Tourist Trap is a 1979 paranormal horror film in which a group of young friends are stranded at a secluded roadside museum then stalked by a masked assailant who uses his telekinetic powers to control the attraction’s mannequins.
The movie was directed by David Schmoeller (Netherworld; Puppetmaster; Catacombs; Crawlspace; The Seduction), revolving around a group of friends who wind up stranded at Mr Slausen’s “museum,” where the mannequins are very lifelike.
His first professional feature, Schmoeller co-wrote the script – an extension of his film school project The Spider Will Kill You – with producer J. Larry Carroll.
Irwin Yablans (Halloween) released the film via his Compass International company. In the UK, the film was released as Nightmare of Terror.
Robert A. Burns, who had worked on Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, handled the art direction – and most of the special effects – including the mannequins.
Italian composer Pino Donaggio (Dressed to Kill; The Howling; Carrie; et al) was working on Joe Dante’s Piranha (1978) around the time that David Schmoeller began working on Tourist Trap. Since Donaggio spoke Spanish – as did Schmoeller – the director convinced the composer to score the movie for a fee of $50,000 (a sixth of the entire budget). Co-producer Irwin Yablans felt that Donaggio’s quirky score ruined the movie, although it has gained many fans over the years.
In July 2017, Waxwork Records reissued the soundtrack score on 180-gram blood red with black marble vinyl.
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Plot:
Eileen (Robin Sherwood) and her boyfriend Woody (Keith McDermott) are driving through the desert. When their car gets a flat Woody goes to find a gas station.
Their friends Becky (Tanya Roberts), Jerry (Jon Van Ness) and Molly (Jocelyn Jones) are travelling separately in a different vehicle. Meanwhile, Woody has found a gas station but it appears deserted. He enters the back room but becomes trapped. Various mannequins appear, and multiple objects fly at him until a metal pipe impales and kills him.
The others find Slausen’s Lost Oasis, a tourist trap, and conclude Woody is there. As they drive in, their vehicle mysteriously breaks down. Jerry tries to fix his jeep and the girls go skinny dipping.
As they swim, Slausen (Chuck Connors) appears holding a shotgun. Though outwardly polite he also seems embittered. The nude girls feel awkward in the water. Slausen offers to help Jerry with the jeep but insists the group go to his house with him to get his tools. There, they see the tourist trap: animated waxwork-type figures…
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All-Region Region Codes, HD Transfer in 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio, DTS-HD MA Remixed 5.1 Soundtrack, LPCM Stereo 2.0 Soundtrack
Audio Commentary by Director David Schmoeller
Interview with David Schmoeller
Original Trailer
Reversible Sleeve incorporating original art
Blu-ray review:
“88 Films Blu-ray release of Tourist Trap improves considerably on their already impressive DVD release from nearly a couple of years ago. This 1979 film looks great in 1080p anamorphic widescreen with, grain maintained, strong colours and black levels, which means that it’s a pleasure to behold. Pino Donaggio’s lush score is enhanced by the choice of DTS-HD 5.1 Surround Sound or LPCM Stereo audio, and the creepy background noises that make this film so effective are brought to the fore.
The ‘Making Of’ documentary Exit Through the Chop Shop is mostly an interview with modest engaging director David Schmoeller. He recounts the genesis of the movie, the first casting choices of Jack Palance and Gig Young before Chuck Connors accepted the role of Slausen.
Schmoeller admits he had nervous dealings with the young cast, praises the exceptional input of art director Robert A. Burns (who committed suicide in 2004), explains how easily and cheaply some of the special effects were achieved, and his woe at running out of funds during post-production. Although some of these anecdotes are repeated on his amiable audio commentary, overall the Making Of is an interesting and worthwhile reason to buy this Blu-ray if you are a fan of the film.
Ade Smith, MOVIES & MANIA
Buy CD soundtrack: Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk
Read about the making of Tourist Trap and an interview with David Schmoeller in:
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Technical specs:
1 hour 30 minutes
Audio: Mono
Aspect ratio: 1.85: 1
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