During their Christmas break, a group of sorority girls are stalked by a stranger.During their Christmas break, a group of sorority girls are stalked by a stranger.During their Christmas break, a group of sorority girls are stalked by a stranger.
- Awards
- 3 wins & 2 nominations
- Sergeant Nash
- (as Douglas McGrath)
- Graham
- (as Les Carlson)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaIn 1986, Olivia Hussey met producers for the film Roxanne (1987), since they were interested in casting her for the title role. Roxanne co-star Steve Martin met her and said "Oh my God, Olivia, you were in one of my all-time favorite films." Thinking it was Romeo and Juliet (1968), Olivia was surprised to find out it was actually Black Christmas (1974). Martin claimed he had seen it around 27 times.
- GoofsThe outside of the sorority house says pi kappa sigma. A picture hung inside the house says pi beta phi.
- Quotes
Sergeant Nash: [Jess has managed to keep the caller on the line for almost a full two minutes, allowing the phone company to trace the call] Uh, Lt. Fuller?
Lt. Fuller: Yeah, Nash, what is it?
Sergeant Nash: The phone company's on the other line, sir. They say they got a trace on this one.
Lt. Fuller: Yeah, let's have it!
Sergeant Nash: He says the calls are coming from #6 Belmont Street.
Lt. Fuller: For Christ's sakes, Nash, you got it wrong. That's where the calls are going into.
Sergeant Nash: That's where they're coming from too, sir.
Lt. Fuller: [pause] Oh, shit...
- Crazy creditsA telephone is continously ringing throughout the final credits.
- Alternate versionsThe film was released 3 different times on DVD. Each disc features a different aspect ratio. The first DVD edition from Critical Mass (25th anniversary) used the full frame format (the film was shot this way). The second DVD release from Critical Mass (listed as being just a special edition) uses a 1:75:1 aspect ratio. It was also noted that director Bob Clark approved of this ratio. The latest DVD special edition from Critical Mass (December, 2006) uses a 1:85:1 ratio. This 1:85:1 ratio also appeared on the special edition laserdisc that was released by Warner Bros. a few years back.
- SoundtracksSilent Night
(uncredited)
Composed by Franz Xaver Gruber
Lyrics by Joseph Mohr
Performed by Choir of Kings College Cambridge (as The Choir of King's College Cambridge)
[Heard during opening credits]
Everything about this film is stellar. The acting, to steal the words of a great reviewer who loves this movie, is flawless. The direction is confident and assured. What is Bob Clark's story? How did he go from making quirky, ground-breaking horror to...well..."Baby Geniuses 2?" His black-humored wit is on display in all his movies, and here too. Margot Kidder and Marian Waldman shine as foul-mouthed alcohol abusers. Particularly Kidder--it's hard to believe she did this at the BEGINNING of her career, she's that assured...and fun to watch. Olivia Hussey is alluring as the lead, Jessica, and her beauty, as well as her speaking voice are a welcome presence.
The plot might seem clichéd now, until you understand that it was all the movies that came AFTER that were the clichés--even "He Knows Your Alone," which seemed so vital at the time, can't compare. "Black Christmas" is a FILM, and goes beyond the conventions of a cheap slasher. The key is the ending--only a director with an artistic sensibility would have fought for it (no spoilers here). Suffice to say, in all the slashers I've watched I've never seen the equal. It's a tricky business to sum up a mystery in a plot, and few can maintain the element of surprise, intelligence or creativity required. You will NOT see the ending coming here, and though the end is a surprise, it works well.
If you're like I was and hesitating to watch this because you think it'll just be "another fear film," don't waste anymore time! You will NOT be sorry you spent your Christmas "black..."
- How long is Black Christmas?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Languages
- Also known as
- Residencia macabra
- Filming locations
- 6 Clarendon Crescent, Toronto, Ontario, Canada(sorority house)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $620,000 (estimated)
- Gross worldwide
- $2,686