SILENT NIGHT-DEADLY NIGHT from TRI-STAR pictures (1984). The production budget climbed to $750,000. It grabbed $2,491,460 (million) at the North American box office. It was released on Nov. 9, 1984 to wide-spread angry protests in major U.S. cities. It was pulled from all 398 theaters after only ten days in release.
The studio re-released the horror picture in May of 1985 at only 93 theaters. It was considered a financial success by producers because of the small budget.
"Silent Night" spawned four more sequels (1987-1989-1990-1991). The last three went straight to VHS Home Video. This was long before DVD sales and the Internet. It became a cult classic because of home viewing.
I focus on this movie because producers cashed in on the Hollywood "Slasher" trend. Following the immense popularity of "Halloween" (1978) and "Friday the 13th" (1980). Wes Craven's "A Nightmare on Elm Street" (1984) had also received a limited release on Nov. 9, 1984. It became a more popular horror franchise with sequels bringing in loads of money.
The commercial ads of "Silent Night" were aired during family shows like "Little House on the Prairie." That angered parents and picket lines were created across the country in protest. Tri-Star pictures pulled advertising six days after the film's release.
The popular syndicated movie review program, "At the Movies with Siskel & Ebert" condemned the film. The critics reviewed "Silent Night" in it's "X-Ray" segment. Gene Siskel even named the producer and writers of the film saying, "Shame On You."
Below is a VHS tape recording of "Entertainment Tonight" and their coverage of the "Silent Night" controversy. The film's producer is interviewed with his response to critics.
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