Sunday, March 9, 2025

Horror Classic

a closeup of Shelley from a rare cast pic
taken during the filming of the 1987
cult classic The Stepfather

The Stepfather was a feature film released in June of 1987 and has since become a cult classic. Directed by Joseph Ruben, it starred Terry O'Quinn in the title role, as Jerry Blake, a man who had the knack of marrying into the "perfect" family and then killing the family off when he deems they're not perfect after all. Shelley Hack played Susan Maine, the woman who marries Jerry and is willing look past the cracks she's beginning to notice. Jill Schoelen played Stephanie, Susan's daughter by her first marriage. Stephanie doesn't like Jerry, finds him creepy and is determined to find out who he really is. The story was penned by Carolyn Lefcourt, Brian Garfield and Donald E. Westlake, who got screenplay credit.

Jill Schoelen shared a rare cast pic
taken during the filming of the 1987
cult classic The Stepfather
(Thank you so much to Jill Schoelen
for sharing this)

The movie was a moderate success during its theatrical run but has since gained a cult following due to its unique plot, its pacing and the superb performances of its main cast (Terry, Jill, and Shelley). The movie has since become a cult classic and has been mentioned on many internet sites as a definite must-see. In 1999, the film was listed by Entertainment Weekly magazine as one of the "The 25 Scariest Movies of All Time" along with Carrie (1976), Rosemary's Baby (1968), Seven (1995) and The Exorcist (1973). (For more, check out: 1987 UK Promo Vid AEntertainment Weekly magazine also placed The Stepfather as number one on its list of the "Sixteen Little-Known Horror Gems." (For more, check out: Halloween Special: The Stepfather) Even Stephen King himself included it among his top 22 scariest horror movies of all time. (For more, check out: The King's Top 22)

Shelley with Jill Schoelen and Terry O'Quinn
in a rare cast pic taken during the filming
of the 1987 cult classic The Stepfather