Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. It's also a great way to make a buck. Joe Giannone and Gary Sales were inexperienced, short on cash, but they had an idea for a flick based on an upstate New York summer camp legend, The Kropsy Maniac. It'd be the sort of film that'd be relatively inexpensive to make, and might easily tap into the booming success of Friday the 13th, and their favorite, Halloween. The duo's combined efforts hit theaters as Madman (1981, 88 minutes).

The movie: A farmer murdered his wife and two children in their sleep, and then went into town for a drink. The townspeople were so angry with what he had done, they lynched him, and while he hung there, split his face with an ax. By dawn, he was gone and the legend of Madman Marz was born. His story would only be spoken of in hushed tones around campfires like the one at a summer camp for gifted children -- conveniently within earshot of the Marz farmhouse. Seems if you speak his name above a whisper, he'll come looking to string you up like he got done, and sure enough, one of the "gifted" starts screaming "MADMAN MARZ!" It's very funny until the wild-haired and barefoot beastie answers the taunt by stalking the woods in search of camper meat and a late-night manicurist. Counselors wander one-by-one into the forest to look for the now missing loud-mouth and meet with gruesome ends. Including one poor gal who should have called Triple A instead of tinkering under the hood herself -- in such a pressing situation, that's a great way to break a nail, or completely loose your head. CineSchlockers will recognize Gaylen Ross from Dawn of the Dead. Here, she's Betsy the nurturing blonde with the summer-of-love attitude (credited as Alexis Dubin).

Notables: Two breasts. 10 corpses. Homicidal-maniac cam. Diddling in a pup tent. Gratuitous campfire song. Refrigerator hideout.

Quotables: What not to say to your sweetie while nuzzling by the fire, "I love to feel the flames devour the wood. Who says there's no beauty in destruction." Words that always signal impending doom, "Be careful!"

Time codes: First appearance of the menace (11:42). Hot tub lovin' (23:40). Terrific severed head effect (53:50). Finally, a clear look at Marz (1:25:15).

Audio/Video: Time hasn't been gentle to this widescreen (1.85:1) print. Scratches and other artifacts are present, and the picture seems to jitter from time to time. Black levels shift, which isn't helped by the night setting. But as in films like, Eaten Alive, the aged quality of the picture only enhances the creepy vibe. Utilitarian Dolby Digital mono track showcases the rather quirky, electronic score and original songs by Gary Sales.

Extras: Nostalgic audio commentary featuring Giannone and Sales, plus stars Tony Fish (T.P.) and Paul Ehlers (Madman Marz). Keeping track of four male voices can be tough, but it becomes easier as the chat continues. The group discusses Madman's genesis and the curious quirks of the decidedly low-budget production. The biggest hitch being when they realized another film based on the Kropsy legend, The Burning, was already in production. The discovery forced changes in the script including a new name for the killer. Animated menus with sound effects. Theatrical trailer and TV spots.

Final thought: Marz inflicts truly gruesome carnage, and the audience isn't spared the bloodletting. It also succeeds where many in the genre fail -- with a great ending. Recommended.

G. Noel Gross is a Dallas graphic designer and avowed Drive-In Mutant who specializes in scribbling B-movie reviews. Noel is inspired by Joe Bob Briggs and his gospel of blood, breasts and beasts.