Exploring Happy Birthday to Me - From Small Canadian Studio to Major Hollywood Competitor

[@HorrorMetalMaestroRedrusty66]

All Good, Nothing Bad. This film still sits at my top 10 horror slashers of all time. It's a pure 80's masterpiece slasher. I rabidly adore every second of it to this day. My Bluray of it gets a regular workout...lol

[@MrBooone]

I might need to re-watch it, it honestly kind of bored me a lot when I saw it. Probably got more enjoyment out of watching April Fool's, and that wasn't even technically a horror

[@johnrife7134]

It's something else. Although I don't think it really has anything to make it stand out.

[@filiperoque1801]

And which movies make your top 10 besides this one?

[@theninjamaster67]

@@filiperoque1801 Probably more b movie slashers like Sleepaway Camp or the usual suspects of Halloween, Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elm st, Scream, Chucky, ETC

[@ricardocantoral7672]

C'mon, nothing bad? The wooden acting, the dumb fakeouts, the idiotic twist? Happy Birthday is trash but it's fun trash.

[@racheledwards2352]

And today IS my birthday!!! Thanks, Cecil!!

[@Mister-Six]

Being called the Canadian Roger Corman is a huge compliment.

[@_NoDrinkTheBleach]

I remember seeing it when I was younger. I recognized Tracey Bregman from Y&R, so that was a motivating factor in me watching it. I bought it a few years back on Blu-Ray from that VHS box style packaging collection. I didn't know that Cinepix later became Lionsgate. That's pretty neat, even if Lionsgate isn't anymore.

[@quintessenceSL]

I wonder if any other erotic outfits went mainstream (Caligula aside). It seems with all the money porn makes, someone might try their hand at mainstream movies. I can imagine the disconnect, like learning The Lord of the Ring series and Meet the Feebles were directed by the same guy.

[@nicktaylor2657]

Lauren Fenmore in Young and the Restless and Bold and the Beautiful She was barely recognizable ☺️

[@joanpasley2181]

I remember this film. Brandon Tenold did a video on this flick. I watched it way back when.

[@gatchywatchyentertainmentb2090]

8:08 Cop uses threat. It's Extremely effective!

[@thunderstruck5484]

Saw at the theater with my wife and honestly this was one of the few slasher era movies that got me scared in the theater! Thanks again!

[@docsamson198]

Thanks, Cecil. One of your best. I always heard wild behind the scenes rumors about this one. Supposedly Glenn Ford was drinking so excessively he once thought he was back at Columbia Studios in his salad days and Melissa Sue Anderson was Rita Hayward! Probably not even remotely true, but still pretty funny.

[@redringofdeathgamer]

Thanks!

[@GoodBadFlicks]

Thank you! :)

[@matthewkoch6937]

I unabashedly love this movie. I'm a murder mystery fan, and it got me into horror. Is the twist ridiculous? Sure, but the giallo-esque and psychological elements make up for it. Melissa Sue Anderson's and Glenn Ford's great performances elevate this far above your standard '80's slasher.

[@nattmazzoni]

What I really like when I watch these so called "second rate" slashers is how well shot and edited they are. I love the use of dutch and ambulance lights whenever she blacks out in this movie. The ending is really absurd, but I can't see how that would be a bad thing

[@kylecurry577]

I've always liked this movie over the decades. A giallo style murder mystery, slasher & rather underrated. I liked the ending. Considering all the ups & downs during the making...not bad. The late 70s thru the 80s was a fun time to be a horror fan as this genre evolved.

[@ruffusgoodman4137]

It feels like the script had more rework and it was better polished. Today's scripts goes more or less like Pitch Meetings. "But why would she be the killer? MAGIC! But she had no motive... MAGIC!"

[@brandonpage7087]

I LOVE this movie, & just recently purchased it on Blu Ray! I was expecting that guy on the cover to be in the film, & was puzzled when a completely different guy was the victim of the shish kabob death. I also didn't notice that characters names are used on the cover, that aren't in the film, lol, but this is still a true 80s horror masterpiece. I love the direction, & the acting & characters. I do like the ending, but wish that there had been more details given about Virginia's half sister's background, in the end. I'd like to think of this film as a classy slasher.

