The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
Five friends head out to rural Texas to visit the grave of a grandfather. On the way they stumble across what appears to be a deserted house, only to discover something sinister within. Something armed with a chainsaw.
Details
Budget
$140,000
Rating
7/10 (3406 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Vortex, Henkel Productions, Hooper Productions, Bryanston Pictures
About The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
Tobe Hooper's 1974 film, "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre," is a horror film centered on a group of friends who encounter a sinister family in rural Texas. The narrative begins with five friends traveling to visit a grandfather's grave, but their journey takes a dark turn when they come across an isolated house. The film quickly establishes a tense atmosphere, building suspense around the discovery of the inhabitants. Its influence on the horror genre is notable, particularly in establishing elements that would become common in later slasher films. The movie maintains a focused approach to horror, emphasizing a gritty and unsettling realism in its portrayal of the events.
Why you might be searching for The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
People are often searching for details related to the film's iconic villain, Leatherface, or the general premise of a group encountering a cannibalistic family in a remote setting. Specific searches might also involve the disturbing and suspenseful elements of the movie, as well as its place in the history of horror cinema.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer describes the film as an iconic slasher movie, noting its genuinely disturbing and horrific tone due to its gritty, realistic presentation, particularly when compared to later homages.
Read the full reviewA reviewer found the film overrated and annoying, criticizing the slow build-up and the overreliance on screaming, particularly in the final twenty minutes.
Read the full reviewA review praises it as one of the best and most influential horror films ever made, calling it a must-see for fans of the genre.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream The Texas Chain Saw Massacre on Amazon Prime Video, or rent it on Amazon Video or YouTube. [collider.com](https://collider.com/the-texas-chain-saw-massacre-review/)
No, *The Texas Chain Saw Massacre* is not based on a true story. The filmmakers drew inspiration from serial killer Ed Gein, who was known for making furniture and masks from human remains, but the movie's plot about a family of cannibalistic chainsaw murderers is fictional. [snopes.com](https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/texas-chainsaw-massacre/)
In the climax, Sally Hardesty escapes the cannibalistic family. She breaks free during a struggle, runs onto a road, and is pursued by Leatherface and the Hitchhiker. A passing truck accidentally runs over the Hitchhiker, killing him. Sally then flags down another pickup truck and climbs into the bed as Leatherface swings his chainsaw in frustration, leaving her to escape while laughing hysterically. [plotexplained.com](https://www.plotexplained.com/movie/the-texas-chain-saw-massacre)
*The Texas Chain Saw Massacre* is considered a classic low-budget horror film that achieves significant suspense. It is known for its psychological terror rather than explicit gore, with minimal blood and guts despite its brutal nature. [screenrant.com](https://screenrant.com/the-texas-chain-saw-masquerade-movie-review/)