Disappointed by the reaction to HALLOWEEN II, producers John Carpenter and Debra Hill wanted to take the franchise in a different direction, transforming it into an anthology of different horror films all set around Halloween. Seems like a great idea now, but in 1982, at the height of Slasher Fever, it was box office poison. Still, this unique, delightfully nihilistic offering entertains in its own right. When a washed up doctor (Atkins) becomes involved in an investigation of sinister goings on at the Silver Shamrock Novelties factory, he uncovers an incredible plot to sacrifice children on Halloween eve.