Rosemary's Killer (Directed by Joseph Zito) 1981

Also known as 'The Prowler,' this American slasher film is far from being on everyone's top 100 list, and yet once again it's another of those films I was brought up with. The film begins by presenting a show reel of news items regarding troops returning to Europe as part of the Second World War and a lady named Rosemary writing to her lover that, because of war, she can no longer wait for him. On June 28th 1945 Rosemary attends at Graduation dance with her new boyfriend, but someone, dressed in combat regalia is observing the couple and then murders them with a pitchfork. And so begins a series of unexplainable murders every Graduation, with the killer - always dressed in army gear - searching for his victims.

'Rosemary's Killer' is not the most inventive slasher film and occupies that same dark corner as films such as 'My Bloody Valentine' (not reviewed) in that it's a rather predictable and at times dull affair, but it does feature some of Tom Savini's best effects. Sadly a full minute of gore was cut from the Europe editions, including some of the original pitchfork effects - which is a shame, but whilst the murders and the killer in recognisable garb are effective, there are no big thrills or chills, but 'Rosemary's Killer' is rather formulaic like so many other similar stalk n' slash movies. Somehow though it occasionally rises above the mediocrity and has a certain charm and I often find myself going back to it. Very much of its time but the promotional poster is absolute killer!