DON’T GO IN THE WOODS

• Director: James Bryan
• Cast: Nick Cleland, Mary Gail Artz, James P. Hayden 
• 1981 | Film: 82mins | USA | No Subtitles | Event: 20:45 – 23:10 [18+]

“EVERYONE HAS NIGHTMARES ABOUT THE UGLIEST WAYS TO DIE!”

Friends camping in the woods inadvertently stumble upon the domain of a maniacal killer.

Cult film night BAR TRASH continues with BANNED, an uncensored season of the Video Nasties.

DON’T GO IN THE WOODS (1981) is one of the more surprising entries on the Video Nasties list on the basis that it doesn’t seem to commit any egregious sins other than being devoutly oddball. As an indication of how times and tastes have changed, this once-prosecuted title now resides on home video with a 15 certificate… If you’re afraid of the Nasties, then this amateur-grade thrill-ride is a good place to start. It also serves as a camp(ing) companion to NIGHT OF THE DEMON (1980).

The slasher sub-genre as a whole was profoundly unpopular with the Director of Public Prosecutions back in the day, presumably on the basis of its potential to inspire copycat killings. DON’T GO IN THE WOODS suffered further guilt by association as it shared a popular title stem with several other banned films, including the truly shocking DON’T GO IN THE HOUSE (1980), DON’T GO NEAR THE PARK (1979), and DON’T LOOK IN THE BASEMENT (1973). It remains a fun regional horror film with a knowing sense of humour and a series of baffling musical stings.

“In terms of budget and technical competence, this film sits at the bottom of the nasties list. Director James Bryan appears not to have grasped even the rudimentary aspects of filmmaking.” (David Kerekes & David Slater, Cannibal Error)

DON’T GO IN THE WOODS was originally released in the UK on uncensored, pre-certificate videocassette by Video Releasing Organisation in 1982 before being effectively banned under Section 1 of the Obscene Publications Act 1959 during the Video Nasties furore. The film was passed fully uncut by the BBFC in 2007 and given a 15 certificate for home entertainment.

Polite warning: DON’T GO IN THE WOODS contains scenes of  “strong bloody violence” (BBFC). We are showing DON’T GO IN THE WOODS fully uncensored from the best available digital source. DON’T GO IN THE WOODS will play without subtitles.

/// BAR TRASH is a celebration of cult and curious cinema, hosted by queer film fanatic, Token Homo. Films are served with themed drinks, introductions, intermissions, prize giveaways, and subtitles/captions where possible. Tickets from £3. Strictly adults 18+ only. Follow @tokenhomo on Instagram for news and updates. //