Slayings at a Catholic college on the Hudson River north of the Big Apple

Sixty-five minutes of "Splatter University" was shot in 1981, but additional scenes were filmed in 1982 with students to increase the run time by 13 minutes. It wasn't released until 1984. I point this out because it has the vibe of 1981-82 as opposed to the mid-80s.

Costing only $26,000, you have to have mercy on the low-rent production values in order to appreciate it. Thankfully, like "The Majorettes" (1986), it has enough highlights to make it worth watching for fans of the genre despite its shortcomings (dubious acting and editing).

For instance, winsome Forbes Riley works well as the protagonist and is convincing in the role. Denise Texeira (Denise) and Kathy LaCommare (Cathy) are other highlights on the feminine front. There's also some welcome droll humor; and the early 80's locations, décor and styles are interesting. The ending is surprising as well, even shocking (not the revelation of the murderer, but something else).

The flick was shot in the greater New York City area as follows: Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan, Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, Sayville on Long Island and Peekskill (the drive-in theater).