Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III (1990)

Director:

Jeff Burr

Writers (WGA):

Kim Henkel (characters) and
Tobe Hooper (characters) ...

Release Date:

12 January 1990 (USA)

Genre:

Horror | Thriller

Tagline:

There's Roadkill All Over Texas

Plot:

A California couple and a survivalist encounter the cannibal family.

Plot Keywords:

Gas Station | Survivalist | Shotgun | Texas | Leatherface

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Kate Hodge	...	Michelle
Ken Foree	...	Benny
Viggo Mortensen	...	Tex
R.A. Mihailoff	...	Leatherface 'Junior' Sawyer
William Butler	...	Ryan
Joe Unger	...	Tinker
Tom Everett	...	Alfredo
Miriam Byrd-Nethery	...	Mama Sawyer
Jennifer Banko	...	Leatherface's Daughter
David Cloud	...	Scott
Beth DePatie	...	Gina
Toni Hudson	...	Sara
Duane Whitaker	...	Kim
Michael Shamus Wiles	...	Checkpoint Officer
Ron Brooks	...	TV Newsman

Also Known As:

Leatherface (USA) (short title)
Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III (USA) (video box title)
TCM 3 (USA) (short title)
Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3 (USA) (new title)

Runtime:

Australia:80 min | France:75 min | Sweden:73 min | USA:81 min (R-rated version) | USA:85 min (unrated version)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Finland:(Banned) (1990) | USA:TV-14 (tv rating) | New Zealand:R18 | Australia:R | Canada:R | France:-12 | Iceland:(Banned) | Singapore:M18 | Sweden:15 | UK:18 | USA:R (edited for re-rating) | USA:X (original rating) | UK:(Banned) (1990-2003)

Company:

New Line Cinema

Trivia:

Viggo Mortensen was not the studio's first choice top play Tex. He didn't do well in the audition, and New Line hired another actor who was later fired, and the role of Tex went to Mortensen.

Goofs:

Revealing mistakes: At the climax, the chainsaw falls into a small lake/body pit and slowly begins to sink. First of all, the chainsaw's weight would have caused it to sink almost immediately, not slowly. Secondly, somehow the chainsaw continues running despite the fact that no one is giving it gas and it is partially submerged in water.

Quotes:

Tex: Whaddaya think to our little lady?
Tinker: ...Uncertain. Looks like she might get all screamy on us Eddie.
Tex: [Slams meat cleaver on table] I wish you'd call me Tex. I told you.
Tinker: Oh I'm sorry boy. Goddamit, I'm sorry... how'd you like to do us the honor of plugging that whore up?

Movie Connections:

Edited into Dead Teenager Movie (2006) (V)

Soundtrack:

Bored

"Time for dinner! "

Leatherface had the greatest trailer of all time (Leatherface meets the Lady of the Lake, remember that?). Maybe that's why nearly everyone was let down by the film itself. Most people view Leatherface as an unwelcome addition to the legacy that is the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. No, it's not as good as the original or the sequel, but what do you expect when Tobe Hooper's not on board? However, if you do not compare it to its predecessors, it stands alone as a fun flick. It's at least watchable (unlike the Matthew McConaughey "remake"). The only thing I really don't like about it is the lack of continuity. The David Schow script is great, it just leaves out some needed information. In essence, this is the first in a long line of remakes. The director, Jeff Burr, does succeed in creating tension. My heart still pounds every time when they stop to fix that flat tire. Those far-off squeaking sounds are unnerving. The cast does well also. No one has the energy of Bill Moseley (Chop Top from TCM 2), but he's a tough act to follow. What they do have is horror favorite Ken Foree. Foree is always great. I don't care whether he's in Dawn of the Dead or The Phantom of the Mall, he's great. And you must give credit to Viggo Mortensen. He's come a long way from b horror to star in the Lord of the Rings. When it comes down to it, TCM 3 is worthy of a bit more praise.