Don't Answer the Phone

Watch Don't Answer the Phone

"...He'll Know You're Alone!"
  • R
  • 1980
  • 1 hr 34 min
  • 4.8  (2,129)

In the movie Don't Answer the Phone, we are introduced to a serial killer on the loose who terrorizes women in Los Angeles. The killer is a Vietnam veteran named Kirk Smith, who is also a fashion photographer by profession. Kirk's modus operandi is to strangle women to death and then call into a radio station to confess his crimes. The film mainly focuses on the efforts of two people, a police detective named Leo Kessler and a psychologist named Lindsay Gale, who come together to try and stop Kirk from committing more murders.

The movie opens with Kirk's latest victim being discovered by the police, which makes Leo determined to catch the killer as soon as possible. He is joined in his efforts by Lindsay, who is brought in to provide insight into the mind of the killer. She's initially reluctant to help, but eventually agrees to work with Leo. The two of them begin to piece together clues left by the killer and talk to his surviving victims in order to build a profile of him.

As the investigation continues, we see Kirk stalking his next victim, a young nurse named Shirley. He first takes pictures of her while she's working in the hospital, and then begins to follow her to her home. The tension builds as we see Kirk getting closer and closer to Shirley, while Lindsay and Leo race against time to catch him before he can strike again.

There are several scenes that are especially chilling, such as when Kirk calls into the radio station to confess his crimes. The voice on the other end of the line is distorted and eerie, making it clear that this is a dangerous person who needs to be stopped. Another memorable scene is when Kirk kidnaps a young woman and takes her back to his apartment. We see him torturing her as she pleads for her life, adding to the overall feeling of dread and fear that permeates the film.

One of the notable aspects of the movie is the way in which it addresses the issue of mental illness. Lindsay, who is a psychologist, is initially skeptical of Leo's theory that the killer is mentally ill, but as she delves deeper into the case, she begins to see that there are signs of severe trauma in Kirk's past that have led to his current behavior. This is an important theme that adds depth to the movie and makes it more than just your standard slasher flick.

Overall, Don't Answer the Phone is a well-made thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The acting is solid, especially from James Westmoreland as Kirk, who manages to be both terrifying and sympathetic in his portrayal of the killer. The cinematography is also noteworthy, with a number of atmospheric shots that help to build the tension. If you're a fan of suspenseful movies with a psychological edge, this is definitely one to check out.

Don't Answer the Phone is a 1980 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.8.

Don't Answer the Phone
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  • Release Date
    1980
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 34 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    4.8  (2,129)
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