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Crime Cult Classic

Two escaped convicts, a sadistic spree, and one hapless family—pure exploitation sleaze from 1971.

NIGHT OF THE ANIMALS

1971 · 58m · R · Crime / Thriller · IMDB TMDB

Lee and Harold escape from prison and with accomplice Joan take over the home of Stanley and his family.

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Quick Answer

What is Night of the Animals about?

Night of the Animals is a 1971 American crime thriller film directed by Lee Taylor about two escaped prisoners and their accomplice who terrorize a family in their home.

Programmer's Pick

Night of the Animals is a textbook case of early-'70s grindhouse: threadbare story, leering sadism, and more skin than a roadside fried chicken joint. Lee Taylor pops in for his one and only feature and leaves behind a celluloid hangover perfect for the morally flexible and the genuinely curious.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Night of the Animals opens with Lee and Harold making a break from prison, setting the stage for a depraved spree. Joined by the equally ruthless Joan, they target the home of Stanley and his family, subjecting their victims to psychological and physical torment. As their campaign of abuse escalates, the film revels in the exploitation genre's signature mix of sex, violence, and blurred moral boundaries. With anti-hero protagonists and a plot that's more an excuse for excess than a narrative, Lee Taylor's sole directorial effort gleefully wallows in the sensational and taboo. This is exploitation cinema pitched directly at connoisseurs of sleaze and provocation.

Details & Specs

Director
Lee Taylor
Release
1971
Runtime
58m
Language
English
Genres
Crime, Thriller

Cast & Crew

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Director: Lee Taylor
LM Larry McCoy Lee DD Doug Draine Harold RW Ray Williams Stanley Eve Orlon Eve Orlon Joan CV Clyde Ventress Cop E Evadney Sue MA Mary Anne Ann BF Bob Ferris Cop DB Donna Brake

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Why Cult

Sadistic Trio

The unholy alliance of Lee, Harold, and Joan delivers a relentless rampage fueled by malice and hedonism.

Home Invasion Excess

Stanley's family is subjected to escalating abuse, making the film a full-throttle display of exploitation's most notorious tropes.

Sleaze and Bad Taste

Sex, violence, and dubious morals—this movie dives deep into the trashy end of the genre pool.

Exploitation Deep Cut

With unknown actors and a one-off director, this is a genuine B-movie curio best appreciated with appropriately low expectations.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Escape from prison

Threat

Violent home invasion by escaped convicts

Effect

Family subjected to abuse and forced acts

Setting

Stanley's family home

Questions from the Vault

When was Night of the Animals released? +

Night of the Animals was released in 1971.

Who directed Night of the Animals? +

Night of the Animals was directed by Lee Taylor.

How long is Night of the Animals? +

Night of the Animals has a runtime of 58 minutes.

What genre is Night of the Animals? +

Night of the Animals is a crime thriller with strong exploitation elements.

Where can I watch Night of the Animals? +

Night of the Animals is available to stream on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips

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