The Texas Chain Saw Massacre

Unrivalled in its relentless vision of pure terror, Tobe Hooper’s horror masterpiece remains as brutal and horrific as it ever was.


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  • Director Tobe Hooper
  • Producer Tobe Hooper
  • Screenwriters Kim Henkel, Tobe Hooper
  • With Marilyn Burns, Paul A Partain, Gunnar Hansen
  • USA 1974
  • 84 mins
  • UK distribution Second Sight Films

Still unrivalled in its relentless vision of pure terror, Tobe Hooper’s vérité masterpiece, which celebrates its 40th anniversary, remains as brutal and horrific as it ever was. Taking the relatively simple story of a gang of young innocents who fall victim to the cannibalistic urges of a family of meat farmers residing in the oppressive heat of rural Texas, then injecting it with a lethal dose of jet black humour, Hooper transformed his simple concept into a politically savvy, satirical thrill ride that defined a genre. Painstakingly restored frame-by-frame from the 16mm film on which it was originally shot, this glorious 4K restoration renders Hooper’s vision with razor (or should that be chainsaw?) sharp clarity. But fear not exploitation fans, the exquisite details of the cinematography may be crystal clear, but the scuzzy hues of 70s horror cinema are as apparent as ever.

Michael Blyth

The screenings on Friday 10 and Sunday 12 October will be Digital 4K. The screening on Monday 13 October will be Digital 2K.