At night the Mangler stalks the streets of Los Angeles, killing and mutilating random victims. On the trail are a TV reporter, the father of one of the victims, and a police detective, but despite their efforts only the mysterious psychic DeRenzy knows what the killer is and how to stop it.
Practical Effects
The Mangler's glowing eyes and rubber suit are unforgettably janky.
Cinematography
Gritty nighttime LA streets shot like a crime procedural fever dream.
Director
John "Bud" Cardos
William Devane
Roy Warner, aka Steve Dupree
Cathy Lee Crosby
Zoe Owens
Richard Jaeckel
Det. Dave Mooney
Keenan Wynn
Sherman 'Sherm' Moss
Warren J. Kemmerling
Police Captain Speer
Biff Elliot
Detective Jack Bresler
Jacquelyn Hyde
De Renzy
Casey Kasem
Police Pathologist
Vivian Blaine
Cortney Floyd
John Bloom
The Dark
Russ Marin
Dr. Baranowski
John Dresden
Policeman
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The film was originally conceived as a straight-up slasher until producers demanded an alien angle to capitalize on the post-Star Wars sci-fi boom, resulting in the infamous 'Mangler' reshoots.
Cathy Lee Crosby's casting as tough reporter Zoe Owens came right after her Wonder Woman pilot failed—making this her consolation prize superhero role where she mostly screams at glowing eyeballs.
US
