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Action Cult Classic

College archeologists unleash a vengeful spirit in the California desert.

SCALPS

They came out of the grave... to get REVENGE!

1983 · 1h 24m · R · Action / Horror · IMDB TMDB

A group of archeological students venture on Indian land for a dig. Unfortunately, they release an evil spirit who possesses one of them and starts killing the others.

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Quick Answer

What is Scalps about?

Scalps is a 1983 American action-horror film directed by Fred Olen Ray about college archaeology students who accidentally unleash the evil spirit of Black Claw during a dig on Native American burial grounds.

Programmer's Pick

With scalpings, supernatural possession, and a literal burial ground warning ignored, Scalps checks off the grindhouse bingo card in under 90 minutes. Fred Olen Ray delivers a splatter-happy cocktail of archeology, gore, and bad decisions in the desert.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

A group of six college archaeology students head into the California desert for a dig, ignoring the dire warnings of both a professor and a local Native American. Their curiosity leads them to disturb an Indian burial ground in search of artifacts, unwittingly releasing the vengeful spirit known as Black Claw. As the supernatural presence takes hold, one member of the group is possessed, setting off a deadly chain reaction as the students are hunted and killed one after another. Blending low-budget slasher mechanics with supernatural horror and splatter elements, Scalps is a grindhouse descent into the dangers of desecration and the wrath of disturbed spirits.

Details & Specs

Director
Fred Olen Ray
Writers
Fred Olen Ray, T.L. Lankford
Release
1983
Runtime
1h 24m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Genres
Action, Horror
Also Known As
Der Fluch des blutigen Schatzes, El cementerio indio, Skalpovi

Cast & Crew

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Director: Fred Olen Ray Writers: Fred Olen Ray +1 more
RH Richard Hench Randy / Black Claw RM Roger Maycock Kershaw Ellerbe FM Frank McDonald Ben Murphy CS Carol Sue Flockhart Louise Landon Jo-Ann Robinson Jo-Ann Robinson D.J. BM Barbara Magnusson Ellen Corman Kirk Alyn Kirk Alyn Prof. Manchen CB Carroll Borland Dr. Sharon Reynolds CH Cynthia Hartline Ann Forrest J. Ackerman Forrest J. Ackerman Professor Trentwood GR George Randall Billy Ironwing JW Jay Walker Kyle Dunne FS Frank Scott Prospector RR Romeo Rodriguis Cashier

Explore More

Why Cult

Supernatural Possession Slasher

The film combines supernatural horror with classic slasher mechanics, as an evil spirit possesses a student and unleashes carnage.

Native American Burial Ground

Desecration of sacred land triggers the film's central threat, weaving in folklore and supernatural vengeance.

Splatter and Gore

Expect plenty of scalpings, decapitations, and practical gore effects, staying true to its grindhouse roots.

Low-Budget Grindhouse Energy

Shot on a shoestring and packed with exploitation staples, Scalps delivers cult cinema atmosphere and attitude.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Excavation of Native American burial ground

Threat

Evil spirit of Black Claw

Effect

Possesses a student and kills the group one by one

Setting

California desert archaeological dig

Questions from the Vault

When was Scalps released? +

Scalps was released in 1983.

Who directed Scalps? +

Scalps was directed by Fred Olen Ray.

How long is Scalps? +

Scalps has a runtime of 84 minutes.

What genre is Scalps? +

Scalps is an action and horror film.

How is the spirit of Black Claw unleashed? +

The evil spirit of Black Claw is unleashed when the student archeologists dig around in an Indian burial ground for artifacts, disregarding warnings.

Trailers & Clips

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