SILVER

This 1974 Canadian horror film from the uniquely talented Bob Clark (who would go on to direct a very different holiday classic: A CHRISTMAS STORY) is widely credited with being the first "slasher" film, the genre of horror that would come to dominate by the 1980s. But unlike the formulaic franchise entries that came in its wake, BLACK CHRISTMAS is a well-made thriller, with thoughtful characterization and formally creative moments of fright. Olivia Hussey and Margot Kidder are still in their college sorority house on Christmas Eve, even after receiving a series of menacing telephone calls. Big mistake, eh? DIR/PROD Bob Clark; SCR Roy Moore. Canada, 1974, color, 98 min. RATED R

Also part of Holiday Classics.