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Mystery thriller

The Toolbox Murders (1978): Cast, Ratings & Plot

The Toolbox Murders (1978) movie poster

The Toolbox Murders is a 1978 mystery thriller directed by Dennis Donnelly, starring Cameron Mitchell, Pamelyn Ferdin and Evelyn Guerrero. It runs 1 hour 33 minutes. Critics gave it 35 on Metacritic.

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The Toolbox Murders (1978) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 33m (93 min)
Director
Dennis Donnelly
Genres
Mystery , Thriller , Horror
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Toolbox Murders About?

The premise of The Toolbox Murders without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

A sadistic killer uses his toolbox as a weapon, systematically targeting victims in a terrifying and calculated spree. As the body count rises, a determined detective races against time to stop the killer’s gruesome game and prevent further bloodshed. The investigation reveals a disturbing pattern, hinting at a deeply troubled mind behind the escalating violence.

The Toolbox Murders Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • toolbox
  • cult film
  • slasher horror
  • masked man
  • homicidal maniac
  • slasher
  • misogyny
  • bare chested male
  • murder spree
  • maniac
  • tragic villain
  • remade
+38 more
  • low budget film
  • power drill
  • ski mask
  • hammer
  • nudity
  • screwdriver
  • scissors
  • nail gun
  • based on true story
  • female frontal nudity
  • female rear nudity
  • murder of a nude woman
  • naked dead woman
  • rape
  • rape and revenge
  • female nudity
  • murder
  • torturer
  • masked murderer
  • psycho killer
  • serial murder
  • woman in jeopardy
  • three word title
  • ambulance
  • gurney
  • brother sister relationship
  • mother son relationship
  • mother daughter relationship
  • questioned by police
  • police station
  • apple
  • roommate
  • apartment
  • apartment building
  • kidnapping
  • hand over mouth
  • pepsi
  • crime scene photographer
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Cast & crew

The Toolbox Murders Cast

Cameron Mitchell leads the cast, with Pamelyn Ferdin and Evelyn Guerrero. Directed by Dennis Donnelly; 10 actors are credited in all.

Ratings

The Toolbox Murders Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Toolbox Murders 35 on Metacritic.

Plot

The Toolbox Murders Plot Summary

What happens in The Toolbox Murders from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

As a sleek, black vehicle glides silently through the bustling streets of Los Angeles, it feels as though destiny has set a chilling course for carnage. The driver, shrouded in mystery, pauses momentarily near a car dealership, where a haunting flashback unravels—a painful reminder of a tragic car accident that claimed the life of a young woman at this same location. This eerie memory acts as a foreboding omen for the horrors that are yet to unfold.

Full summary

The whole story of The Toolbox Murders, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

The Toolbox Murders Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 2 trailers.

THE TOOLBOX MURDERS (1978) | Official Trailer | 4K
  • Trailer The Toolbox Murders (1978) ORIGINAL TRAILER [HD 1080p]
Quiz

How Well Do You Know The Toolbox Murders?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What city serves as the primary setting for 'The Toolbox Murders'?

Cars

Cars in The Toolbox Murders

27 cars on screen, including the 1967 Ford Galaxie 500 and the 1960 Mercedes-Benz 220 S W111.

All 27 cars
  • 1967 Ford Galaxie 500 in The Toolbox Murders 1967 Ford Galaxie 500 Minor role
  • 1960 Mercedes-Benz 220 S W111 in The Toolbox Murders 1960 Mercedes-Benz 220 S W111 Minor role
  • 1975 MG Midget MkIV in The Toolbox Murders 1975 MG Midget MkIV Minor role
  • 1971 Toyota Corolla in The Toolbox Murders 1971 Toyota Corolla Minor role
Details

The Toolbox Murders Also Known As

13 alternative titles, including “La foreuse sanglante” and “Lo squartatore di Los Angeles”.

Also known as
  • La foreuse sanglante
  • Lo squartatore di Los Angeles
  • Der Killer mit der Bohrmaschine
  • Meurtres à la perceuse
  • The Maniac Drill
  • Na Senda do Crime
  • Der Bohrmaschinenkiller
  • El asesino de la caja de herramientas
  • Кошмар дома на холмах
  • Noites de Terror
  • 工具箱杀手
  • 툴박스 머더
+1 more
  • El Asesino de Caja de Herramientas

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FAQ

The Toolbox Murders FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Toolbox Murders, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Toolbox Murders?

The Toolbox Murders runs 1 hour 33 minutes (93 minutes).

When was The Toolbox Murders released?

The Toolbox Murders was released on March 3, 1978.

Who directed The Toolbox Murders?

The Toolbox Murders was directed by Dennis Donnelly.

More films by Dennis Donnelly

Who is in the cast of The Toolbox Murders?

The Toolbox Murders stars Cameron Mitchell, Pamelyn Ferdin and Evelyn Guerrero, among 10 credited actors.

How is The Toolbox Murders rated?

The Toolbox Murders has 35 on Metacritic and 55% on TMDB.

Does The Toolbox Murders have a post-credit scene?

No. The Toolbox Murders has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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