4.7/10
1,047
49 user 56 critic

Don't Answer the Phone! (1980)

A deeply disturbed Vietnam veteran terrorizes the young women of Los Angeles and taunts a radio psychologist with descriptions of his grisly crimes.

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Writers:

(screenplay), (screenplay) | 1 more credit »
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1 win. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
Lt. Chris McCabe
Ben Frank ...
Sgt. Hatcher
...
Dr. Lindsay Gale (as Flo Gerrish)
...
Kirk Smith
...
Lisa
Stan Haze ...
Adkins
Gary Allen ...
John Feldon
Michael D. Castle ...
Lab Man (as Michael Castle)
Pamela Jean Bryant ...
Sue Ellen (as Pamela Bryant)
Ted Chapman ...
Man in Bar
Chris Wallace ...
Psychic Von Hammensveld
Dale Kalberg ...
Nurse
Deborah Leah Land ...
Police Woman
Tom Lasswell ...
Police Psychiatrist
Mike Levine ...
Gary Markov
Edit

Storyline

A deeply disturbed photographer and Vietnam veteran, named Kirk Smith, terrorizes Los Angeles by going around strangling lingerie-clad young women in their homes while taunting Lindsay Gale, a young psychologist, by calling her on a radio call-in show to describe his sexual hang-ups and misogynistic ways, while a local police detective, Lt. McCable, is always two steps behind in trying to catch the psycho. Written by matt-282

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

RUN - if you must. HIDE - if you can. SCREAM but ... ... He'll Know You're Alone! See more »


Certificate:

R | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

29 February 1980 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

The Hollywood Strangler  »

Filming Locations:


Company Credits

Production Co:

 »
Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

| (DVD)

Sound Mix:

Color:

(Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

All the shots of the killer on the prowl on the streets of Los Angeles were filmed without permits. See more »

Goofs

The first blonde victim can clearly be seen to breathe after being strangled. See more »

Quotes

Sam Gluckman: I want you to know something, officer. I wouldn't print anything like this. I mean really... candles stuck in all her privates? That's just sick.
See more »

Connections

References Black Christmas (1974) See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

DVD was cut
16 August 2001 | by See all my reviews

Don't buy the DVD. It has been heavily cut. If you have previously seen this movie, the DVD will seriously disappoint you. Check your local video store for the original VHS tape if you want to your own copy of this film.

If you haven't seen this movie, rent it. It only appeals to a small group. It is standard fare of the late 70s to early 80's horror movies. Mindless killer terrorizes town (Hollywood). Police can't buy a clue.


21 of 27 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

Message Boards

Recent Posts
Good 'n bad! Sro100
Book the film was based on rachaela
Not that bad. Ripe for a re-make SE7EN/Silence of the Lambs style TheScreenWatcher
This movie? big50701
Scorpion Releasing DVD poefan
Alex Jones would be awesome as Kirk Smith in a remake GreenGoatGhost
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