10 A-List Actors Who Did Z-Grade Horror Films
3. Tom Hanks - He Knows You're Alone
On its release in 1980, horror fans went to see He Knows You’re Alone because it was cashing in on the popularity of John Carpenter’s Halloween. Decades later, the only reason to watch this C-list slasher is to check out Tom Hanks in his film debut.
To the disappointment of bad movie lovers, though, the movie is too listless to be unintentionally funny and as soon as Hanks turns up, it’s clear he’s the most charismatic performer in the film. Too bad he sits out most of the picture, appearing after a while as Elliot, a psychology student who talks at great length but has no real bearing on the plot.
The movie is usually remembered for its kills, including an opening sequence set in a movie theatre, and the filmmakers miss the boat by not having Hanks dispatched in a bloody manner. Rumour has it that his character did die in the original script, but after meeting the future Oscar winner, the filmmakers couldn’t bring themselves to polish off the charismatic new star.