THE STEPFATHER (1987)
Directed by Joseph
Ruben
Starring Terry O'Quinn and Jill Scholen
This is a really kick-ass psycho thriller that critics adored, fans loved—but bombed at the box office.
O'Quinn plays a psychotic who marries single moms, gets into the family routine, then flips out when things go wrong, killing Mom and kids alike. He then assumes a new identity and marries into a new family.
Shelley Hack (formerly of "Charlie's Angels) plays his latest target. But daughter Schoelen has her suspicions about the man who's going to be her new Daddy.
O'Quinn is stellar in his role, capturing the anal retentiveness and ruthlessness of a complex character. It's a shocking, suspenseful, frightening movie that's pleases mainstream audiences as much as genrephiles. Highly recommended.
Followed by "Stepfather II."