Maniac opens across the U.S. in 1981. The low-budget slasher film is shot guerilla-style on the streets of New York, depicting graphic violence with make-up effects by Tom Savini and is released unrated. Despite a critical drubbing, it quickly develops a cult following. It’s now considered one of the greatest slasher films ever made.
This Day in Halloween: Controversial low-budget slasher classic "Maniac" opens across the U.S. in 1981. / Illustration by Jocelyne Reyes.