Directed by
Howard R. Cohen
Made by
New World Pictures
Discover the intricate plot of Saturday the 14th (1981). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Thursday the 12th unfolds as Waldemar (Jeffrey Tambor) and his wife Yolanda (Nancy Lee Andrews), both vampires hailing from Transylvania, are on the brink of finalizing a deal for a home in Erie, Pennsylvania. However, their plans take an unexpected turn when they discover that the property has been inherited by a family of four who is set to move in while the couple discusses the transaction with their realtor.
John (Richard Benjamin) and Mary (Paula Prentiss) are attending the reading of a will, where they learn that John’s recently deceased uncle has left them the house. Upon arrival, the couple is enamored with the property’s charm, despite its evident need for repairs and the ominous rumors of a curse. Their children, 16-year-old Debbie (Kari Michaelsen) and 12-year-old Billy (Kevin Brando), do not share their enthusiasm. Not even Rover, the family dog, is eager to step inside. “You’ll be amazed at what some nice curtains will do for this house,” Mary reassures them, attempting to lift spirits.
That evening, while trying to shake off boredom in front of the television—which seems only to air reruns of The Twilight Zone—Billy decides to explore the library. He stumbles upon The Book of Evil, which piques his interest. Despite a dire warning inscribed within, “Whoever shall open this book releases into the world all the evil herein,” he can’t resist flipping through its pages. Each turn reveals illustrations of monsters that inexplicably vanish. Later that night, Billy is startled awake by a monster in his room, while Mary is unexpectedly bitten by Waldemar, and the family is kept up by chaotic “owls” in the yard. From a distance, Waldemar and Yolanda watch in horror as they realize someone has disturbed THE BOOK.
On Friday the 13th, as John and Mary venture out for curtains, Billy uncovers that his mother has tidied his room and inadvertently relocated THE BOOK. Debbie, meanwhile, finds herself terrified in the bath when a mysterious fin appears, revealing a gill-man creature that pursues her, ultimately targeting a hapless delivery man instead. Later, Mary faces a swarm of bats in the attic, reminiscent of The Birds, prompting the family to call upon an exterminator, Mr. Van Helsing (Severn Darden). He confidently assures them he will remedy the bat situation, stating, “You don’t expect to get rid of bats overnight!” Over dinner, Billy reveals that he has opened and misplaced THE BOOK, prompting Van Helsing to caution that the world is in peril if it isn’t recovered.
As Saturday the 14th arrives, John and Mary are preparing for a gathering with family and friends. However, when Billy goes missing, the guests disperse in search of him. Just before midnight strikes, Waldemar and Yolanda arrive, bringing Billy and THE BOOK. As monstrous beings close in, Van Helsing urges Billy to relinquish THE BOOK, but to no avail. Billy’s confrontation reveals he recognizes Van Helsing from a picture in the book, realizing he, too, is one of the monsters. A tense standoff ensues between Van Helsing and Waldemar, with the two exchanging grimaces. In a sudden twist, Van Helsing snatches THE BOOK, vanishing along with all creatures. Instead of freeing the beasts, the destruction of THE BOOK eradicates them all.
In the concluding scene on Sunday the 15th, John, Mary, Debbie, and Billy make their escape from the haunted house, while Waldemar and Yolanda settle into their new abode.
Track the key events of Saturday the 14th (1981) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Vampires Finalize Deal
Waldemar and Yolanda, two vampires from Transylvania, are on the verge of securing a new home in Erie, Pennsylvania. Their excitement, however, is soon overshadowed when they discover the house is already inherited by a new family.
The Family Inherits the House
John and Mary attend the reading of a will, learning that John's deceased uncle has left them a charming yet in disrepair house. Despite rumors of a curse, they are captivated by the property, although their children are less enthusiastic.
First Night in the House
The family moves into the house that night. While attempting to get comfortable while watching television, Billy discovers a mysterious book in the library, despite warnings inscribed within it about the dangers of opening it.
Evil Released
Billy, unable to resist curiosity, opens The Book of Evil, releasing chaos into their lives. That night, he is horrified by a monster in his room, while Mary becomes a victim of Waldemar's bite, creating a night of terror for the family.
