SCALPS (Fred Olen Ray, 80 min, color, 1983)
What’s Happening: Archaeologists awaken evil Indian spirit
Famous For: Early film from prolific schlockmeister Ray
If you count short films and TV films, Ray would go on to direct more than 200 cheap genre films through the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. His first film (Alien Dead) is probably his best, but what I like about Ray is that he genuinely enjoys these things – science fiction, horror, gore, babes – and isn’t just trying to snatch a quick buck.
And his movies are fun even when they are bad (and many of them are bad). Scalps is bad. It’s slow and monotonous, with repetitive transitions (walking, driving) and familiar locations (deserts, hills). Two thirds through you can guess the “trick” ending.
But it’s still worth watching for fans. Many lines are so dumb as to appear creative, like Ed Wood. A Creepy Gas Station Guy, an appearance from Forry Ackerman (early on), and an appearance from Carroll Borland (also early) give some historical appeal.
Best yet, the gore scenes are not bad. There is only one scalping sequence (the title should really be “Scalp”) but it is surprisingly well done. Other minor gore scenes including a beheading are likewise entertaining. Some cinematography is also decent.
Of course it’s cheap and choppy, but if you like Ray or if you like So Bad It’s Good from the 80s that feels like it’s from the 70s, then go ahead and search it out. See also Winterbeast.
Action: 4. Gore: 6. Sex: 2. Quality: 3. Camp: 5.
Don’t miss: Bronson Caverns
Notable locale: Black Trees
Article text copyright 2026 David Elroy Goldweber. Date of post: July 2026
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