‘Tis the season, readers, for holiday horror. Coming tomorrow: The 13 Days of Christmas! Get ready for gifts gone awry, holidays from Hell and a surprising number of murderous Santas. Why, Santa, why???
Until then, here are a couple sleazy new releases from the 80s (including a festive slasher and some giallo) to keep the gorehounds busy.
Don’t Open Till Christmas
A killer is loose in London and his sights are set on one target, Santa Claus, dozens of them. Jolly old Saint Nick is stabbed, beaten and electrocuted in department stores, at parties and even on crowded street corners. What sort of twisted mind is behind these barbarous acts of violence? Scotland Yard is on the trail, but every clue points in a different direction. As panic settles over the snow bound city, the body count mounts. Fourteen dead – and only three killing days left until Christmas.
British actor Edmund Purdom (Pieces) directs and stars in this 1984 Christmas splatter classic. A remastered and uncut edition from Mondo Macabro is available today.
Murder Obsession
Michael is a successful actor, but he has a scandal in his past: at a tender age he knifed his father to death. He and his girlfriend Deborah go to his mother’s for the weekend, and are joined by the director and others from a recent film project, who are given a rather cool reception by the superstitious housekeeper Oliver. Soon rude things begin happening to some of the guests, and Michael fears a repeat of his nightmare past is in progress.
Ricardo Freda’s 1981 giallo (aka Murder Syndrome, Follia Omicida) was his last directorial effort. Looks a bit silly, but American fans of the sub-genre will appreciate having a chance to check out this film thanks to Raro Video USA.
Final Girl Support Group 
