Cast
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Leslie Nielsen
as Mr. Hammond
Jamie Lee Curtis
as Kimberly Hammond
Casey Stevens
as Nick McBride
Anne-Marie Martin
as Wendy Richards
Antoinette Bower
as Mrs. Hammond
Michael Tough
as Alex Hammond
Robert A. Silverman
as Mr. Sykes
Pita Oliver
as Vicki
David Mucci
as Lou Farmer
Jeff Wincott
as Drew Shinnick
Mary Beth Rubens
as Kelly Lynch
George Touliatos
as Lt. McBride
Melanie Morse MacQuarrie
as Henri-Anne
David Gardner
as Dr. Fairchild
Joy Thompson
as Jude Cunningham
Crew
Director
- Paul Lynch
Producer
- Peter R. Simpson
Reviews
Wuchak
***Quality slasher from 1980 with Jamie Lee Curtis***
Six years after a girl is accidently killed near Lake Erie in the Cleveland area, each of the offenders gets picked off on prom night by an unknown killer. Leslie Nielsen plays the principal of the school and father of the girl who died.
“Prom Night” (1980) combines elements of “Carrie” (1976), “Halloween” (1978) and “Saturday Night Fever” (1977). It contains the prom set-up & conniving students of the first one, the slasher killer & Jamie Lee Curtis of the second and the disco dancing of the third. The emphasis of a group of teens in high school is reminiscent of the later “Christine” (1983). The movie debuted 2.5 months after “Friday the 13th” and less than 21 months after “Halloween.”
While it’s the least of these as far as polished filmmaking goes, it’s not far off and scores better on the female front than all of them except “Friday the 13th.” It’s basically a coming-of-age flick focusing on high school in the Great Lakes region with the threat of a masked assailant. There are no less than four possible suspects and I was unable to guess the slayer.
The film runs 1 hour, 32 minutes and was shot in the Toronto area (Richmond Hill, St. James Cemetery, Scarborough Bluffs and Don Mills Collegiate Institute).
GRADE: B-
Nov 4, 2018
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Mystery/Thriller film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Prom Night presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Paul Lynch brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1980, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Prom Night took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $1.5 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 93 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 119 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 127 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1980, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Prom Night shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike 23rd Street, which focuses more on action than character development, Prom Night offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Ex and Cover Up explore similar territory, Prom Night stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 18, 1980
- Runtime: 1h 33m
- Budget: $1,500,000
- Revenue: $14,796,236
Where to Watch
