Blood Feast premieres in Peoria, Ill. in 1963. Considered the first splatter film, Herschell Gordon Lewis’ tale of a psychotic food caterer who sacrifices women to Ishtar then grinds them up to eat, is shot in just four days on a tiny budget. Despised by critics, but publicity stunts like handing out vomit bags help audiences love the full-color blood and schlock and it becomes a hit. Stephen King calls it the worst horror movie he’s ever seen and it’s banned in Britain. Nevertheless, it becomes a cult horror film and the first of what fans call “The Blood Trilogy,” followed by Two Thousand Maniacs! And Color Me Blood Red. A sequel, remake and comic book follow many years later.
This Day in Halloween: Considered the first splatter film, "Blood Feast" premieres in Peoria, Ill. in 1963. / Illustration by Olivia Graham
