1980s animal attack horror.
Fun fact: The giant rats in the film were played by real dachshunds in costumes, which helped create their unsettling movement and appearance on screen.
Set in Toronto but presented as an unnamed American city, the story centered around genetically mutated giant rats that begin attacking humans after feeding on contaminated grain. With life sized rat costumes worn by dachshunds, the film combined practical effects with a low budget creature feature aesthetic that gave it cult appeal among horror fans.
Though it received mixed reviews upon release, Deadly Eyes has gained a reputation over the years for its bizarre charm, memorable scenes and status as one of the more unique entries in 1980s animal attack horror.
Fun fact: The giant rats in the film were played by real dachshunds in costumes, which helped create their unsettling movement and appearance on screen.
