Texas Focus: The Texas Chain Saw Massacre

SOLD OUT | Texas Spirit Theater | R | 83 min. | Horror

October 18, 2024 6–9:30 p.m.

Join us for a special 50th anniversary screening of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.

Celebrate the legacy of one of the most iconic horror films of all time with a special 50th anniversary screening of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. This groundbreaking film, directed by Tobe Hooper and co-written by Kim Henkel, shocked audiences and set the standard for modern horror when it first hit theaters in 1974.

Set in rural Texas, the film tells the terrifying story of a group of friends who fall prey to a family of cannibals, including the infamous Leatherface. Filmed in locations around Austin, the film is a landmark in Texas film history, with its unique blend of Southern Gothic horror and the wide-open, desolate landscapes that are both breathtaking and terrifying. It's a film that could only have come from Texas. Facing a storm of controversy, censorship, and outcry throughout its troubled release, this masterpiece of horror has stood the test of time to become a landmark motion picture and cultural milestone. 

Stay after the screening for a discussion and Q&A with co-writer Kim Henkel, actress Teri McMinn (Pam), and film composer Wayne Bell.

Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and connect with key players in the film's history.

Tickets are $8 for Museum Members and $12 for General Admission. Come early at 6:00 p.m. for complimentary coffee and treats from Texas Coffee Traders and Little Lucy's Mini Donuts. Quantities are limited. Seating for the film begins at 6:30 p.m.

A cinematic exploration of the Texas narrative, the Museum's Texas Focus Film Series highlights stories by, for, and about Texans. 

Film Credits

Rating: R
Suggested age: 18+
Director: Tobe Hooper
Writers: Kim Henkel, Tobe Hooper
Producers: Kim Henkel, Tobe Hooper, Jay Parsley, Richard Saenz
Runtime: 84 min.
Release year: 1974
Genre: Horror

About the Guest Speakers

Kim Henkel is an American screenwriter, director, and producer known for his work on the iconic 1974 horror film The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Henkel graduated from The University of Texas at Austin, where he met Tobe Hooper, with whom he co-wrote and produced The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. The film became a landmark in horror cinema spawning eight sequels including 1995's Texas Chainsaw: The Next Generation, which he wrote and directed. In addition to his work on The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Henkel has also written Eaten Alive (1977), Last Night at the Alamo (1983), and Butcher Boys (2012). 

Teri McMinn is an American actress best known for her role as Pam in 1974's The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Born in Houston, McMinn attended St. Edwards University and The University of Texas at Austin, where she was cast in the iconic role shortly after moving to Austin to pursue a career in acting. Her portrayal of Pam is particularly memorable and has become an iconic performance in horror film history.

About Film Programs

Film programs at the Bullock Museum seek to connect the public with filmmakers and their art that you won't find just anywhere. From Texas-specific titles to films from around the globe, these programs will open up a world of stories and culture for visitors. The Bullock Museum is committed to sharing the work of filmmakers of all backgrounds and identities.

The Bullock Museum, a division of the Texas State Preservation Board, is funded by Museum members, donors, and patrons, the Texas State History Museum Foundation, and the State of Texas.

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Texas Focus Film Series