Slaughterhouse Rock (1988)
A cult late-1980s horror film that unleashes demonic terror on Alcatraz, featuring Toni Basil and a score by Devo's own Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerald Casale.
Slaughterhouse Rock - Movie Information
- Original Title: Slaughterhouse Rock
- Release Year: 1988
- Directed by: Dimitri Logothetis
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Horror
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 21, 1988 (United States - R)
- Alternative Titles: 恐怖のアルカトラズ／ヘル・デッド (JP), Tanz der Monster 2 - Im Vorhof der Hölle (DE), Адски остров (BG), Hell Island (US)
- Production Companies: Arista Films
- Production Countries: United States of America
Slaughterhouse Rock - Plot
A man visits Alcatraz prison after having dreams about all the people who died there. When he gets there, his brother is possessed by an evil cannibal demon. The ghost of a female heavy metal singer who was killed there tries to help the man fight the monster.
Slaughterhouse Rock - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the horrors of Alcatraz come to life:
Alcatraz. For 39 years it held society's most depraved killers. Now it's home to something even worse...
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Slaughterhouse Rock - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Dimitri Logothetis
Main Cast
- Toni Basil
- Nicholas Celozzi
- Tom Reilly
- Donna Denton
- Hope Marie Carlton
- Tamara Hyler
- Steven Brian Smith
- Ty Miller
- Al Fleming
- Lenka Novak
Writers
- Ted Landon
- Sandra Willard
- Nora Goodman
- Dimitri Logothetis
Producers
- Louis George
Slaughterhouse Rock - FAQs
What is Slaughterhouse Rock about?
Slaughterhouse Rock follows Alex Gardner, a young man plagued by terrifying nightmares about Alcatraz who travels to the infamous island to investigate. Once there, his brother is possessed by a murderous cannibal demon, and only the ghost of a slain heavy metal singer can help Alex survive the supernatural nightmare.
Is there a real Alcatraz connection in this film?
The film uses Alcatraz as its central setting, leaning into the island's dark history as a maximum-security prison. While the demonic cannibal storyline is pure fiction, the filmmakers tap into the real location's eerie reputation to build atmosphere and dread throughout.
Where can you stream Slaughterhouse Rock?
You can stream Slaughterhouse Rock on Amazon Prime Video, Philo, and Screambox. Free ad-supported options include Tubi TV, The Roku Channel, Shout! Factory TV, Plex, Xumo Play, and Fawesome. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video.
What role does Toni Basil play in this film?
Toni Basil — best known for her 1982 pop hit "Mickey" — plays Sammy Mitchell, the ghost of a heavy metal singer who was killed at Alcatraz. Her character becomes the unlikely guide and ally helping the protagonist battle the demonic force possessing his brother.
Who composed the music for Slaughterhouse Rock?
The score was composed by Gerald V. Casale and Mark Mothersbaugh, both founding members of the iconic new wave band Devo. Their involvement gives the film a distinctive synth-driven sonic identity that fits perfectly with its late-1980s horror aesthetic.
Is Slaughterhouse Rock worth watching for horror fans?
For fans of late-1980s B-horror, Slaughterhouse Rock delivers exactly what the era promised: a wild premise, a memorable setting, and plenty of campy charm. The Alcatraz backdrop, Toni Basil's quirky performance, and the Devo-composed score make it a genuinely entertaining cult curiosity.
Who directed Slaughterhouse Rock?
Dimitri Logothetis directed the film. He also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Ted Landon, Sandra Willard, and Nora Goodman. Logothetis later went on to direct action films, but Slaughterhouse Rock remains one of his most distinctive early genre efforts.
Does Slaughterhouse Rock have any notable alternative titles?
Yes — the film was released under several titles internationally. In Japan it was known as 恐怖のアルカトラズ／ヘル・デッド, in Germany as Tanz der Monster 2 - Im Vorhof der Hölle, and in Bulgaria as Адски остров. It also circulated in the US under the alternate title Hell Island.
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