[@NickMichalak]

This is a really good and fun film that I discovered several years back, and it definitely deserves further attention. Thompson's directing gave it some great style, especially those flashback transitions. Melissa Sue Anderson was a great talent here, and the film is well worth hunting down. UK's Indicator Series released a respectable Region Free Blu-Ray with additional bonus features including the weird re-scored soundtrack from the original DVD.

[@SirSmoldham]

The biggest mistake of my career. I was a screenwriter just out of film school and had a meeting with a producer who was about to make a horror film with one of the stars of "Little House on the Prairie." In his office, with a few other celebrity partners, he started things off by saying, "I have a great idea for a horror film... a Coke bottle shoved down someone's throat." I was insulted. I didn't know how to negotiate and left the meeting. The writers eventually hired knew how to deal with the situation and the Coke bottle got exchanged for a shish kabob. The film came out alright in any case.

[@EverlastingRain55]

As a Canadian and very longtime fan and subscriber to you, thank you for covering this and giving some information on the history of Canadian Cinema. There's lot I myself didn't know and very much appreciate! Great video as aways, Cecil!

[@theninjamaster67]

I'd love for him to cover Canadian shows like Reboot, Transformers Beast Wars, and My Babysitter's a Vampire cause of his usual thoroughness but those are kinda out of his usual wheelhouse so I know he never will but it would still be hella awesome cause they're really good shows and actually have a really cool backstory but I'm almost certain he could probably find out way more than I've ever been able to find. PS. It's kinda weird but awesome as an American how many Canadian TV shows and Canadian KZbinrs I grew up watching.

[@stillhuntre55]

Great episode! I must admit, my pet peeve is misleading marketing for a film. How does a film ever find it's true audience if the marketing misrepresents it? I'm glad this movie succeeded despite the ads. As a side-note, Steven *is* the English of Etienne.

[@theninjamaster67]

I would've assumed it would be Ethan rather than Steven but languages rarely make sense.

[@m.e.3862]

I remember this movie because I'm from the Montreal area and a lot of the popular seniors in my high school were extras in the football game scenes. One of them actually had a closeup which made me lol because it was so weird seeing them in a movie. I'm also a graduate of Concordia university and anyone else who's been there will recognize how the movie made the Loyola campus look so much better than real life. I'm also kinda bummed that Tracy Bregman was here and I didn't know until later! Thanks for the trip down memory lane 🙂

[@idahomike4254]

Dude, once again your research into whichever movie you decide to dive into really shines. Big fan!

[@TonyInVan314]

Melissa Sue Anderson must have enjoyed her time in Montreal, because according to IMDB: As of May 2007 was living in Montreal, Canada, with her husband and their two children. Rarely acts in order to be a stay-at-home mom.

[@pop000690]

A very underatted Slasher. I have a soft spot for Whodunit, Giallo esc slashers, and this one is a very good one, even with the bonkers ending.

[@ferrisbueller3231]

Something about your voice is strangely soothing, even when you’re talking about someone coating a set with fake blood. Love your content.

[@RavenHouseMystery]

Thanks for another great Exploring episode, Cecil. I agree that Happy Birthday To Me is very underrated. I will say that even though I've seen the film numerous times, there are still certain elements that never added up. This of course was explained when you talked about how the ending was changed, along with the identity of the villain. Personally, I think that was an excellent change. To have a "supernatural" explanation to the killings was even more ridiculous, especially with the plot being a straight mystery thriller. As for Siskel & Ebert, it has become more obvious to me that the two critics were just using their "war against horror" as a way to get more national attention. Their Chicago based show was only locally known until they did their "horror special" in 1980, which kind of started the whole "horror directors and horror fans hate women" malarkey.

