
Movie spotlight
The Priest Killer
A police chief, confined to a wheelchair, and a former cop, who is now a priest, team up to discover who has been committing a series of murders of local priests. This TV movie was a backdoor pilot for the crime series SARGE and aired as a special-event spinoff of IRONSIDE.
Insights
Plot Summary
A disturbed young man, obsessed with religious rites and rituals, begins a series of brutal murders targeting individuals he believes are sinful. As the killings escalate, a detective races against time to uncover the killer's identity before he can complete his twisted 'cleansing' mission. The investigation leads through the underbelly of the city and into the perpetrator's disturbed psyche.
Critical Reception
The Priest Killer is a lesser-known slasher film from the early 70s, often overlooked in favor of more prominent genre entries. While it has developed a cult following among exploitation film enthusiasts, it received mixed to negative reviews upon its release, with critics often citing its graphic violence and questionable thematic elements. Audience reception was similarly divided, appreciating its grittiness but often criticizing its pacing and character development.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its gritty atmosphere and unsettling depiction of violence.
Criticized for its uneven pacing and underdeveloped characters.
Considered a notable example of early, low-budget exploitation horror.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce due to the film's obscurity, but available comments often highlight its raw, unflinching brutality and its place within the lineage of early slasher films.
Fun Fact
The film was shot on a very low budget, contributing to its raw and gritty aesthetic that has appealed to some cult film fans.
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