Uploaded October 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Saturday the 14th is a 1981 horror-comedy film directed by Howard R. Cohen. The movie is a parody of the horror genre, blending absurd humor with classic horror movie tropes. It was released as a spoof on slasher and monster films, with a title designed to poke fun at the iconic Friday the 13th franchise, though the films have no actual connection.
The plot follows a suburban family, the Hyatts, who inherit an old mansion from a deceased relative. The family is unaware that the house contains a cursed book, the "Book of Evil." When their son, Billy, opens it, he inadvertently unleashes a series of monstrous creatures into their home. These creatures include vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural beings that begin to wreak havoc.
Meanwhile, a vampire couple, Waldemar and Yolanda, are on the hunt for the same cursed book, knowing that whoever possesses it can control the creatures and the ensuing chaos. Waldemar, played by Jeffrey Tambor, adds an extra layer of campy humor as the suave, inept vampire who is more comical than threatening. The rest of the cast includes Richard Benjamin as John Hyatt and Paula Prentiss as his wife, Mary, bringing a quirky charm to the otherwise silly plot.
The humor in Saturday the 14th is often absurd, relying on slapstick, puns, and exaggerated performances. The film embraces its low-budget production, making the campiness an integral part of its appeal. With practical effects, cheesy creature costumes, and lighthearted frights, it became a cult favorite for fans of both horror and comedy.
While Saturday the 14th didn't receive widespread critical acclaim, it remains a notable entry in the horror-comedy genre for its irreverent take on the traditional haunted house story.
Saturday the 14th is a 1981 horror-comedy film directed by Howard R. Cohen. The movie is a parody of the horror genre, blending absurd humor with classic horror movie tropes. It was released as a spoof on slasher and monster films, with a title designed to poke fun at the iconic Friday the 13th franchise, though the films have no actual connection.
The plot follows a suburban family, the Hyatts, who inherit an old mansion from a deceased relative. The family is unaware that the house contains a cursed book, the "Book of Evil." When their son, Billy, opens it, he inadvertently unleashes a series of monstrous creatures into their home. These creatures include vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural beings that begin to wreak havoc.
Meanwhile, a vampire couple, Waldemar and Yolanda, are on the hunt for the same cursed book, knowing that whoever possesses it can control the creatures and the ensuing chaos. Waldemar, played by Jeffrey Tambor, adds an extra layer of campy humor as the suave, inept vampire who is more comical than threatening. The rest of the cast includes Richard Benjamin as John Hyatt and Paula Prentiss as his wife, Mary, bringing a quirky charm to the otherwise silly plot.
The humor in Saturday the 14th is often absurd, relying on slapstick, puns, and exaggerated performances. The film embraces its low-budget production, making the campiness an integral part of its appeal. With practical effects, cheesy creature costumes, and lighthearted frights, it became a cult favorite for fans of both horror and comedy.
While Saturday the 14th didn't receive widespread critical acclaim, it remains a notable entry in the horror-comedy genre for its irreverent take on the traditional haunted house story.
