On this day March 13 1987 the cult horror comedy Evil Dead II premiered in theaters. Directed by Sam Raimi the film starred Bruce Campbell as Ash Williams alongside Sarah Berry Dan Hicks Kassie Wesley and Richard Domeier.
A sequel and partial remake of The Evil Dead the film continued Ash’s nightmarish battle against demonic forces in a remote cabin. Evil Dead II became known for its mix of intense horror slapstick comedy and over-the-top special effects cementing Bruce Campbell as a horror icon.
Even though it had a modest box office return of 5.9 million against a 3.6 million budget Evil Dead II became a cult classic influencing countless horror films and leading to the creation of Army of Darkness and the Ash vs Evil Dead TV series.
80s insight:: The film’s exaggerated horror and comedic tone were inspired by classic Three Stooges slapstick routines which director Sam Raimi frequently referenced in the film’s action sequences.