The Untold Story of the Mastermind Behind Freddy Krueger's Nightmare: Unveiling the Forgotten Horror Film

Horror enthusiasts idolize their favorite actors, often sticking to a single impressive performance from the 80s. This remarkable achievement can ensure an actor a lifelong adoration. Even though Robert Englund has engaged in diverse projects throughout his illustrious 50-year career, horror aficionados will forever associate him with Freddy. While he has ventured into directing with his debut in 1988, titled 976-EVIL, Englund's portrayal of Freddy Krueger in various versions of A Nightmare on Elm Street remains unparalleled. Unlike typical slasher villains, Freddy's distinctive charm lies in his personality. Englund's unmistakable voice, classical training, and sinister charisma have solidified his iconic status. Despite showcasing his remarkable talents in other roles, Englund will forever be synonymous with horror films, including his directorial debut.

What is 976-EVIL about?

In a dilapidated city, a young man named Hoax grapples with his search for identity. He is trapped under the oppressive control of his mother, an overbearing and judgmental religious fanatic. Enduring continuous bullying and physical assaults from his peers, Hoax becomes the quintessential loser of an 80s high school movie. To make matters even worse, Hoax shares a living space with his cousin Spike, who embodies everything he is not. Spike is the charismatic rebel, donning a leather jacket and riding motorcycles, admired by everyone. Despite Spike's efforts to stand up for Hoax and offer assistance, the introverted nerd can't help but feel a sense of envy. Their lives take a dramatic turn when they stumble upon an intriguing advertisement in a magazine.

During the late 80s, premium-rate phone numbers were the norm. Those who grew up with the internet might not recollect the existence of 900 numbers. With a small fee, one could reach anything from Saturday Morning Cartoons to the President of the United States through a telephone. However, these options were largely phased out following the Supreme Court's ban on adult-oriented services in 1992. Hoax stumbles upon an advertisement for the infamous 976-EVIL, which guarantees bone-chilling "horrorscopes." Allured by curiosity, Hoax dials the number, only to realize that he has reached a direct line to Satan himself. The Devil presents Hoax with a seductive pact, offering him the power necessary to avenge himself in exchange for gradually relinquishing his free will to the Devil. Now, Spike must find a way to rescue his cousin before the sinister influence of the landline phone permanently corrupts him.

What is 976-EVIL's score on Rotten Tomatoes?

976-EVIL has a disappointing 15% positive critical score on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences being slightly more generous at 28% positive reviews. Some critics compared it to EC Comics and saw it as the end of a trend in 80s horror. While the premise was considered worthwhile by many reviewers, the execution was widely criticized. The film's star, Stephen Geoffreys, is most famous for his role as Evil Ed in Tom Holland's Fright Night, and viewers of 976-EVIL often note that he is trying to recapture his earlier performance. Originality is a common concern, with several pointless plot threads that do little to contribute to the main story. The film had a budget of $3 million but only made $2,955,917 in its limited theatrical release. However, it likely made up for its initial loss through VHS, DVD, and later Blu-ray releases.

Many modern viewers see 976-EVIL as an underrated film in a beloved genre. The special effects are cheesy, but the production design is strangely captivating. The first half of the film is entertaining, although the scares driven by effects fail to deliver. Geoffreys does a decent job in the lead role, but viewers often wish they were watching Fright Night instead to see him as Evil Ed again. The imagery is the strongest aspect of the film, offering something for fans of later Nightmare on Elm Street entries to appreciate. Additionally, Robert Englund, who plays a role in the film, met set decorator Nancy Booth during production and they got married later that year. They are still married today. Regardless of what the critics say, it's hard to imagine Mr. Englund regretting the film that brought him together with his wife of 35 years.

Did Robert England direct anything else?

Englund's directorial debut was somewhat chaotic, but he did make a comeback. Two decades after 976-EVIL hit the screens, Englund willingly associated himself with Killer Pad. This tasteless and pitiful sex comedy barely qualifies as a horror film, containing only a few weak attempts to frighten its audience. The thin plot follows three foolish guys who, in a desperate attempt to attract women, purchase a haunted house. The film deems an attractive female character evil simply based on the revelation of her possessing a penis, which unbelievably is considered a greater offense than being the devil itself. It is truly terrible. Fortunately, Killer Pad has remained largely unseen by the public.

976-EVIL can be enjoyed as a nostalgic reminder of a simpler era. Countless movies now revolve around evil websites or video games, but looking back at a time when Satan had to rely on landlines and magazine ads to ensnare his victims exudes a certain old-fashioned charm. While Englund may never gain as much recognition for his directing as he does for his acting, at least his first effort surpasses his second.