Twenty years after a mining disaster in the small town of Valentine's Bluff a psychotic, unknown miner embarks on a killing spree. For some time now I watch holiday related horror movies when the relevant time of year comes around, and this is not only the best Valentines movie but I would say one of the best slasher movies ever. Made in Canada during the sub genre's Golden Age this has a great storyline, is well acted with characters that we can actually get into, it's creepy & suspenseful and throws in plenty of gory, imaginative deaths at a good, even pace. It also comes with a good soundtrack and makes fabulous use of the real Nova Scotia mine in which it was shot. Perhaps the only thing lacking is some female nudity, though there is plenty of sex talk & making out. Sadly it was heavily cut by the MPAA back in 1981 and here in the UK we are still waiting for an uncut release. It is possible, however, to see the cut gore on You Tube. A great film, one of my favourite stalk & slash movies which just oozes with a 1980's feel. Essential viewing. NB the remake is pretty good too!

In the small town of Valentine Bluffs everyone is getting ready for the big Valentine's Dance. It will be the first one in over 20 years, since the tragedy. In 1960 a terrible mining accident happened on Valentine's Day. On the day of the accident two supervisors were careless, and 5 people died. The only survivor was Harry Warden, who vowed to get even with the two that left him there to die, so they could get to the dance. He later found those two supervisors killed them, ripping out their hearts. He told the community that if there were another Valentine's Day Dance he would come back and kill everyone. Harry ended up spending several years in a mental hospital. It is now 1980, and the first Valentine's Day dance is going to be held regardless. Almost everyone believe Harry Warden is either dead or just a legend. Most of the people work at the Hanniger Mine; and can't wait to start helping with the decorating. As soon as the decorations begin the dance organizer Mabel is brutality murdered. Chief Newby tries to cover it up, so it won't start a panic . So after Mabel's murder, Newby calls off the dance which leads to disappointment. After her death the local bar tender knows exactly what happened.He believes Harry's back and everyone should wise up and listen to him. He explains that it isn't a fairy tale and they will be sorry. Naturally everyone thinks he's bulls**ting and ignore the scare tactic. The bartender worked in the mine back when the collapse happened, he was one of the men who found Harry.Later he tries to make believer's out of them by scaring them, but it backfires. So the gang ignores the advice and hold a Valentine's party at the mine. Once they arrive the terror and killings continue until the real killer is caught. Could it be one of there own? I love this movie, the uncut version is the only one to watch though. To get the real effect of the film the uncut is a must, the R rating is practically PG. I was young at the time so I don't know what the big brew ha ha was with Paramount, since they put out Friday the 13th a year earlier. That film was much more frighting. If the uncut scenes were left MBV would have done so must better at the box office.THX, Kris L. CocKayne

My Bloody Valentine (1981) is one of the "slasher" greats, in my opinion. However, when I first watched the film, I found it to be quite predictable up until the ending. Want to know why the remake was horrible? Because it didn't feature "The Ballad of Harry Warden." I was surprised a sequel wasn't attempted, given that the ending basically was open for a follow-up. By the way, I'm Nova Scotian and a filmmaker. A horror filmmaker. This film will always be an influence. I found the image of the real Harry Warden murdering Axel's father, dark in tone. It contributed greatly to the film. I gave this film nine out of ten, because, like I mentioned earlier, I found it quite predictable. But then again, isn't it all of the clichés that make for a classic horror film?

This 1981 horror film stars Paul Kelman, Lori Hallier, Neil Affleck, Don Francks and Peter Cowper. The town of Valentine Bluffs is about to celebrate Valentine's Day, but is in for a nightmare when a killer repeats gruesome murders that happened 20 years prior. It began during the town's Valentine's dance and 5 mine workers were trapped underground after an accident. Harry Warden (Cowper) was the only survivor who eventually killed the ones responsible for the mishap and was committed after. Soon, The killer warns the town of not having a dance, but takes out the ones that ignore him. Is Harry continuing his killing spree or is it someone else? Kelman plays T.J., Hallier plays his ex-girlfriend, Sarah whom he still loves, Affleck plays her boyfriend, Axel and Francks plays Chief Newby. This isn't a bad 80's slasher flick, but you must watch the uncut version if you're a fan of the genre.