On May 8, 1981, the slasher film The Burning premiered in theaters. Directed by Tony Maylam, the movie was inspired by the urban legend of the Cropsey killer and centered on a summer camp caretaker who returns to stalk and murder teenagers after being horribly disfigured in a prank gone wrong.
The cast included Brian Matthews, Lou David, and Leah Ayers, with early film appearances by Jason Alexander, Fisher Stevens, and Holly Hunter. Though The Burning only made 707,770 dollars at the box office on a 1.5 million dollar budget, it gained cult status thanks to its intense atmosphere and gruesome special effects by Tom Savini.
Fun fact: The Burning was the first film produced by Harvey Weinstein and is known for its infamous raft massacre scene, considered one of the most shocking kills in early 80s horror.
The cast included Brian Matthews, Lou David, and Leah Ayers, with early film appearances by Jason Alexander, Fisher Stevens, and Holly Hunter. Though The Burning only made 707,770 dollars at the box office on a 1.5 million dollar budget, it gained cult status thanks to its intense atmosphere and gruesome special effects by Tom Savini.
Fun fact: The Burning was the first film produced by Harvey Weinstein and is known for its infamous raft massacre scene, considered one of the most shocking kills in early 80s horror.
