Don't Open Till Christmas

Don't Open Till Christmas is a British horror film from 1984 that was directed by Edmund Purdom. The movie stars Edmund Purdom himself, along with Alan Lake and Belinda Mayne. The film is set during the holiday season and follows a killer who is targeting people dressed as Santa Claus.

The movie begins with a scene in which a woman dressed as Santa Claus is attacked and killed by an unseen assailant. We then meet Inspector Harris (played by Edmund Purdom) who is investigating the murder. As he digs deeper into the case, he discovers that this is not the first killing of a Santa Claus that has occurred in London.

One of the suspects in the case is Reggie (played by Alan Lake), a man who hates Christmas due to a traumatic incident that occurred during his childhood. Reggie helps Harris with his investigation and together they try to track down the killer before he strikes again.

As the story progresses, we are introduced to more suspects, including a group of actors who portray Santa Claus for a living. One of the actors, Kate (played by Belinda Mayne), becomes the target of the killer and Harris must rush to her aid.

The movie is filled with suspenseful scenes and tense moments as Harris and Reggie try to uncover the identity of the killer. The killer's motives are slowly revealed throughout the film, leading to a dramatic conclusion that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Don't Open Till Christmas has become a cult classic over the years, due to its unique premise and holiday setting. The film features a cast of talented actors who deliver strong performances, especially Edmund Purdom who brings a gravitas to his role as Inspector Harris.

The film's direction by Edmund Purdom is solid, with effective use of lighting and camera angles to build tension and create a sense of unease. The script, written by Derek Ford and Alan Birkinshaw, is also well crafted, with enough twists and turns to keep audiences guessing until the end.

One of the standout features of the film is its use of real London locations, which adds a sense of authenticity to the story. The movie also benefits from a haunting score by composer John Scott, which helps to ramp up the tension and create a foreboding atmosphere.

Overall, Don't Open Till Christmas is a unique addition to the holiday horror genre that provides plenty of thrills and chills. Despite its low budget and occasional moments of camp, the film is an entertaining and genuinely scary ride that horror fans should not miss.