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The Burning (1981)

The Burning (1981)
Member Rating:  
Apart from early appearances by Jason Alexander and Holly Hunter, an interesting score by Rick Wakeman, and some typically effective work by effects icon Tom Savini, this slasher film is also among the more frightening of its kind. The plot concerns a summer-camp caretaker named Cropsy (Lou David) who is horribly burned by mischievous teen campers during a botched practical joke. Years later, he leaves the hospital as a disfigured gloppy mess with an axe (actually, hedgeclippers) to grind. After dispatching a local prostitute, Cropsy heads out to the wilderness to terrorize a group of campers. They're the usual bunch of horny, obnoxious teenagers, but there are some interesting performances by Larry Joshua as a mean-spirited bully and Brian Backer (of Fast Times at Ridgemont High) as a put-upon nerd. The campers visit an island and, in a scene heavily cut by the ratings board prior to release, several of them die in a horrifying mass slaughter aboard a boat. The remaining teens are brutally picked off one by one until Cropsy is finally defeated. ~ Robert Firsching, Rovi

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Starring:
Brian MatthewsLeah Ayres, (more)
Director(s):
Tony Maylam
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of The Burning

Apart from early appearances by Jason Alexander and Holly Hunter, an interesting score by Rick Wakeman, and some typically effective work by effects icon Tom Savini, this slasher film is also among the more frightening of its kind. The plot concerns a summer-camp caretaker named Cropsy (Lou David) who is horribly burned by mischievous teen campers during a botched practical joke. Years later, he leaves the hospital as a disfigured gloppy mess with an axe (actually, hedgeclippers) to grind. After dispatching a local prostitute, Cropsy heads out to the wilderness to terrorize a group of campers. They're the usual bunch of horny, obnoxious teenagers, but there are some interesting performances by Larry Joshua as a mean-spirited bully and Brian Backer (of Fast Times at Ridgemont High) as a put-upon nerd. The campers visit an island and, in a scene heavily cut by the ratings board prior to release, several of them die in a horrifying mass slaughter aboard a boat. The remaining teens are brutally picked off one by one until Cropsy is finally defeated. ~ Robert Firsching, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
91 mins

Complete Cast of The Burning


Director(s):
Tony Maylam
Writer(s):
David RabePeter LawrenceBob Weinstein
Producer(s):
Harvey Weinstein
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Graphic Violence, Adult Situations, Adult Language, Nudity, Not For Children)
Categories:
Horror
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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Member Reviews
 
Jason B.

This is a very good example of an 80's slasher movie done right. Savini fans will rejoice at the effects he invented for this film. It was nice to see a movie that takes the time to build up some realistic, likable characters... and them mow them down. You will never look at garden shears the same again. If you like 80's slashers and missed this one, get ready 'cause Cropsy is coming.

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Aaron B.

A real gem! This is the quintessential horror film for fans who have seen all the similar mainstream scary movies. In the same fashion of Friday the 13th, Black Christmas (the original), and Halloween, the Burning will not disappoint. Highly recommended

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James S.

The Burning is about THE BEST slasher you will get from the early 80s. It may have borrowed ideas from Friday 13th but guess what? It executes them MUCH BETTER! The kills are great, The camera doesnt cut away so you cant see them, theres full frontal nudity, this gem has it all..plus Tom Savini's SFX! Also, I believe Nightmare on Elm Street borrowed from this one!

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