Today In Movie History
 

October 18, 1974

The original Texas Chainsaw Massacre, based loosely on Ed Gein's story and originally titled "Headcheese," opens in theatres. One critic describes the film as "a vile piece of sick crap," containing "unrelenting sadistic violence as extreme and hideous as a complete lack of imagination can possibly make it." The movie is later banned in Germany and the UK.

I want to get the new special edition DVD of the original TCM. I've seen all the sequels and the remake, though I haven't bothered with the remake prequel. Only the first has much of a place in my heart. It's not only a hellacious ride, but it's an early career peak for Tobe Hooper, who has since made slicker films but never better.