[@anti-death5306]

It's a classic, thank you for exploring this, I feel the movie is more appreciated now that I know more about the film, you're awesome. 👍

[@howsitvingoing2048]

Yes! Cecil is excellent! My favorite movie reviewer and I love his oddball film choices, whether I am familiar with them or not.

[@davearquette3303]

So happy to see a new Exploring video in my subscriptions! Even happier that it's about Canadian horror!

[@Nyg5618]

This was a favorite movie of mine. My older bro loves horror and got me into it too. We used to have marathon sessions watching movies. This was one of my favorites (girls night out was up there too). Glad you’re doing this movie my friend.

[@philbertdez3863]

Thank you for the informative deep dive look at Happy Birthday to Me and history of what would become Hollywood North. Solid video as usual, keep up the awesome work and have a great day.

[@redringofdeathgamer]

Always good to see new gbf. Thank you for your work. It is always fun. Good TV.

[@TommyDeonauthsArchives]

I'd certainly watch this as a double feature with Happy Death Day... the first one.

[@Madbandit77]

The director of Happy Death Day, Chris Landon, is the son of Michael Landon, who starred in and executive produced of "Little House On The Prairie" (wrote and directed some episodes too).

[@kevinbartoe7881]

I remember renting it way back when and loving it. Still do

[@JoeDredd2012]

10:49 That sucks Cecil I would've love to hear about that 😞😞😞😞☹☹ 19:48 Both films I grew up enjoying Cecil Another good episode Cecil!

[@LostRanger87]

Fantastic Exploring, as always. I hope you continue to look at some of these strange slashers that followed this trend in the 80s. I always wanted to learn more about them

[@gg-er1vv]

awesome work man! I watched this one back in the 90's on VHS, might be time for a re-watch

[@childofthe80s1981]

Siskel and Ebert nine times out of ten hate horror films it doesn't matter what it is

[@AubreyTheKing]

Another very good obscure horror film! I MUST WATCH!!! This looks promising! I'm sure I'll enjoy this one! Thanks for another recommendation I can add to my collection, Cecil! I really love the exploring videos on obscure movies! Great video man!!!

[@neyaralbator1834]

18:49 Thanks so much for that one. I didn't have the opportunity to play it but I read the rpg after I saw the cartoon and have good memories of it. Your video made me want to watch the movie.

[@seventyseven7815]

Another amazing video, thanks so much for bringing back so many great memories, I rented this gem from blockbuster after school in 96 , it's still one of my favorites, awesome job on the break down and the indepth you are a legend in the making my friend.

[@crystalfelicia9924]

One of the best videos on this movie. Well done. This was really informative and enjoyable. 💜💜💚💚🌸🌸

[@GoodBadFlicks]

Thank you!

[@williamduhamel7726]

I’ve been going back 10yrs watching and catching up on your videos. Dude you rock

[@michaelaldan6969]

a very good review Cecil, top notch work.... as always! (there... I said it again!)

[@oreochips21]

Hellyeah! I have something to watch later in the evening. Thank you, Cecil! 🙌

[@pong86r]

It's awesome to hear you talk about reviving the girls brain and be reminded of Deadly Friend (1986)

[@GoodBadFlicks]

That one has a great story behind it!

[@zmbdog]

Including all the drops of the car from the bridge is one of those things where you can only sit there and think "What? WHY?".

[@simplegarak]

Happy Birthday, Cecil! Oh. Wait... no... Oh I see my mistake. Well whenever it comes around, Happy Birthday!

[@Adrasdea]

I've loved this film since I was a child. Its never really made sense and I've never cared. It is what it is and I love it.

[@Authorfan]

Thanks, man. This was quite informative. I love this film and had no idea, except of the knowledge that it was shot mostly in Montreal where I live, how it got made.

[@efan2012]

Just seen that Kino Lorber is giving this one a release in October on Blu Ray. Super excited to snag it!

