Don't Open till Christmas (1984)

"I hate Christmas!" - The Killer

The cops are trying to catch a serial killer during Christmas time.
Starring: Edmund Purdom, Belinda Mayne, Gerry Sundquist, Mark Jones, Alan Lake

Link to IMDB

A masked serial killer has appeared in London during the winter holidays, and his victims are anyone dressed as Santa Clause. When Kate Briosky's father is killed at a Christmas party, she becomes involved in the police investigation that is being led by Inspector Harris and Detective Powell.

As the killer continues his spree we follow the police as they try to find evidence on his identity, and this introduces a handful of characters that could be possible suspects. There's Kate's boyfriend, Cliff, and a news reporter named Giles that is also very interested in the case.

Insp. Harris                                             Det. Powell

Suspicions rise as to which character is the killer, including the two detectives, or perhaps they are all just red herrings designed to distract you from more obvious clues. This is where the movie really shines, because instead of being a slasher it's much more of a crime thriller.
Unfortunately, the middle of the movie really begins to drag, and we spend too much time with mundane things and boring characters. But the body count keeps rising, and it's always entertaining to see how the killer will creatively murder another Santa.

Kate                                    Cliff                                     Giles

The overall tone is rather serious and grim, but it's not all bleak because there are some laughs to be found and there's a touch of grindhouse flair to the film, without becoming too sleazy. Even the gore isn't too ridiculous, which mostly keeps the story grounded in reality.

This isn't the most original or creative thriller, but it will keep you guessing as the twists come along. Despite some of the boring parts, it's still a bit of a hidden gem that has some odd charm to it, and I applaud it for not just being another generic slasher.

Does the movie deliver on the Don't...
3 out of 10
It's more of a general Christmas motto instead of a warning, but it is briefly used in the plot.


Be sure not to miss:
- Cliff's job seems to be a street flutist.
- The urinal scene.
- A drunk Santa on a bicycle is always funny, even if he is about to die.
- The last 10 seconds.

Internet review:
"Definitely worth checking out if you’re sick of seeing Christmas slashers." - The Wolfman

Should I watch it?
Do it.

Where can I find it?
Here on YouTube.

Don't Open 'till Christmas gets...