ICFS Presents: Black Christmas (1974)

The holidays turn deadly when a sorority house is stalked by a mysterious killer making obscene phone calls and picking off the residents one by one. Credited as one of the earliest slasher films, “Black Christmas” combines seasonal cheer with chilling suspense, laying the groundwork for decades of horror to come. Starring Olivia Hussey and Margot Kidder, “Black Christmas” was directed by Bob Clark, who followed this fan favorite up years later with his beloved classic, “A Christmas Story.” As with other ICFS events, expect prizes, surprises, comfy couches, and a convenient bar.

Rated R. 98 minutes.

Holiday movies are sentimental and uplifting, but surprisingly devoid of knife murders. “Black Christmas” — one of the most influential Hitchcockian slashers of all time — is here to help. When sorority sisters Olivia Hussey, Margot Kidder (“Superman”), and Andrea Martin find themselves under attack from a foul-mouthed killer, it’s up to police chief John Saxon (“A Nightmare On Elm Street”) to even the odds. But what about Keir Dullea (“2001: A Space Odyssey”), the brooding art-school pianist? Could he have something to do with the mutilation rampage? “Black Christmas” is a terrifying and demented holiday tradition that gets everything right. We’d expect nothing less from Bob Clark, the pioneering director of “A Christmas Story.”