[@kimbaptempura4073]

HOLY SHIT DO I LOVE THIS CHANNEL!!!! I remember this fucking box at my video store for years and eventually rented it and fucking...don't remember it much, like many films from my youth, but I do remember really enjoying it, and eventually watched it again and it's pretty bad ass! It's from a time late 70's to early 80's where children could see commercials for films like C.H.U.D., Alligator, Friday the 13th, et all, from 7AM to 7AM next day. I would never be allowed to see these movies...but they seemed intriguing...the last times I felt that were as a young kid, seeing the trailers for The Thing and The Shining......kids nowadays......they don't know how good it was.

[@williamduhamel7726]

I’m surprised you didn’t mention more about Matt Craven since it said that he is the actor being impaled by the shish kebab on the cover. And since you mentioned “Meatballs (1979)” where he played a camp counselor in his first acting roll. And went on to do massive things.

[@GraveyardTricks]

Dunning and Link. 0:15 Black and White. 2:39 Colour.

[@allright]

Invasion USA ,and speaking of which, I just remember Chuck Norris's TV show Walker Texas Ranger had a spin-off series called the Sons of thunder, that lasted only six episodes, I think you should talk about it in your forgotten TV show series, but first Invasion USA.

[@jamesmoss3424]

Melissa Sue Anderson is fantastic as Virginia Wainwright. 😀👍

[@Ray30]

I haven't ever seen the movie but after watching this video I want to watch it. Another good job. You always make great videos.

[@polrua]

Very nice tribute to John Dunning. Good stuff.

[@loudogwalker1601]

I love that production started on the day I was born! I like that film even more now 😀

[@stefmeijer3406]

dude, you post a video on my birthday called happy birthday to me......im amazed at how chance works. nice video as allways, of a bit of cinema history i never knew about. this was a nice birthday surprise.

[@jacotromp59581]

Your old intro needs to be brought back. I loved it. Maybe use it as your outro. Thanks for this great video.

[@Savoy1984]

I remember seeing that there poster with the kebab skewer going into the mouth in a small “mom and pop” paper shop in the UK in a video rental section on VHS and never forgot it….I brought the Blu Ray on my birthday a few years ago and had a phone brought for me on the same day and ended up using it for my profile picture on whatsapp.

[@karl_alan]

I was wondering if you were going to bring up the giallo comparison

[@GentlemansCombatives]

"Well gentlemen, you've been consulted" What an enormous chad

[@zamiadams4343]

Fantastic episode, thank you!

[@cambellfan22]

i'm going to take a guess that movie you were going to review but could not due to as you mentioned paramount does not believe in fair use would be the 80's slasher my bloody valentine

[@tattooeddragon]

I’m very happy you reviewed this film! I have never seen it based on the poster alone because it actually looked pretty dumb. Thanks for changing my mind, I’ll be sure and check it out!

[@themoviemaniac8416]

Among Horror Film fans, those not just looking for gore and kills, this one ranks very highly. If it's like a Giallo, that's due to the director and his background. Forget what contemporary critics say, they're usually wrong with horror films. Also, the marketing dept only did it's job. Sure it was marketed in a sensational manner, but that's to be expected with a horror film of this period. Though it might gall some people, it got it where it needed to be in the theaters.

[@vanderhoff66fu]

Awesome video....

[@Bongman42088]

Thank you for all that you do. I really appreciate this video. I love holiday horror movies.

[@genesanford9412]

Always a fave of mine... great stuff , thanks

[@googaboogaloo]

I’ve had this Blu-ray for about 4 years I think I might move it up in the queue haha

[@occularmalice]

I haven't seen the movie for a very long time but this calls into question if Gene Siskell even watched the movie. In his review he says "...and people being skewered like shish kebabs" but you mentioned the poster had a picture of an actor who wasn't in the movie, getting a skewer in the mouth. Was there even a shish kebab kill in the movie? Did Siskell even watch it for his review?

[@skipdonaghue9451]

A stellar vid as per usual, Cecil!

[@Belgand]

"Fans are split"... over a split diopter shot. Well played, sir.

[@rexbitten]

I saw this only one time in a theater in 81 when i was 14 because my twin sister insisted we were old enough to handle it so our mom let our 19 year old cousin take us. I went reluctantly and it was the only "slasher" type movie i ever saw in a theater.

