10 Horror Movie Scenes That Genuinely Terrified Actors

Because of the brutal heat, constant injuries, and disturbing subject matter, the cast of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre didn't have to dig deep to act frustrated or frightened.

Ironically, the scariest scene to shoot didn't involve the victims, but the main villain, Leatherface. In the climax, a truck driver hits the skin-masked cannibal in the head, causing him to fall and drop his chainsaw . As the blade slices through the skin, Leatherface lets out wince-inducing scream.

Understandably, the actor portraying Leatherface, Gunnar Hansen, was worried he could lose his leg for real while filming this scene. To ensure Hansen's safety, the crew placed a metal plate under the actor's trousers. With Hansen's worries put to rest, he was willing to film the scene.

However, there was one factor nobody thought of.

Heat.

Although the plate took the brunt of the chainsaw, the rapid movement of the whirling blade caused it to reach near-boiling point. When Hansen felt the metal plate searing into his skin, he absolutely believed the chainsaw had sliced through him, compelling him to yell at the top of his lungs. His scream was so perfect, director, Tobe Hooper put it in the final cut.