Totally derivative Canadian slasher film managed to fill the insatiable appetite for psycho-on-the-loose films created in the wake of the highly superior "Halloween". "Friday The 13th" became a runaway box office hit in 1980 setting the stage for countless increasingly gruesome but decreasingly effective sequels.

Has attained cult status, due largely to the horrific acting, cliché situations but also due particularly to a serene portrayal by veteran actress Betsy Palmer in a key role. Her performance alone is worth going a long long way for. Harry Manfredini's score is such a "Psycho" rip-off it is funny. Delirious splatter fun! With an absolutely priceless scene of cerebral lopping off! Watch out for a youthful Kevin Bacon.