And the Scarecrow Summer Slasher Series begins....

I was dwelling on what the first film for my Summer Slasher series would be, and I couldn't think of a better start than Slaughter High (1986). Right as the slasher genre was vomiting out the films right and left hoping to capitalize on the successes of the past, Slaughter High was just one of many. It has remained on the lips of slasher fans, though. You go through that check list, eventually a mark goes next to Slaughter High.

• I had forgotten how cruel the film is to Marty (Simon Scuddamore), the teenage "nerd" (he was almost thirty when he acted in this!). The teens who torment Marty might not have meant for the horror that eventually befalls the poor guy to happen exactly as it does, but they sure had their fair share of responsibility in it. The acid to the face and when he touches that hot pipe...Jeebuz!

• Asking us to believe the cast is a bunch of teenage cutups is requesting us to swallow a lot, but the opening sequence is primarily about fifteen or so minutes. After that, it is like ten years later. 

• One thing I noticed was that composer Harry Manfredini just can't summon up a score that doesn't cry out fucking "Friday the 13th". But the high school, all in ruins and abandoned, is my kind of setting for a slasher / horror show.

• Having a location like the old high school, left to collect dust and rats, is all dark and filthy, halls that make turns into other halls, rooms which are empty and black, perfect for anyone to leap out from them. Not only can you scare somebody but kill their ass, too. As Marty in his awesome court jester mask does.

• You know I noticed that even pieces of music from House (1986) makes its way into Slaughter High.

• There is a lot of full frontal nudity here. Marty is the victim as his naked body, that schlong wagging, is exposed to the April Fools Day pranksters. The nasty acid bath has the female victim has her fully exposed bush right out there as her cries from the agony of what her flesh is experiencing with all the burn exploits Marty's handiwork.