Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)

Ten years after his original massacre, the invalid Michael Myers awakens on Halloween Eve and returns to Haddonfield to kill his seven-year-old niece. Can Dr. Loomis stop him?

Director:

Dwight H. Little

Writers:

Dhani Lipsius (story), Larry Rattner (story)

Stars:

Donald Pleasence, Ellie Cornell, Danielle Harris

1 win & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Donald Pleasence	...	Dr. Sam Loomis
Ellie Cornell	...	Rachel Carruthers
Danielle Harris	...	Jamie Lloyd
George P. Wilbur	...	Michael Myers
Michael Pataki	...	Dr. Hoffman
Beau Starr	...	Sheriff Ben Meeker
Kathleen Kinmont	...	Kelly Meeker
Sasha Jenson	...	Brady
Gene Ross	...	Earl
Carmen Filpi	...	Rev. Jackson P. Sayer
Raymond O'Connor	...	Security Guard
Jeff Olson	...	Richard Carruthers
Karen Alston	...	Darlene Carruthers
Nancy Borgenicht	...	Woman Attendant
David Jensen	...	Man Attendant

Storyline

It's October 30, 1988 and Michael Myers has been in a coma since his pursuit of Laurie Strode, 10 years ago, was finally stopped (events of H1 and H2). However when he is transfered from Richmond Mental Institute to Smith's Grove he awakes when he hears that he has a niece in Haddonfield and after killing the transfer crew he escapes. In Haddonfield, the niece, Jamie, has been adopted by the Carruthers family but keeps having nightmares about Michael (but she doesn't know who he is). On Halloween night, Jamie goes out trick and treating, little knowing that her murdering Uncle is following her and her step-sister Rachel. Rushing to her aid is Dr. Loomis and with the help of Sheriff Meeker starts to search the town for Michael and to find Jamie to protect her. But can anything stop Michael this time?

---

Plot Keywords:

teenager | fourth part | gore | slasher | sequel | 

---

Taglines:

Ten years ago, on the night of October 31st, a small Midwestern town fell victim to an escaped killer. Under the cover of darkness, he carried out the most horrifying mass murder on record. Sixteen people, in cold blood! Ever since that night, no one has forgotten his name... and Halloween has never been the same. Now, Michael Myers has come home. He has returned for one more night of unholy TERROR!

---

Genres:

Horror | Thriller

---

Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

Danielle Harris revealed in 25 Years of Terror, when her character runs through the neighborhood screaming for help someone legitimately called the cops, "I was banging on doors, yelling for someone to help me, help me, after I got lost trick or treating or something. So, 4 o'clock in the morning, they're hearing a little screaming up the streets, and someone called the cops. The cops came. Then the story ended up in The Inquirer that I was almost kidnapped off of the set."

---

Goofs

Right after Michael throws Bucky, the electrical engineer, Bucky's false mustache starts falling off as he hits the cables.

---

Quotes

Dr. Loomis: Maybe nobody knows how to stop him. But I've gotta try.

---

Alternate Versions

Swedish version is heavily cut.

---

Connections

References E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

---

Soundtracks

Shall We Gather at the River?
(uncredited)
Written by Robert Lowry and Charles Ives
Sung by Carmen Filpi

User Reviews

Finally, the shape IS back!!!

The fourth movie of the Halloween series sees the return of Michael Myers and Dr. Loomis. Surprisingly, considering what happened to both of the them at the end of Halloween 2. But, it seems that they brought back Michael Myers for three reasons. First, it is 1980's and it's all about the horror sequels baby!!! Just like Friday the 13th, Amityville, Psycho, Howling, and Nightmare, Halloween couldn't resist the fun. Second, it was the 10 year anniversary of Halloween, so they had to honor Myers by bringing him back again, just like the 20th anniversary for H20. I guess will also see the 25th and 30th anniversary of Halloween with Myers escaping the nursing home on Halloween for these sequels. Finally, they brought him back because of the utter disappointment of Halloween 3, which shouldn't have ever been made. But after these reasons, it isn't that bad a sequel. Good for a late 80's horror movie. ** out of ****

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Trancas International Films

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

21 October 1988 (USA)

Also Known As:

Halloween 4

Filming Locations:

Utah, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$5,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$6,831,250, 23 October 1988

Gross USA:

$17,768,757

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$17,768,757

Company Credits

Production Co:

Trancas International Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

88 min

Sound Mix:

Ultra Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1