Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)

Synopsis

Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984) is a slasher film directed by Charles E. Sellier Jr. The movie follows the story of Billy, a young boy who witnesses his parents’ murder by a man dressed as Santa Claus. After the traumatic event, Billy is sent to an abusive Catholic orphanage where he is further traumatized by the nuns. As an adult, Billy gets a job at a toy store and is forced to dress up as Santa Claus. The Christmas holiday triggers a psychological breakdown in Billy, and he goes on a killing spree, donning a Santa suit.

The movie Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984) is known for its controversial content, which led to protests and boycotts upon its release. The film’s advertising campaign, which featured a killer Santa Claus, was considered offensive by many people, including parents and religious groups. Despite the controversy, the movie became a cult classic and spawned several sequels.

Cast

Robert Brian Wilson as Billy – at 18
Lilyan Chauvin as Mother Superior
Gilmer McCormick as Sister Margaret
Toni Nero as Pamela
Britt Leach as Mr. Sims

Trivia

The movie Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984) was released on November 9, 1984, and was directed by Charles E. Sellier Jr. The film’s screenplay was written by Michael Hickey, and the story was by Paul Caimi. The movie was produced by Ira Richard Barmak, Scott J. Schneid, and Dennis Whitehead. The cinematography was by Henning Schellerup, and the music was by Perry Botkin. The film was edited by Michael Spence.

The movie’s advertising campaign was considered controversial and offensive by many people, including parents and religious groups. The film’s distributor, TriStar Pictures, received numerous complaints and protests, which led to the movie’s withdrawal from theaters after only two weeks. The controversy surrounding the film helped to generate interest in it, and it eventually became a cult classic.