One of the most shocking UK slashers ever made, Don’t Open Till Christmas has everything you’d want from a movie set in the most sordid parts of early 80’s London. European exploitation favourite Edmund Purdom directs and stars in this infamous nasty which has little seasonal cheer but plenty of blood to go round. It’s Christmas time in the East End but someone with a grudge against St Nicholas is killing off anyone dressed as Santa Claus. Can Chief Inspector Harris (Purdom) of Scotland Yard save the day and stop the ever-increasing body count? Violent with a real mean streak running through it, this is a prime example of British exploitation moviemaking which captures the era perfectly as its filled with peep shows, tinsel and Caroline Monroe belting out a cracker of a tune. An Xmas classic with all the seediest trimmings you could want.
