Curtains (1983)

48% of users liked it
(425 ratings)

This derivative Canadian thriller plays like a distaff version of Samuel Fuller's cult classic Shock Corridor fused rather crudely to a standard mad-slasher plot. The story takes place primarily at the country villa of a sleazy horror film director (scenery-chomping John Vernon), where auditions for… More This derivative Canadian thriller plays like a distaff version of Samuel Fuller's cult classic Shock Corridor fused rather crudely to a standard mad-slasher plot. The story takes place primarily at the country villa of a sleazy horror film director (scenery-chomping John Vernon), where auditions for the title role of his new film Audra are taking place. The casting session is called after the film's intended star had herself committed to an asylum in order to properly research her Frances Farmer-type role, then found herself unable to get out. It comes as little surprise, then, that the six actresses vying for the plum role in her absence are not long for this world, as a witch-masked marauder is wandering the premises with some well-honed implements. This film's surprisingly stylish look is probably due to the initial direction of acclaimed cinematographer Richard Ciupka, but the film was actually completed by a pseudonymous replacement. (The credited director, "Jonathan Stryker," is actually the name of Vernon's character.) ~ Cavett Binion, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 30 min.
Directed By: Richard Ciupka
Genres: Drama, Horror, Mystery & Suspense

In Theaters: Mar 4, 1983 Wide
On DVD: Apr 10, 1987
Studio: Jensen Farley Pictures

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Featured Audience Ratings

A.D. V

Wildly uneven 80's slasher with huge gaps in both logic and plot. The mask and the toilet scene however are to be commended.
Lafe F

A superb 80's Canadian horror movie! It begins with a famous but insane movie director Jonathan Stryker (John Vernon) locking his lovely actress wife in a mental hospital with the understanding she's studying for the role of a mad-woman; but he doesn't let her be… More
A superb 80's Canadian horror movie! It begins with a famous but insane movie director Jonathan Stryker (John Vernon) locking his lovely actress wife in a mental hospital with the understanding she's studying for the role of a mad-woman; but he doesn't let her be released! Years later, John Stryker holds a very special audition event at his secluded country estate, by invitation only, to six beautiful actresses, for the role which his now-insane wife was to play. Each of the girls are killed one by one by a frightening killer wearing the mask of an old woman. My favorite scene was on the outdoor ice rink, with one of the girls skating to Burton Cummings' song and savagely slashed by the freaky killer. I liked all the imagery with the dolls they used. Underrated horror film. I hope it comes to region 1 DVD soon.
John M

Decent film with a somewhat cool killer, atmosphere, music, and the storyline that make it worth watching. .