[@paulaburrows8660]

You always make movies that I probably will never see, seem fascinating, always.

[@KyleRDent]

Canadian p--n is called Maple Syrup? May I suggest that for British it be called Bangers and Mash?

[@richarddeese1991]

Thanks. @21:36 - Hey, it's Vincent Schiavelli! ;) tavi.

[@R.D.G.C.]

Are you ever going to review Def Con 4? -- Keep up the awesome work!

[@TrixiLovesYou]

Haven't seen the film, but just from the clips I really enjoy the cinematography.

[@kylehuckins213]

The Vindicator would make a good episode or two for here. Loved that flick back in the day.

[@Austin_Soares]

Maple Syrup Porn? Well... I can certainly say that this is the first time hearing that one. But then again it does make sense, I mean we have Spaghetti Westerns so why not Maple Syrup Porn?

[@satelliteoflove2024]

Okay now I need to know what other food / movie genre sub-types are out there. Campbell’s Soup cinema verité? Just spitballing here.

[@Austin_Soares]

@@satelliteoflove2024 Maybe Crumpet Horror? Burrito Thriller? Tika Masala Fantasy? Vodka Historical? Haggis Science Fiction? Sushi Mystery?

[@satelliteoflove2024]

@@Austin_Soares Lol

[@satelliteoflove2024]

@@Austin_Soares I would be completely down for Haggis Science Fiction. Or a good Tex-Mex Docu-Drama.

[@Austin_Soares]

@@satelliteoflove2024 Ooh, I finally got another good one, Pad Thai Superhero and Croque Madame Coming of age.

[@Pheuri]

That motorcycle death made me fear/respect bicycles as a kid.

[@caneimcdonald9226]

80s slashers forever!!

[@prettybadcontent8301]

11:51 Happy Birthday to Me could have been the 80's slasher version of moon knight. I'm actually mad that they changed this.

[@CarletonTorpin]

Technical question: Was the colorized-photo at 2:45 made by using Photoshop’s “auto-colorize” neural filter?

[@ryanmclellan8740]

I've never seen this. I have to find this )

[@pdzombie1906]

No matter how bad the movie is, an Exploring treatment from Cecil is always interesting!!!

[@GoodBadFlicks]

:)

[@beanofdean]

Absolutely love this one. Always love a horror movie for every holiday. I think this is the best birthday one. Why hasn't GBF covered D.E.B.S. (2004) tho?

[@pikeb.3993]

I still have it on VHS, now I'm feeling old.

[@michaelminnikin4265]

Your research is brilliant. Any chance of the Burning / prowler in the future?

[@sbenz17]

I'm so excited this came out on my son's birthday

[@DeniseFaraday]

I love this movie and remember it also as Ford's character's last name was the same as mine! 😃

[@garytucker3563]

Don't think I ever saw it in my youth, but for years as I developed my film I.Q., I always came across this SOLELY due to that fantastic (and apparently non related) poster! One of these days...

[@TyroneBruinsmaFilms]

I love this film, even the nutty twist. I actually have a blu-ray copy on order. I will say I wouldn't this being remade with a worked out ending beforehand

[@TheChronozoan]

This was a wild ride! I'd no idea Lions Gate started here. Lions Gate was the first studio I really got into, in my teens.

[@biffmercury]

Was there ever a DVD or Bluray version of this film where the cut gore FX were restored?

[@leadingblind1629]

Making me want to see you cover Sweet Sixteen!

[@mickeymackenna1090]

Thank you for exploring a Canadian Horror Classic.

[@MrNobodysSanctuary]

Love the song for this movie, very haunting...it also pairs well with Puppet Master's theme music 🎂👍

[@robertmcghintheorca49]

And this was also the first of two films I believe where Lesleh Donaldson plays a character who gets beheaded. The other being "Curtains".

[@AndreNitroX]

I like this one

[@Iruleyoufail]

This is a movie that I personally love and I am very happy that I have it in my blu ray collection.