Black Christmas (1974)

Movie Details:

Cast & Characters:

• Olivia Hussey as Jessica “Jess” Bradford
• Keir Dullea as Peter Symthe
• Margot Kidder as Barbara “Barb” Coard
• John Saxon as Lt. Kenneth Fuller
• Marian Waldman as Mrs. Barbara “Mac” MacHenry / Mrs. Mac
• Andrea Martin as Phyllis “Phyl” Carlson
• James Edmond as Mr. Harrison
• Douglas McGrath as Sergeant Nash
• Art Hindle as Chris Hayden
• Lynne Griffin as Clare Harrison
• Michael Rapport as Patrick
• Les Carlson as Bill
• Martha Gibson as Mrs. Quaife
• John Rutter as laughing detective
• Dave Clement as Cogan
• Julian Reed as Officer Jennings
• Nick Mancuso as Billy / phone voice (uncredited)
  • Bob Clark as Billy’s shadow / phone voice (uncredited)
  • Albert J. Dunk as Billy’s POV (uncredited)

Storyline:

As winter break begins, a group of sorority sisters, including Jess (Olivia Hussey) and the often inebriated Barb (Margot Kidder), begin to receive anonymous, lascivious phone calls. Initially, Barb eggs the caller on, but stops when he responds threateningly. Soon, Barb’s friend Clare (Lynne Griffin) goes missing from the sorority house, and a local adolescent girl is murdered, leading the girls to suspect a serial killer is on the loose. But no one realizes just how near the culprit is.

About Black Christmas Movie:

Black Christmas is a Canadian slasher film produced and directed by Bob Clark, written by Roy Moore. The film stars Olivia Hussey, Keir Dullea, Margot Kidder, and John Saxon, and it is notable for being one of the earliest examples of the slasher genre.

Plot Summary

Set during the Christmas season, the story follows a group of sorority sisters at a university who begin receiving threatening phone calls from an unknown caller, nicknamed “The Moaner.” The tension escalates when one of the sisters, Clare Harrison (played by Lynne Griffin), goes missing after receiving one of these ominous calls. Her disappearance prompts concern among her friends and family.

As the film unfolds, the sorority sisters—led by Jess Bradford (Hussey)—try to navigate their holiday plans while dealing with the increasingly disturbing phone calls. The police initially dismiss their concerns, but as more sisters go missing and bodies start to pile up, the urgency of their situation becomes clear. The killer stalks them one by one, leading to a series of suspenseful and chilling moments.

The film culminates in a tense showdown where Jess fights to survive against the unseen assailant. In a shocking twist, after believing she has defeated the killer, it is revealed that the police have not discovered all the victims; Clare’s body remains hidden in the attic as the film ends with a haunting phone call from the killer.

Production Details

Black Christmas was inspired by urban legends and real-life events in Montreal. Initially titled Stop Me, the screenplay underwent several changes before production. Filmed on a budget of approximately $686,000 in Toronto, it was released in North America on December 26, 1974, grossing over $4 million worldwide.

Reception

Upon its release, Black Christmas received mixed reviews but has since been critically re-evaluated as a pioneering work in the horror genre. It is credited with influencing later slasher films, particularly John Carpenter’s Halloween (1978). The film’s combination of suspenseful storytelling and social commentary has earned it a cult following over the years.

Legacy

Black Christmas is recognized for its innovative approach to horror and its portrayal of female characters facing real threats. The film has spawned two remakes—one in 2006 and another in 2019—further solidifying its place in cinematic history as a classic of holiday horror. Its themes of vulnerability and survival during what is typically seen as a joyful season continue to resonate with audiences today.

Budget & Box Office Collection: