Today’s special birthday: NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET

A little movie about a guy with claws.. Freddy went from villain to 1980s phenom as movie after movie eventually got minced out like sausage in a factory..

But it all started on November 9 1984 when Wes Craven’s creation took hold as a pop culture icon.

It also gave is Heather Langenkamp–and Johnny Depp.

The original A Nightmare on Elm Street, released in 1984, was a groundbreaking slasher film written and directed by Wes Craven. With a modest budget of around $1.8 million, it grossed over $25 million at the U.S. box office, making it a surprise hit. The film not only launched the iconic horror franchise but also helped propel the careers of several key figures. It introduced audiences to Robert Englund as the infamous Freddy Krueger, whose portrayal became legendary. Additionally, it played a significant role in the early careers of actors like Johnny Depp, whose role as Glen earned him his first major film credit, and actress Heather Langenkamp, who starred as the film’s protagonist, Nancy. The success of Nightmare also solidified Wes Craven as a major force in the horror genre.

But..

Going back in time, just for fun, we find this little snippet review of the film from the AP that was shared in newspapers across America a the time–and with reviews like this, 40 years of Freddy just should never have happened.

Happy birthday Fred … no worries about bad reviews anymore.

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK