The Burning
The film opens up on Camp Blackfoot at night, where a group of male campers are getting ready to pull a prank on the mean-spirited camp caretaker, Cropsy (Lou David). One of the boys places a rotted, human skull lit with candles on Cropsy's bedroom table, then returning with the others outside to tap on the window and howl until Cropsy wakes up. When Cropsy spots the skull, he freaks out, making it land on his bed, the candles setting him on fire. As the boys look on in horror, Cropsy bursts from his cabin and down a forest hill...
While staying at St. Catherine's Hospital, Cropsy recovers from his terrible accident. Although, many skin grafts fail miserably, leaving Cropsy horribly disfigured when he's finally released five years later. Cropsy's first and unfortunate victim is a prostitute who's terrified of his appearance.
Move to Camp Stonewater, where everyone's having a fun time, except for Alfred (Brian Backer, also in Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Loser), who's constantly picked on, especially by rather-stupid Glazer (Larry Joshua), after scaring the bully's girlfriend, Sally (Carrick Glenn), in the girls' showers.
The campers then set off for a three-day canoe trip to Devil's Creek. While sitting around one night, one of the counselors, Todd (Brian Matthews), tells everyone the story of Cropsy. Although, the campers don't know how true the story is when Cropsy returns, killing one girl who they look for thoroughly the next day. The terror breaks loose when the campers become aware of the garden shears-wielding maniac, Alfred being the main witness of the carnage and possibly Cropsy's next victim...
A much-loved film by many horror buffs, but yet sadly overlooked and heavily cut by the MPAA to receive an 'R' certification in the US. Many of the actors who hit it big later on, such as Jason Alexander (TV's Seinfield and Duckman), Fisher Stevens (TV's Early Edition), and Holly Hunter (O Brother, Where Art Thou?, Copycat, The Piano), have probably removed this film from their resumés, but the fans give it the deserving attention it truly needs.
Directed by Tony Maylam and one of the earlier films from Bob and Harvey Weinstein (who both founded Miramax), the film also contains excellent gore effects by much-praised Tom Savini (also responsible for such films as Dawn of the Dead, Day of the Dead, Friday the 13th, The Prowler, Maniac, the list goes on...). Some of the graphic death scenes involve throat slashings, a multiple raft-killing scene, and more to fullfill all gore fans' needs. There are some especially tense scenes put to work within the film as well.
First available from Thorn-Emi/HBO Video, The Burning was heavily cut, but is now available through Amazon.com in a version featuring longer death scenes. It's also been reissued in the UK with a VHS and DVD re-release, and is available in various, other incarnations. Just like Friday the 13th, the brutal nature dipicted within the murder sequences left profound and mixed impressions in many (esp. with the MPAA), but the film has gone pretty much unnoticed by critics today.
Of course you'll hear about the film and think it's another one of the countless Friday the 13th clones, but be aware that it is also a thrilling '80s camp slasher that delivers, along with its shocking climax and pretty surprising plot twist. Those who are easily offended by gore might not like this one, but any true horror fan will recognize its greatness. Also, some behind-the-scenes footage is available on Scream Greats, Volume One: Tom Savini. aka Carnage
Watch a video clip of The Burning
Images from Scream Greats, Volume One: Tom Savini
