IMDb RATING
6.3/10
5.3K
YOUR RATING
An orphaned teenager finds himself being dominated by his aunt who's hell-bent on keeping him with her...at all costs.An orphaned teenager finds himself being dominated by his aunt who's hell-bent on keeping him with her...at all costs.An orphaned teenager finds himself being dominated by his aunt who's hell-bent on keeping him with her...at all costs.
- Awards
- 1 win & 1 nomination
Bill Paxton
- Eddie
- (as William Paxton)
Steve 'Bunker' de France
- Lab Man
- (as Steve DeFrance)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThough no one involved in the film's creative process has ever given an on-record interview about the genesis for the movie, it apparently began as a novel. A book released around the same time as the movie under the title "Butcher Baker Nightmare Maker" is far more complex than a simple novelization. It includes vivid physical descriptions of the characters that often differ greatly from the actors' onscreen appearance, as well as in-depth backstories for several characters, including secondary characters who receive little screen time. The book also leaves it a mystery until far later in the narrative as to what happened to Billy's parents, and also continues on past the movie's ending, wrapping up the stories of several characters whose fates are not addressed in the film's epilogue.
- GoofsWhen aunt is tenderizing meat, it changes from not being tenderized to tenderized and back to not being tenderized between shots.
- Quotes
Cheryl Roberts: College is for rich kids and people with brains- you wouldn't fit in
- ConnectionsFeatured in Video Nasties: Moral Panic, Censorship & Videotape (2010)
- SoundtracksLittle Boy Billy
Words and Music by Joyce Bulifant
Featured review
Nightmarish Video Nasty
Nightmare Maker achieved cult status through it's inclusion on the DPP 'Video Nasty' list, which has also lead to it becoming a 'lost' film. It's somewhat unfortunate that William Asher's film was included on the infamous list, as aside from a couple of gory scenes; there really isn't anything in this film that warrants it's banning. Nightmare Maker focuses on themes of insanity and incest, and the way that the director portrays these themes is bold and uncompromising
although I find it hard to believe that this film was banned for it's themes by the same set of censors who made such decisions as banning 'The Driller Killer' merely for it's artwork. The plot focuses on Billy Lynch; a young man living with his aunt after his parents were killed in an unfortunate car accident. However, his relationship with his aunt isn't how she would like it; as the aunt has designs of a sexual nature on the boy, and does her best to ruin all of his plans; including his relationship with his girlfriend, and his hopes of winning a scholarship. All in all, making his life a nightmare...
The film features performances from a few well known actors, including Bo Svenson as a bigoted sheriff and Susan Tyrrell as the maniacal aunt. The film also features a small early role for Bill Paxton; who, as he would in the rest of his career, doesn't appear in the film for long enough. The acting performances overall aren't bad considering the type of film; but it would be unwise to go into it expecting anything brilliant. Susan Tyrrell does get to enjoy herself as the central matriarchal figure, however, and seeing her descend into insanity is a lot of fun. The style of the film is very eighties indeed, and through gritty cinematography; director William Asher ensures that the film feels every bit like the 'Video Nasty' that it would become shortly after it's release. The scenes of gore are short and don't show much blood; although scenes involving a machete, as well as the pivotal scene that sees Billy's parents killed in a car crash are rather bloody and deserve mention. The plot never really gets going properly, which is a shame; although the final fifteen minutes are very good indeed and manage to bring closure to all the plot threads. Overall, this certainly isn't the best film on the Video Nasty list; but it's a good one, and well worth tracking down!
The film features performances from a few well known actors, including Bo Svenson as a bigoted sheriff and Susan Tyrrell as the maniacal aunt. The film also features a small early role for Bill Paxton; who, as he would in the rest of his career, doesn't appear in the film for long enough. The acting performances overall aren't bad considering the type of film; but it would be unwise to go into it expecting anything brilliant. Susan Tyrrell does get to enjoy herself as the central matriarchal figure, however, and seeing her descend into insanity is a lot of fun. The style of the film is very eighties indeed, and through gritty cinematography; director William Asher ensures that the film feels every bit like the 'Video Nasty' that it would become shortly after it's release. The scenes of gore are short and don't show much blood; although scenes involving a machete, as well as the pivotal scene that sees Billy's parents killed in a car crash are rather bloody and deserve mention. The plot never really gets going properly, which is a shame; although the final fifteen minutes are very good indeed and manage to bring closure to all the plot threads. Overall, this certainly isn't the best film on the Video Nasty list; but it's a good one, and well worth tracking down!
- How long is Butcher, Baker, Nightmare Maker?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Languages
- Also known as
- Night Warning
- Filming locations
- Los Angeles, California, USA(on location)
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content