A Chaotic Friday
As John and Mary shop for curtains, Billy finds out his mother has moved The Book of Evil. Meanwhile, Debbie faces a terrifying encounter with a gill-man creature in the bath, while Mary gets overwhelmed by a swarm of bats in the attic.
Exterminator Arrives
The family decides to call in exterminator Mr. Van Helsing to help deal with their bat problem. He confidently reassures them that getting rid of bats is a process and not an overnight affair, despite their mounting fears.
The Book's Importance
During a family dinner, Billy reveals he has lost The Book of Evil, alarming Van Helsing. Van Helsing warns that the world is at risk if the book isn't found, heightening the stakes for the family.
Missing Boy
As Saturday approaches, the family prepares for a gathering. However, panic strikes when Billy goes missing, prompting guests to search for him frantically throughout the house and grounds.
Monsters Closing In
Just before midnight, Waldemar and Yolanda arrive unexpectedly, bringing Billy and The Book back. The peaceful gathering soon turns into chaos as monstrous beings close in on them, increasing the tension.
Confrontation
In a dramatic standoff, Billy confronts Mr. Van Helsing, realizing he is one of the monsters. As tensions rise between Van Helsing and Waldemar, it becomes clear that darkness surrounds them all.
Destruction of The Book
In a climactic moment, Van Helsing seizes The Book of Evil and vanishes with it into thin air. Instead of freeing the monsters, the book's destruction eradicates them, lifting the dark curse hanging over the family.
A New Beginning
On Sunday, as dawn breaks, John, Mary, Debbie, and Billy make a decisive escape from the haunted house that has caused them so much pain and terror. Meanwhile, Waldemar and Yolanda finally claim the home they fought for.
Meet the characters that bring Saturday the 14th (1981) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Waldemar
Waldemar is a charming yet menacing vampire who represents the dark side of desire and ambition. His attempts to claim the haunted house reflect his insatiable pursuit of worldly possessions, weaving a narrative of horror intertwined with humor. Despite his sinister nature, Waldemar's interactions with the other characters are laced with comedic undertones, revealing layers to his character.
Mary
Mary is a loving mother who remains optimistic even in the face of the bizarre events surrounding her family. Her character exemplifies resilience and nurturing, as she attempts to maintain normalcy while battling supernatural occurrences. Mary's unwavering determination to protect her children makes her a central figure in navigating the chaos of their new home.
Billy
Billy is the young son drawn to the allure of 'The Book of Evil,' which ultimately leads to mayhem for his family. His curiosity juxtaposes innocence with the dangers of the supernatural world, as he inadvertently unleashes chaos. His character serves as a catalyst for the story, driving the plot forward through his brave yet reckless actions.
Uncover the settings of Saturday the 14th (1981), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Late 20th Century
The events occur in a period characterized by a blend of suburban family life and a rising fascination with horror pop culture. This time saw a surge in horror movies and supernatural themes, reflecting society's interest in the unknown and the uncanny. The story plays off these motifs, with vampires and monsters cohabiting with the mundane realities of family life.
Location
Erie, Pennsylvania
Erie, Pennsylvania is a city located near Lake Erie, known for its rich history and diverse community. The setting of the movie embodies a classic suburban neighborhood filled with charm, yet its eerie atmosphere hints at something sinister lurking underneath. The house at the center of the story has a reputation for being haunted, echoing tales of mystery and dark secrets from the past.
Explore the core themes of Saturday the 14th (1981). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Supernatural
The movie explores supernatural elements through the presence of vampires and monsters that disrupt the normalcy of family life. This theme emphasizes the clash between ordinary experiences and the otherworldly forces at play, creating a comedic yet thrilling atmosphere. As the characters grapple with these supernatural occurrences, the film showcases their resilience and humorous responses to life’s unexpected horrors.
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Family
At its core, the film examines the dynamics of family, showcasing how the characters support one another amidst chaos and fear. The relationship between John and Mary, along with their children, reflects the trials and triumphs of family life. Their collective journey highlights the importance of unity and courage when facing external threats, even from supernatural beings.
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