A few dangerous and delusional mental patients break out of a mental asylum during a power blackout, and lay siege to their new doctor's house, who, they believe, killed their previous docto... Read allA few dangerous and delusional mental patients break out of a mental asylum during a power blackout, and lay siege to their new doctor's house, who, they believe, killed their previous doctor.A few dangerous and delusional mental patients break out of a mental asylum during a power blackout, and lay siege to their new doctor's house, who, they believe, killed their previous doctor.
- Awards
- 1 win
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaOne of the members of The Sick F*cks ran into star Jack Palance years later in the streets of New York. He said to Palance that he was one of The Sick F*cks in the film and Palance replied 'we were all sick fucks in that movie.'
- Quotes
Frank Hawkes: Preacher likes to set fire to churches, that's his trip. Unfortunately he does it when there are people inside.
- Alternate versionsAlthough the UK cinema version was intact the 1987 Rank video was cut by 15 secs by the BBFC with edits to a scene where a babysitter is threatened by knife thrusts while kneeling on a bed.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Terror in the Aisles (1984)
- SoundtracksChop Up Your Mother
Written and Performed by The Sic Fucks
Produced by Andy Shernoff (as Adny Shernoff)
Featured review
One of the sharpest slasher films around, no pun intended.
The debut film of B movie director Jack Sholder, and one of the first films from New Line Cinema, is this highly entertaining and strikingly intelligent little thriller.
When the power fails in a New Jersey community, four murderously insane men walk out of a mental facility and head for the home of their new doctor!
Although it was lost among the numerous slasher films of the early 80's, Alone in the Dark is one of the smartest killer thrillers of the genre. Sholder delivers an above-average story all the way. He has one especially bizarre opening sequence, then follows with a plot that grows more intense through out. The film builds to a great claustrophobic climax, and then a memorable (and some what humorous) conclusion. The story packs some solid suspense, heated violence, and the occasional good jolt. One thing that really sets this tale above that of the average slasher flick is the fact that the films characters are believably well-rounded and even quirky at times. Yet another unique element of this story is the fact that it has a splendid kind of dark humor toward the idea of 'mental health'. It's almost a satire on the subject. Sholder's direction is quite good, giving some tight action sequences and well-timed shocks. Also good is the unique music score of Renato Serio.
Another thing that sets this film above the norm is the wonderful cast which includes a number of veteran actors. Jack Palance is excellent in his role as the leader of the crazed villains. Donald Pleasence is a welcomed trip as a 'different' kind of psychologist. Martin Landau makes for a perfectly creepy madman. The supporting cast, namely Dwight Schultz, are great as well.
Alone in the Dark is an outstanding slasher-thriller. For those seeking a slasher movie with a brain, it's a perfect choice.
*** 1/2 out of ****
When the power fails in a New Jersey community, four murderously insane men walk out of a mental facility and head for the home of their new doctor!
Although it was lost among the numerous slasher films of the early 80's, Alone in the Dark is one of the smartest killer thrillers of the genre. Sholder delivers an above-average story all the way. He has one especially bizarre opening sequence, then follows with a plot that grows more intense through out. The film builds to a great claustrophobic climax, and then a memorable (and some what humorous) conclusion. The story packs some solid suspense, heated violence, and the occasional good jolt. One thing that really sets this tale above that of the average slasher flick is the fact that the films characters are believably well-rounded and even quirky at times. Yet another unique element of this story is the fact that it has a splendid kind of dark humor toward the idea of 'mental health'. It's almost a satire on the subject. Sholder's direction is quite good, giving some tight action sequences and well-timed shocks. Also good is the unique music score of Renato Serio.
Another thing that sets this film above the norm is the wonderful cast which includes a number of veteran actors. Jack Palance is excellent in his role as the leader of the crazed villains. Donald Pleasence is a welcomed trip as a 'different' kind of psychologist. Martin Landau makes for a perfectly creepy madman. The supporting cast, namely Dwight Schultz, are great as well.
Alone in the Dark is an outstanding slasher-thriller. For those seeking a slasher movie with a brain, it's a perfect choice.
*** 1/2 out of ****
helpful•337
- Nightman85
- Sep 23, 2005
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Details
Box office
- Budget
- $1,000,000 (estimated)
- Runtime1 hour 32 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
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