Hospital Massacre

Hospital Massacre (also known as X-Ray) is a 1981 American slasher film directed by Boaz Davidson and starring Barbi Benton. The film is known for its unique setting in a hospital, where a woman is stalked by a deranged killer. Despite its cult following, Hospital Massacre has been critiqued for its plot inconsistencies and reliance on genre clichés. However, its atmospheric tension and Benton's performance have been praised.

Plot

The film opens with a young girl rejecting a Valentine's Day gift from a boy, which leads to the boy killing her brother in revenge. Years later, the girl, now grown up and played by Barbi Benton, goes to a hospital for a routine checkup. However, she becomes trapped in the hospital with a killer who is intent on murdering her. As she tries to escape, she uncovers the identity of her stalker, who has a connection to her past.

Cast

• Barbi Benton as Susan Jeremy
• Other cast members include supporting roles that contribute to the development of the film's suspenseful atmosphere.

Production

The film was directed by Boaz Davidson and is notable for its departure from the typical slasher film settings of the time, opting instead for the eerie corridors of a hospital. The choice of location plays a significant role in the film's tension, as the sterile and impersonal environment contrasts sharply with the violence of the killer's actions.

Reception

Upon its release, Hospital Massacre received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the film for its suspenseful atmosphere and Benton's performance, while others criticized it for its predictable plot and reliance on slasher film tropes. Despite this, the film has gained a cult following over the years, with fans appreciating its unique setting and atmospheric tension.

Legacy

Hospital Massacre is considered a cult classic in the slasher film genre. Its unique setting and atmospheric tension have inspired other films in the genre to explore unconventional locations. The film is also noted for its contribution to the development of the slasher genre in the early 1980s.