My Bloody Valentine (1981)

A decades-old folk tale surrounding a deranged murderer killing those who celebrate Valentine's Day turns out to be true to legend when a group defies the killer's order and people start turning up dead.

Director:

George Mihalka

Writers:

Stephen A. Miller (story concept) (as Stephen Miller), John Beaird

Stars:

Paul Kelman, Lori Hallier, Neil Affleck

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Paul Kelman	...	T.J.
Lori Hallier	...	Sarah
Neil Affleck	...	Axel
Keith Knight	...	Hollis
Alf Humphreys	...	Howard
Cynthia Dale	...	Patty
Helene Udy	...	Sylvia
Rob Stein	...	John
Thomas Kovacs	...	Mike (as Tom Kovacs)
Terry Waterland	...	Harriet
Carl Marotte	...	Dave
Jim Murchison	...	Tommy
Gina Dick	...	Gretchen
Peter Cowper	...	The Miner & Harry Warden
Don Francks	...	Chief Newby

Storyline

Valentine's Day is coming around and the young people of the small mining town of Valentine's BLuffs are organising a party. A few decades earlier an explosion at the mine trapped six miners underground. One, Harry Warden, survived, though in a deranged state. Warden is sent to a mental hospital but escapes and murders those he deems responsible for the mine accident. Now people are being brutally murdered again, and the townsfolk suspect that it is the work of Harry Warden.

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Plot Keywords:

canuxploitation | heart ripped out | love triangle | decapitation | psychopathic killer | 

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Taglines:

Valentine's Day will never be the same again...

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Genres:

Horror | Mystery | Thriller

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 February 1981 (USA)

Also Known As:

Blutiger Valentinstag

Filming Locations:

Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

CAD 2,300,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$5,672,031

Company Credits

Production Co:

Canadian Film Development Corporation (CFDC), Famous Players, Secret Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min 93 min (director's cut)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

According to makeup effects artist Thomas R. Burman, one of his gory creations was realistic enough that director George Mihalka threw up at the sight of it.

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Goofs

The passenger side mirror on TJ's car is askew when Sarah gets into the car. The mirror is fine once again as they drive off.

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Quotes

[Mike brings Harriet to his room in the coal mine]
Mike: How do you like my pad, huh?
Harriet: It's okay. I can't believe you work here.
Mike: Yep.

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Crazy Credits

At the beginning of the rolling credits, you will hear the evil-doer miner (Harry Warden) laugh.

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Alternate Versions

Michael's and Harriet's death was originally on screen. The killer enters and shoves a drill bit into his back. The "R" rated version only shows the killer entering and the aftermath later.

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Connections

Featured in Dead Meat: My Bloody Valentine (1981) (2018)

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Soundtracks

Home Along the Highway
Written by Lee Bach
Performed by Lee Bach

User Reviews

The Deer Hunter of 80's slashers

This early 80's horror flick is one of the best of the slasher genre. It has a great setting in a small Canadian mining town - which has it's streets and buildings drenched with red and pink valentine decorations - which is a surreal contrast to the cold and sombre setting that foreshadows the real pumpers that eventually pop up in crimson heart shaped candy boxes.

The scenes filmed in an actual mine - where the protagonists are trapped with the killer lurking around with a sharpened pickaxe - are expertly filmed with plenty of style and a menacing atmosphere. The acting is decent and although some of the characters act like jerks they are likable and human enough for the viewer to care about them. They are all working class stiffs and just want a good time and relief from the reality of their everyday situation. You want them to have their valentine party that has been denied them for obvious reasons.

Notorious for being one of the most censored films by the MPAA at the time of release to avoid an 'X' rating, it is now available in an uncut form on Lionsgate DVD. The death scenes are much more detailed and graphic, but either version is worth watching for the flourish that the director and his cast and crew have imbued into this little horror gem.