Ep. 07-12: Halloween (1978) REDUX

HALLOWEEN (1978), directed by John Carpenter, is a seminal slasher film that follows Michael Myers, a masked killer who escapes from a mental institution and returns to his hometown to stalk and murder teenagers. Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) becomes his primary target as he unleashes terror on Halloween night. With its atmospheric cinematography, iconic score, and relentless villain, Halloween (1978) redefined the horror genre and became a cornerstone of modern slasher films.

Get ready to face the boogeyman with our seasonally appropriate redux, diving into the classic horror of Halloween (1978). Join us as we dissect the film’s perfect blend of a tight screenplay, a terrific score, and an unforgettable performance of a young Jamie Lee Curtis. Listen as Johnny Has the Keys explores the nightmarish world of Michael Myers, uncovering the chilling secrets of a film that still haunts and influences the horror genre.

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Ep. 03-36: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

Sally (Marilyn Burns), suspecting her grandfather’s grave may have been vandalized, sets out with her brother, Franklin (Paul A. Partain), and their friends to investigate. After a detour to their family’s old farmhouse, they discover a crazed, murderous cannibal family living next door. As the group is attacked one by one by the chainsaw-wielding cook, Leatherface (Gunnar Hansen), the survivors must do everything they can to escape.

Episode 36 – The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

If ever there was a movie synonymous with the phrase Drive-In movie, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) would be at the top of the list. Hugely influential for many-a-horror movie to come (Halloween 1978, Friday the 13th 1980, The Evil Dead 1981), Tobe Hooper’s low-budget indie classic also followed in the footsteps of other pioneering startups including George Romero’s Night of the Living Dead (1968). Join us as we discuss genre-defining tropes and the blossoming of creativity under harsh conditions. Listen, as Johnny Has the Keys veers off the highway to back roads, where there is no safety, no rules, and you may be no more than dinner to the folks in that nice farmhouse down the way.

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Ep. 02-27: Friday the 13th (1980) & Friday the 13th Part 2 (1981)

Episode 27 Friday the 13th

Camp Crystal Lake’s history of murder doesn’t deter counselors from reopening summer camps there. Even though superstitious locals warn against it, young people show up and pay little heed. One by one, they find themselves stalked by a brutal killer. Whether hacked, slashed, shot or stabbed, the counselors struggle to stay alive against a merciless opponent.

In 1979, Sean Cunningham set out to capitalize on the success of Halloween (1978). He had no idea that the modestly budgeted slasher film he set out to direct would turn into one of the largest franchises in movie history. Join us as we discuss the two films beginning the series… the nostalgia, familiar faces, sex, tropes, gore–and Jason, the icon that sprouted from the film and grew to legendary status. Listen, as Johnny Has the Keys welcomes you to summer camp, where you’re young and pretty, the sun is always shining, the water crisp, refreshing, and your whole life is ahead of you… too bad you’re gonna die.

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Ep. 02-07: Psycho (1960)

Episode 02-07 PSYCHO

Secretary, Marion Crane (Janet Leigh), is on the run after stealing money from her employer in Phoenix. Traveling back roads to avoid the police, she stops for the night at the remote Bates Motel where she meets the polite but odd proprietor, Norman (Anthony Perkins)… a young man with an interest in taxidermy who has a difficult relationship with his mother.

Alfred Hitchcock gave the world Psycho in 1960, obliterating film and genre-conventions left and right, and delivering an iconic monument that still stands tall in the canon of American films. Join us as we discuss the revolutionary aspects that lift this work above genre categorization to film classic. Listen, as Johnny Has the Keys takes you to an isolated hotel where madness and murder dwell and the only sounds are those of crickets, a distant highway, and a scream.