We wish everyone celebrating a happy Texas Chainsaw Massacre Day

AUSTIN, Texas – It may not be on your calendar, but October 11th is Texas Chainsaw Massacre Day in Austin.

Yes, really. The groundbreaking slasher classic was filmed here in Central Texas and released nationwide 50 years ago today.

The movie trailer begins with “What happened is true.” No, it wasn’t. It’s called hype. The fictional film was inspired by a cannibal, not a family of cannibals who hold lost travelers captive.

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It was a low-budget film that garnered worldwide attention. Photographer Randy Kerr remembers Texas Chainsaw Massacre as a “bloodthirsty little film”… but also inspiring.

He explains. “It inspired young filmmakers to just get a camera and try to make a film. Make a movie, scare people. And it drives home what Halloween is all about. I think a little fear is good for us sometimes.

The film also inspired someone to open a slasher movie-themed restaurant in Bastrop County. It’s called “The Gas Station” because it’s located in the actual gas station where part of the “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” was filmed. And someone else opens a slasher restaurant in Kingsland in the house shown in the film.

And as part of Texas Chainsaw Massacre Day in Austin, the Austin Film Society is hosting a special screening at its AFS Theater at 6406 N. I-35 Suite 3100 tonight at 9 p.m. Tickets are $13.50.