Bloodmoon (1990 film)
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film industry |
| Founded | 1990 |
| Headquarters | Brisbane , Australia |
| Products | Slasher film |
Bloodmoon is a 1990 Australian slasher film helmed by director Alec Mills, featuring performances from Leon Lissek, Christine Amor, Ian Williams, Helen Thomson, and Craig Cronin. The movie was highlighted in the documentary Not Quite Hollywood: The Wild, Untold Story of Ozploitation!.
The film's name alludes to the Hunter's moon, which is the first full moon following the Harvest Moon.
Plot
Saint Elizabeth's, a prestigious Catholic boarding school for girls, is supervised by Sister Mary-Ellen. Mrs. Sheffield assumes the role of headmistress, while her spouse takes on the position of science instructor at the institution.
There is ongoing friction between students from Winchester School, a private boys' academy, and local youths, resulting in altercations at Coopers Beach and disruptions during a school dance involving fire hoses.
The forest adjacent to the school serves as a popular rendezvous spot for couples, often called the lovers' lane. Mysterious deaths begin to occur among students, starting with sixteen-year-old Jackie and Winchester pupil Richard Hampton.
During a school dance featuring a glam rock band, attendees from both institutions mingle. A killer armed with barbed wire stalks the nearby woods. After being interrupted by Gretchen and Stuart from Winchester, the assailant murders Stuart.
Mrs. Sheffield becomes romantically involved with a Winchester student, while her husband watches with contempt. Mr. Sheffield exhibits aggressive tendencies toward students, including Mary. In a violent confrontation at school, he fatally wounds Jennifer after she injures him. Despite his blood-soaked appearance, Sheffield misleads law enforcement about his wife's location.
Cutting telephone lines, Sheffield lures Mary into the woods for a nighttime meeting. Authorities link the Saint Elizabeth's murders to similar incidents in California. Meanwhile, Linda delivers a message from Mary before falling victim to Sheffield.
On a rainy Sunday night, Mary visits lovers' lane. Myles Sheffield prepares to attack but is confronted by Sister Mary-Ellen following an assault on her. A police officer arrives but is stabbed fatally by Sheffield. Sister Mary-Ellen defends herself using a bottle containing liquid.
Injured and frantic, Sheffield steals a shotgun from the local priest’s residence and returns home where Virginia Sheffield awaits him. The film concludes with gunfire amidst a stormy backdrop.
Cast
Presented in order of credit:
- Leon Lissek as Myles Sheffield, science teacher at Saint Elizabeth's and an avid cat enthusiast
- Christine Amor as Virginia Sheffield, headmistress of Saint Elizabeth's and wife to Myles
- Ian Williams as Kevin Lynch, local youth from Coopers Beach interested in Mary Huston
- Helen Thomson as Mary Huston, student at Saint Elizabeth's and vice-captain of Wills House; her mother is an actress based in California
- Craig Cronin as Matt Desmond, police sergeant (credited as Craige Cronnin)
- Hazel Howson as Sister Mary-Ellen, a strict yet perceptive nun
- Suzie MacKenzie as Michelle, student worried about academic performance
- Anya Molina as Jennifer, student and friend of Michelle
- Brian Moll as Mr Gordian, long-serving headmaster of Winchester School
- Stephen Bergin as Mark
- Christophe Broadway as Scott
- Samantha Rittson as Gretchen, student
- Tess Pike as Kylie
- Jo Munro as Jackie, girlfriend to Winchester’s Richard Hampton
- Michelle Doake as Linda, who makes a public phone call
- Chris Uhlmann as Chip
- Justin Ractliffe as Zits
- Warwick Brown as Billy, local boy
- Gregory Pamment as Rich
- Sueyan Cox as Sandy Desmond, spouse of police sergeant
- Narelle Arcidiacono as Mrs Bacon
- Michael Adams and Sue Lawson portraying Mr and Mrs Owens
- Jonathan Hardy in the role of mayor
- Elizabeth Williams, David Clendenning, Jane Dormaier, Helen Strube appearing as teachers
- Les Evans as Kevin’s father
- Ray Turner and Shawn Kristofer playing police officers (Kristofer also worked as production runner)
- Kate Riley and Sean Anderson cast as children of police sergeant
- Kesha Loy, Lisa Hamilton, Matthew Smith (Murphy), Karen Miers (Susan)
- Melodie Brutnall acting as stunt double for Jennifer’s fall down stairs
- Ashley Burgess, Chris Hawkins, Scott Hogan, Ben Wyatt – stunt team members
- Lindy-Jo Free serving as choir mistress
- Stuartholme Choir featured for school chapel choir sequences
Production
Filming took place across the Gold Coast, Brisbane, and at the Warner-Roadshow Studios. Several school scenes were captured at Marist College Ashgrove, while the dance sequence included local students from Mount Saint Michaels as background performers. The production team opted for Queensland Police Force uniforms from before the 1990s, featuring shoulder patches and sleeve rank chevrons; police vehicles bore simple stickers indicating their official status. The character portraying an officer wore insignia denoting the rank of 'sergeant first class.'
The film’s theme song, Bloodmoon, was created by composer Brian May, with lyrics written by Hunt Downs, and performed by the band Vice.
Actors Amor, MacKenzie, Moll, and Cronnin (credited in this film as Craig Cronin) had previously collaborated in the 1990 Australian horror movie Dead Sleep.
Release
In Australia, the movie incorporated a "fright break" close to its conclusion, providing viewers the option to exit and receive a refund.
Critical reception
AllMovie characterized the film as a "silly Australian slasher." Jim Schembri, writing for Cinema Papers, condemned it as a lackluster and uninspired horror production, casting a negative light on mainstream Australian cinema of that era.
External links
- Bloodmoon at Oz Movies