July 22: The Hills Have Eyes (1977)

Milestone Years

• 50th Anniversary: July 22, 2027
• 55th Anniversary: July 22, 2032
• 60th Anniversary: July 22, 2037
• 75th Anniversary: July 22, 2052

Inspiration Behind the Movie

Wes Craven was inspired by the Scottish legend of Sawney Bean, a mythical cannibal clan that allegedly preyed on travelers, blending it with American desert fears.

You Might Not Know

• The film was shot on a low budget in the Mojave Desert, creating brutal working conditions for the cast and crew.
• Michael Berryman’s unique appearance, due to a rare condition, made his Pluto character iconic in horror cinema.
• The film became a midnight movie cult favorite, influencing countless desert survival horror films.
• Some scenes were so intense they had to be trimmed to avoid an X rating.
• The rattlesnake attack was performed using a real snake, adding to the on-set dangers.

Food Ideas

• Desert trail mix with nuts and dried fruit
• BBQ ribs for a carnivorous theme
• Bloody Mary cocktails for a gory touch
• Jerky sticks as survival snacks
• “Sand dune” cupcakes with crushed graham crackers

Ways to Celebrate

• Host a desert-themed horror movie marathon
• Set up a campsite-style viewing with blankets and lanterns
• Create DIY mutant makeup looks for a costume party
• Play a survival scavenger hunt game
• Share horror trivia inspired by 70s cult classics

Filming Locations

The film was shot in the Mojave Desert near Victorville, California. The barren, rocky landscape added to the movie’s brutal realism and can still be visited today.