Fade to Black

Fade to Black

Vernon Zimmerman

(1980)

A shy, lonely film buff embarks on a killing spree against those who browbeat and betray him, all the while stalking his idol, a Marilyn Monroe lookalike.

Cast

Dennis Christopher
Eric Binford: Dennis Christopher
Tim Thomerson
Jerry Moriarty: Tim Thomerson
Gwynne Gilford
Officer Anne Oshenbull: Gwynne Gilford
Norman Burton
Marty Berger: Norman Burton
Dennis Christopher
Eric Binford: Dennis Christopher
Tim Thomerson
Jerry Moriarty: Tim Thomerson
Gwynne Gilford
Officer Anne Oshenbull: Gwynne Gilford
Norman Burton
Marty Berger: Norman Burton
Linda Kerridge
Marilyn O'Connor: Linda Kerridge

Crew

Executive ProducerSylvio Tabet
Set DecorationRob Lowy
Makeup & HairPatricia Bunch
Makeup & HairJustin Chart
Makeup & HairKaren Faye

Overview and Horror Legacy

Over time, it has gained a cult following, particularly among cinephiles who appreciate its film references. The film features numerous references to classic Hollywood films, with the protagonist mimicking characters from movies like Dracula and The Mummy.

Collector Market and Memorabilia

Character and craft are the collector draws — the performances, screenplay intelligence, and formal precision create materials that sustain interest beyond the genre context.

Cult Status

Directed by Vernon Zimmerman, the film was produced independently with a modest budget. Fade to Black received mixed reviews and modest box office success. Over time, it has gained a cult following, particularly among cinephiles who appreciate its film references.

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