10 To Midnight

Yes folks, the Killer That Strips Naked film genre really does exist. Look no further than "10 to Midnight," a cross-genre movie that takes elements from slashers, police procedurals, and vigilante films and rolls them all into one. Shout Factory's latest retro Blu-ray release was a non-stop aired exploitation film of the early 1980s cable circuit.

How does "10 to Midnight" fare these days, almost 40 years after its initial release? Those that have seen this Charles Bronson-starring movie know that its novelty lies in the fact that the villain strips buck naked before killing his victims. Actor Gene Davis (brother of Brad Davis of "Midnight Express") gives it his bare all in an over-the-top, yet quite memorable, performance. He plays Warren Stacy, a constantly rejected pervert who goes on a serial killing spree and mostly targets victims that turned down his advances.

Leo Kessler (Bronson) is on to Warren's ways from the get-go, but has roadblocks from the liberal justice system. The weathered Kessler takes matters into his own hands when his daughter (Lisa Eilbacher) becomes the next targeted victim.

Besides its depiction of a corrupt legal system, "10 to Midnight" is fairly rote in execution. But Bronson's tough-as-nails performance ranks up there with his best vigilante work (see "Death Wish II"). And if it weren't for Davis' constant bare bum, which should've gotten a screen credit, "10 to Midnight" wouldn't be discussed too much.

There are, however, four separate interviews/discussions on Scream Factory's Blu-ray, and they make up a generous special features section:

"Charlie's Partner" – an interview with still-youthful-looking actor Andrew Stevens, who plays Bronson's partner in the film

"Knife and Death" – former Playboy bunny Jeana Tomasina sits down for a brief talk about being a victim in "10 to Midnight"

"Producing Bronson" – the producer of "10 to Midnight," Kance Hool, fondly recalls his friendship with Charles Bronson

"Remembering Bronson" – an interview with actor Robert Lyons, someone else who remembers the late, great Bronson

Sadly, there are no extras that feature actor Gene Davis.

"10 to Midnight"
Blu-ray
$29.99
www.shoutfactory.com