The Clown Murders

The Clown Murders is a 1976 film directed by Martyn Burke and starring Stephen Young, Susan Keller, and Lawrence Dane. The film follows a group of friends, who are all former circus performers, as they venture to an abandoned circus to spend a weekend reminiscing and catching up. However, things take a dark turn when a masked clown begins to terrorize and murder the group one by one.

The film opens with a flashback to the circus where the group of friends first met as performers. From there, we see them gathering years later at the deserted circus ground, which has been closed since they were last there. As they begin to explore the grounds, they realize that they are not alone. An unknown assailant dressed as a clown begins to stalk and kill them off one by one, each death more gruesome and shocking than the last.

The tension in the film builds as the remaining characters try to figure out who the killer is and how to survive. The identity of the killer is not revealed until the end, so the audience is left guessing and on the edge of their seats throughout the film. As the group dwindles in number, the survivors must pool their skills and training to try and escape alive.

The performances by the cast are solid, especially Stephen Young's portrayal of Lolly, the troubled and unstable character at the center of the group. Keller is also notable as the group's leader and the only one who seems to have any idea of how to survive the killer's attacks. Dane, who plays a detective investigating the murders, delivers a convincing and intriguing character who adds depth to the story.

The atmosphere and setting of the film are also well done, with the abandoned circus grounds providing a creepy and unsettling backdrop for the action. The use of light and shadow creates a sense of foreboding throughout the film, adding to the suspense and horror of the story. In addition, the film's score is effective in heightening the tension and creating an ominous mood.

Overall, The Clown Murders is a gripping and entertaining horror-thriller that keeps the audience guessing until the very end. The combination of strong performances, an eerie setting, and effective tension-building techniques make this film a memorable addition to the genre.