StageFright (1987)

A group of stage actors lock themselves in the theater for a rehearsal of their upcoming musical production, unaware that an escaped psychopath has sneaked into the theater with them.

Director:

Michele Soavi (as Michael Soavi)

Writers:

George Eastman (as Lew Cooper), Sheila Goldberg (dialogue)

Stars:

David Brandon, Barbara Cupisti, Domenico Fiore

2 wins.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
David Brandon	...	Peter
Barbara Cupisti	...	Alicia
Domenico Fiore	...	Police Chief (as Don Fiore)
Robert Gligorov	...	Danny
Mickey Knox	...	Old Cop
Giovanni Lombardo Radice	...	Brett (as John Morghen)
Clain Parker	...	Irving Wallace
Loredana Parrella	...	Corinne (as Lori Parrel)
Martin Philips	...	Mark
James Sampson	...	Willy (as James E.R. Sampson)
Ulrike Schwerk	...	Betty
Mary Sellers	...	Laurel
Jo Ann Smith	...	Sybil (as Jo Anne Smith)
Piero Vida	...	Ferrari
Richard Barkeley	...	Dr. Porter

Storyline

A troupe of struggling stage actors is rehearsing for a small-town production of a play. Everything seems to be as it should until one of the cast members turns up dead. In a panic, the others try to get out, only to find they are now locked in the theater with the killer! Which one of them committed the murder, and who will get out alive?

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Plot Keywords:

cult film | backstage | theatre | mask | owl mask | 

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Taglines:

The theatre of death

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Genres:

Horror | Thriller

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Certificate:

Unrated

Details

Country:

Italy

Language:

English Italian

Release Date:

21 August 1987 (Italy)

Also Known As:

StageFright

Filming Locations:

Italy

Box Office

Budget:

$1,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

DMV Distribuzione,Filmirage

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Co-writer Sheila Goldberg plays the nurse that tries to turn Betty and Alicia away at the psych ward.

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Goofs

In the scene where the girl is cut in half, it is later revealed she was cut in half by a chainsaw. However, as this was happening, there wasn't single noise coming from the chainsaw.

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Quotes

Peter: There are some people who like to fondle the dancers' asses surreptitiously backstage, and some people who like to see the aforementioned asses displayed in the blaze of the spotlight on the stage.

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Alternate Versions

The Australian VHS release of StageFright as it's called, has a few shots cut for it to be released, otherwise, it would have been banned. The shots cut are:

• Under shot of Brett with the Driller through his chest is cut
• Close up of the drill with loads of blood is cut
• Wide shot of Danny pulling up Cybil with the intestines showing is cut
• Close up of chainsaw cutting through Danny's chest
• Irving sawing off Peter's arm remains for a few seconds but copious bleeding from the severed arm is cut
• 2nd shot of Peters head rolling is cut

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Connections

References Antropophagus (1980)

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Soundtracks

Mystery Rouge
Performed by Mia

User Reviews

A simply outstanding horror film!

Four films might be too little to judge, but I think Michele Soavi is the best Italian horror director since Mario Bava. Regarding several aspects, his visions and attitude surpass those of praised directors like Lamberto Bava, Umberto Lenzi and even Dario Argento. Stagefright has got a simple plot (much simpler that those in Soavi's later movies) but that makes it all the more accessible and enjoyable. The plot involves an escaped lunatic who stumbles into a theater where a group is rehearsing an artistic play. The mentally weak man, unable to separate reality from his own demented imagination, considers himself to be at home and violently begins to annihilate cast and crew. Even though the premise is perfect for sinking low in gore slashing, Soavi prefers to focus on creating tense situations and making you feel one with the characters and – as a result of this – petrified as well. The stylishly filmed sets and efficient scenery makes it feel like you're watching a more sophisticated version of Bava's "Demons". This is exactly what makes him such a brilliant director! Give him little and he still manages to deliver a fully equipped horror film. Call me nuts, but I think there are directors who actually have the talent to make violence look like art…and Soavi definitely is one of them. Stagefright has a terrific musical score and a few familiar faces in the cast. Most memorable appearance unquestionably is made by Giovanni Lombardo Radice. This Italian cult actor appears in multiple gore highlights and practically always comes to a horrible end… Stagefright comes with the highest possible recommendation. In case you dug this film, you're ready for Soavi's "the Sect" and "Dellamorte Dellamore".