Cast
View AllBarbara Wyler
as Woman at Window (segment "The Night Train")
Jamie Scoggin
as Man at Window (segment "The Night Train")
Stacey Lyons
as Dancer (segment "The Night Train")
Linda Maderas
as Dancer (segment "The Night Train")
Melanie Montilla
as Dancer (segment "The Night Train")
Chantel Morogeus
as Dancer (segment "The Night Train")
Byron Yordan
as Rock Singer / Breakdancer (segment "The Night Train")
Richard Sanford
as Bass (segment "The Night Train")
Lori Bell
as Drums (segment "The Night Train")
Marlie Clark
as Guitar (segment "The Night Train")
Rick Arbuckle
as Sax (segment "The Night Train")
Angela Nicoletti
as Singing Girl (segment "The Night Train")
Dina Lee Russo
as Singing Girl (segment "The Night Train")
Earl Washington
as Night Porter (segment "The Night Train")
Gabriel Whitehouse
as Conductor (segment "The Night Train")
Crew
Director
- Tom McGowan
- Jay Schlossberg-Cohen
- Phillip Marshak
- Gregg Tallas
- John Carr
Writer
- Philip Yordan
Producer
- Jay Schlossberg-Cohen
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Night Train to Terror presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Tom McGowan 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 1985, 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 Night Train to Terror took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 98 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 135 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1611 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1985, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Night Train to Terror shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Urban Myths, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Night Train to Terror subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Dean of the Dead Presents: Holiday Horrors and ПРЕДАТЕЛСТВО explore similar territory, Night Train to Terror stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
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: May 1, 1985
- Runtime: 1h 38m
Where to Watch
