Terror Train main backdrop
Terror Train main poster

Terror Train

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5.7/10 • 285

1980-10-031h 37m

HorrorThriller

The boys and girls of Sigma Phi. Some will live. Some will die.

A masked killer targets six college kids responsible for a prank gone wrong three years earlier and who are currently throwing a large New Year's Eve costume party aboard a moving train.

Directors
Roger Spottiswoode
Editors
Anne Henderson

Top Billed Cast

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  1. Jamie Lee Curtis

    Jamie Lee Curtis

    Alana Maxwell

  2. Ben Johnson

    Ben Johnson

    Carne

  3. Hart Bochner

    Hart Bochner

    Doc Manley

  4. David Copperfield

    David Copperfield

    The Magician

  5. Derek MacKinnon

    Derek MacKinnon

    Kenny Hampson

  6. Sandee Currie

    Sandee Currie

    Mitchy

  7. Timothy Webber

    Timothy Webber

    Mo

  8. Anthony Sherwood

    Anthony Sherwood

    Jackson

  9. Howard Busgang

    Howard Busgang

    Ed

Reviews1

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Wuchak Avatar

Wuchak

May 10, 2022

5/10

“Halloween” on a train Pre-med students in the Northeast celebrate New Year’s Eve by having a masquerade party on a train, but the festivities are hampered by a mysterious killer on board. Ben Johnson plays the conductor while David Copperfield is on hand as a (what else?) magician. “Terror Train” (1980) came in the wake of the success of “Halloween” (1978) so you have Jamie Lee Curtis in a similar situation, except on a train. Daniel Grodnik came up with the idea after having a dream that mixed elements of “Halloween” and “Silver Streak” (1976). Everything is here for an effective traditional slasher. The confined setting of the train is great. Unfortunately, the filmmakers fumble the ball on the writing front. The story’s just not very absorbing; although, thankfully, the last act is relatively compelling, particularly the big reveal. Copperfield did his own magic tricks, but who cares when it’s a movie where magic can be done via special effects? In other words, magic tricks only work in the live forum. Still, it’s a welcome addition. Sandee Currie and Joy Boushel are highlights in the feminine department; Vanity’s also on board. But the filmmakers evidently don’t know how to shoot women, no pun intended. For better examples of horror on a train, see “Horror Express” (1972) and “Train” (2008). The former is a creature feature while the latter is more realistic. The film runs 1 hour, 37 minutes, and was shot in a warehouse at night in Montreal, except for a certain person’s death scene at the end, which was done in Claremont, New Hampshire, a 3-hour drive southeast from Montreal. GRADE: C+

Media

  • Terror Train poster
  • Terror Train poster
  • Terror Train poster
  • Terror Train poster
  • Terror Train poster
  • Terror Train poster
  • Terror Train poster
  • Terror Train poster
  • Terror Train poster

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Status
Released
Original Language
English
Budget
$3,500,000.00
Revenue
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Keywords
maskcollegesurprisestalkerrevengemurdertrainkillerpsycho