A teenage prank goes horribly wrong and Camp Blackfoot caretaker Cropsy is savagely burned. But soon the disfigured Cropsy sets out on a terrifying trail of revenge. And woe to the young campers at Camp Stonewater who discover the depth of Cropsy's need for vengeance!

Armed with a gleaming pair of hedge shears as his weapon of choice, Cropsy exacts his revenge by stalking the foolish teenagers...and slicing them up pronto!

Clearly inspired by the commercial success of Friday the 13th (1980), The Burning took the formula of the backwoods bodycount picture and ran with it. Highlights include some glorious splatter effects, courtesy of Tom Savini (the notorious ensemble 'raft scene' - historically butchered in various video prints - is one of The Burning's crowning moments).

Likewise, Cropsy's nasty 'skin graft' look will stick with you long after viewing. Add to that some authentic-looking young campers (including budding actors Jason Alexander and Holly Hunter), a suspenseful climax, and you've got yourself a winner from the halcyon days of splatter frenzy.