The Todd Killings
Based on the true story of '60s thrill-killer Charles Schmidt ("The Pied Piper of Tucson"), Skipper Todd (Robert F. Lyons) is a charismatic 23-year old who charms his way into the lives of high school kids in a small California town. Girls find him attractive and are only too willing to accompany him to a nearby desert area to be his "girl for the night." Not all of them return, however. Featuring Richard Thomas as his loyal hanger-on and a colorful assortment of familiar actors in vivid character roles including Barbara Bel Geddes, Gloria Grahame, Edward Asner, Fay Spain, James Broderick and Michael Conrad.
Insights
Plot Summary
A Vietnam War veteran, haunted by his experiences, begins a killing spree in Los Angeles, targeting individuals he deems morally corrupt. As his violent acts escalate, a determined detective races against time to apprehend the elusive killer before he strikes again.
Critical Reception
The Todd Killings received mixed to negative reviews upon its release, often criticized for its graphic violence and perceived exploitative nature. While some acknowledged its attempt to tap into post-war anxieties, many found its execution to be crude and sensationalistic. It has since gained a cult following among fans of exploitation and gritty crime films.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its gritty portrayal of a disturbed Vietnam veteran.
- Criticized for its excessive gore and gratuitous violence.
- Seen by some as a product of its time, reflecting societal unease.
Google audience: Audience reception is largely divided, with some viewers appreciating the film's raw, unflinching look at violence and a troubled protagonist, while others find it overly disturbing and lacking in narrative substance.
Fun Fact
The film's controversial nature led to it being released as a double feature with another exploitation film, 'Brotherhood of Death'.
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