Just Before Dawn

Just Before Dawn – (1981) – Jeff Lieberman

Woodland Loonies

I remember this film well from when I was young. Granted, it was scarier then than now but it still holds up and is a decent piece of film making.

Jeff Lieberman (he of Squirm and Blue Sunshine fame) is at the helm and pulls off a good example of how the early eighties slasher films should be. There was a whole parade of dodgy slasher films after Friday 13th and very few stand up to time but JBD holds an interesting secret ingredient. There is very little musical score if any at all but Lieberman really captures the essence of the backwoods the kids venture into. Beautiful scenery lulls you into a false sense of security although you know they're gonna get it. This film is not for people with a short attention span. Very little happens in the first 45 mins as Lieberman allows you to get to know his characters. The grainy stock looks like Texas chainsaw giving it a low budget feel but it almost gives the film an extra layer because of this. If it was a sharp image the film just wouldn't work as well.

The plot surrounds five kids who go into the Oregon backwoods to find some land which one of their fathers has recently acquired. On their way up the mountain they are warned by the local forestry commission chap not to go. Ignoring his warnings they schlep on only to be picked off by the result of centuries of inbreeding.

Think Friday 13th meets Deliverance. There are a couple of nice plot twists and a great ending. If you are into these sorts of movies then JDB is a very good example and would be a good addition to your horror/slasher night you have with your mates.

Watch, wearing a checked shirt and logger’s boots. Readjust your beer bottle wind chime. Crack out the moonshine and squeeeeeel piggy!