The story of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is an original idea created by Tobe Hooper and Kim Henkel in 1973. Tobe knew of the story of Ed Gein and incorporated his idea of using a chainsaw to create the Leatherface character. read more
In 1974, director Tobe Hooper revolutionized horror with his film “inspired by a true story,” THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE. Almost immediately after the film’s release, rumors began to circulate that there was an actual chainsaw wielding madman living with his deranged family in the town of Poth, Texas. read more
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre premiered in Austin, Texas on October 1, 1974, almost a year after filming concluded. It screened nationally in the United States as a Saturday afternoon matinée and its false marketing as a "true story" helped it attract a broad audience. read more