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The '80s slasher where archaeology literally becomes scalp-hunting.
TMDB
39
IMDb
39
Rotten Tomatoes
12
Audience Score
12
Google
66
Watch(US)

Scalps (1983)

DIY nightmarecursed VHS energyso bad it's legendary

Overview

Horror

A silly group of college science students go an dig around in an indian burial ground for artifacts. Unfortunately, one of them becomes possessed by the evil spirit of Black Claw so he must therefore slaughter all of his friends.

Flag of USUS
Content warning
ghostslasherrevengescalpingpossessionarchaeological digdesecrationburial groundvengeful ghostindian burial ground

Standout Aspects

Practical Effects

Gloriously unconvincing demon makeup that somehow works.

Production

Shot in six days on a budget that couldn't buy decent craft services.

Best for:Friends: Mystery Science Theater-style roast session required.·Rewatch: Cult completists tracking Fred Olen Ray's entire filmography.·Background: Perfect for folding laundry while occasionally looking up horrified.
Heads up:Violence: Scalping scenes that aged like milk left in the sun.·Disturbing: Native American representation from 1983—approach accordingly.
Fred Olen Ray

Director

Fred Olen Ray

ReleasedDec 3, 1983
Runtime1h 24m
StatusReleased

Vibe

Paceslow
Intensitymedium
Tonedark
Feellight
American Partnership

Top Cast

Jo-Ann Robinson

Jo-Ann Robinson

D.J.

Kirk Alyn

Kirk Alyn

Prof. Manchen

Forrest J. Ackerman

Forrest J. Ackerman

Professor Trentwood

Ask about Scalps

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Deep Dive

Trivia, insights & behind the scenes

Trivia

Fred Olen Ray shot this back-to-back with 'The Tomb' using the same desert locations and leftover catering.

Cultural

Part of the 1980s 'burial ground horror' boom alongside 'Poltergeist' and 'Pet Sematary,' though with approximately 1% of their budgets.

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