The Hills Have Eyes (1977)

On the way to California, a family has the misfortune to have their car break down in an area closed to the public, and inhabited by violent savages ready to attack.

Director:

Wes Craven

Writer:

Wes Craven

Stars:

John Steadman, Janus Blythe, Suze Lanier-Bramlett

1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Steadman	...	Fred
Janus Blythe	...	Ruby
Peter Locke	...	Mercury (as Arthur King)
Russ Grieve	...	Big Bob Carter
Virginia Vincent	...	Ethel Carter
Suze Lanier-Bramlett	...	Brenda Carter (as Susan Lanier)
Dee Wallace	...	Lynne Wood
Brenda Marinoff	...	Katy
Robert Houston	...	Bobby Carter
Martin Speer	...	Doug Wood
James Whitworth	...	Jupiter
Michael Berryman	...	Pluto
Lance Gordon	...	Mars
Cordy Clark	...	Mama
Flora	...	Beauty

Storyline

A family going to California accidentally goes through an Air Testing range closed to the public. They crash and are stranded in a desert. They are being stalked by a group of people, which have not emerged into modern times.

---

Plot Keywords:

desert | gas station | cannibal | map | claim in title | 

---

Taglines:

A nice American family. They didn't want to kill. But they didn't want to die.

---

Genres:

Horror

---

Certificate:

X

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 July 1977 (USA)

Also Known As:

Wes Craven's The Hills Have Eyes

Filming Locations:

Apple Valley, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$230,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Blood Relations Co.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

89 min 86 min (cut)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Star Michael Berryman said he was once watching the film in a theater when a woman in front of him said aloud 'this movie is sick and depraved!' Berryman then thought it would be funny to lean over her and say 'you're damn right lady this movie is sick!'

---

Goofs

Grandpa Fred rubs his fingers across a supposedly-fresh bloody hand print but it doesn't smear.

---

Quotes

Pluto: This is air force rescuewwwwww, what's up ?
Bobby Carter: We're being attacked. I don't know who. We have one gun with 2 bullets. We're sitting ducks!
Pluto: We recommend that until we can get to you, you stand on your heads, with your thumbs up.

---

Connections

Featured in Looking Back at 'The Hills Have Eyes' (2003)

User Reviews

Creepy family meets creepy family!

Wes Craven's second film is well-crafted and frightening to say the least. LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT was more realistic (almost too much), but this perfect drive-in movie leaves you wanting more. It must have been an unbearable shoot. Check out the 2-disc DVD.

A definite 7 out of 10 with Michael Berryman giving the best performance. Perfect locale in these California mountains that is scarier than the Bates Motel. Great cast with all unknowns. Dee Wallace was quite touching as the young mother and the old Grandpa Fred in the beginning was authentic to the max! Even if you're not a big horror fan, you should check this out late at night. Wes Craven has a good eye and feel for blood relations!