Performing Arts

Texas Chain Saw Massacre Not Just A Halloween Costume}

Texas Chain Saw Massacre Not Just A Halloween Costume

by

parrott trap

Texas Chainsaw Massacre

One of the most lucrative low-budget films of all-time, which also became a money-making franchise, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre was a 1974 film directed, co-produced and co-written by unknown young Texas native Tobe Hooper. Hooper reportedly got the idea for the film while waiting impatiently in the hardware section of a busy store and noticing a chainsaw display nearby. From this “offhand” idea sprang a series of sequels, comic books, video games and Halloween costumes.Operating on a budget of under $300,000, Hooper cast his film with virtual unknown fellow Texans, primarily college students and fledgling actors. Filmed in central Texas, Texas Chainsaw Massacre was a “rush” job, hurrying to try and reduce rental costs for the equipment. The crew worked between 12 to 16 hours, seven days a week in sweltering temperatures in excess of 100 degrees. Filming turned out to be the easiest part of the project: Due to the excessive violence and blood, Hooper found it difficult to convince distributors to take on the film. Eventually, the distribution rights were purchased by Bryanston Pictures and was released in October, 1974. The film immediately became a source of controversy and was blasted by critics. It was pulled from several theaters after viewer complaints, which ironically only served to create more interest. Subsequently, the film grossed over $30 million in the U.S. alone, which was a record (at the time) for an independent film. Hooper’s opening disclaimer, hinting that the film was based on “true events”, turned out to be a bit of “artistic license” which also increased “buzz” surrounding the fictitious movie.”Starring” Marilyn Burns and Paul A. Partain as a brother-sister who visit their grandfather’s grave in a cemetary where reportedly vandalism and other unspeakable occurrences have taken place, the pair recruit three friends to make the journey with them. Seeking gasoline, the sister and one of the friends approach an old house only to be confronted by “Leatherface”, who slaughters them and the mayhem begins.Three sequels have been produced: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2, Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III, and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation. A remake of the same title was released in 2003. None of the later productions enjoyed the success of the original, however.One of the more profitable branches of the “Chainsaw” phenomenon turned out to be Halloween outfits. The Leatherface mask became one of the most popular Halloween outfits of 1975, and variations of Halloween costumes involving “chainsaws” have subsequently been big-sellers. Other costumes related to the film include the “axe-in-the-head” and the “slashed-throat” costumes for Halloween. Traditionally, current events and films dominate the costumes for Halloween industry, but the Texas Chainsaw Massacre has proven to be an annual favorite among the buying public

Classic

Halloween Outfits

can be worn at a variety of Parties. The biggest Fancy dress parties are at Halloween. So why not make it a special fun or scary with a

Halloween Costumes

Party and have everyone laughing or on the edge of there seat the choice is yours,

Fancy Dress

is The Fun Way

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Texas Chain Saw Massacre Not Just A Halloween Costume}