Strange and Fantastic Tales of the 20th Century is a look back at the weirdest, most memorable, and most off center movies of the 20th century. From head turning horror to oddball science fiction, this column examines the films that will leave a lasting impression for centuries to come.
It’s not every 80’s slasher that feels bold enough to break the slasher formula. We know how it goes. A killer sets his murderous desire on a group of teens because of the connection they may or may not have to their past in some way. Promiscuous teens get the ax while a lone virgin survives. However, that is not the case in 1988’s Hide and Go Shriek. Directed by Skip Schoolnik, this slasher explores the psychological connection between a scorned lover and a character who is mostly overlooked throughout the film. Bonkers and wonderful, Hide and Go Shriek is this week’s Strange and Fantastic Tale of the 20th century.
Hide and Go Shriek is set in a furniture store. How’s that for a setting? Sean Kanan (Cobra Kai, Karate Kid III) plays John, a teen whose father owns a furniture store. He and his girlfriend Bonnie (Bunky Jones) and three other couples think it would be totally tubular to camp out in the store overnight. By camping, they mean drinking beer and playing hide and seek while engaging in horny teen activities. The game of hide and seek takes a sinister turn as they realize some of the friends are excelling at hiding by completely disappearing.
A couple of interesting things happen in this film. One: a killer in S&M gear is stalking the teens at the furniture store. Two: an ex-con named Fred with a reputation for good behavior is currently living in the basement of the store because he just went through a breakup. How these connect is a unique plot twist and a sign of the times. The killer, revealed to be named Zack (Scott Kubay), is a very patient killer.
He allows the hide and seek shenanigans to go on for quite some time before making his appearance and reminding us who is running the show. But once he starts killing he does not stop, strangulations, impaling John with a mannequin arm, and setting up a teen to get decapitated by an elevator. All of this leads to the reveal that it’s Zack’s misguided way of trying to win back his lover from prison, Fred.
Fred saves the day and takes down Zack, saving the remaining half of the teens. On the path to the killing spree we are treated to some amazing 80’s fashion. One friend compliments another’s haircut, “outrageous clip.” Random weight lifting, a character that screams all his lines, and some pretty bitchy banter from Bonnie who insults every friend in the group. Hide and Go Shriek is over the top fun and should be enjoyed in a group. Get your friends together, break into a furniture store and watch Hide and Go Shriek, but don’t call your ex.
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