Guide Note

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre film series began in 1974 with a serial killer horror story directed by Tobe Hooper. The Sawyer Family, a cannibalistic family in Texas, are on a constant hunt to seek out new victims in each of the films.

Fast Facts

1. The 1974 release was the most successful
2. Considered the first of the 1970s slasher movies
3. Serial killer: known as "Leatherface"
4. Budget of $83,532
5. Released with the catchphrase "Who will survive and what will be left of them?"
6. 2003 remake took in $80,148,261 in ticket sales
7. 2006 prequel had 17 scenes cut out of it to achieve an "R" rating
8. Contrary to popular belief, is not based on a true story but only loosely based on Ed Gein

Now here's a grisly little item. "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" is as violent and gruesome and blood-soaked as the title promises -- a real Grand Guignol of a movie. It's also without any apparent purpose, unless the creation of disgust and fright is a purpose. And yet in its own way, the movie is some kind of weird, off-the-wall achievement. I can't imagine why anyone would want to make a movie like this, and yet it's well-made, well-acted, and all too effective. — The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 1974 — Roger Ebert

1. The first version of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre wasn't released in Australia till 1980
2. People walked out in horror in the sneak previews of the first movie
3. Poulan 306A was the type of chainsaw used in the first movie with black tape covering the logo to avoid a lawsuit
4. The 2003 movie was banned in Ukraine by Ministry of Culture
5. The 2006 movie was the first movie to receive Iceland's 18 rating