10 Most Bad-ass Chainsaw Users In Film

To get ever-so-slightly psychoanalytical for a moment: as previously suggested, part of the chainsaw's appeal might be down to a certain phallic symbolism. As such, if you take that mighty tool (stop giggling) and put it in the hands of a highly sexualised woman, that can prove quite a potent combination.

This is the key hook of Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers, director Fred Olen Ray's gloriously absurd 1988 B-movie splatter comedy centred on an ancient Egyptian cult of chainsaw worshippers (yes, really) that has resurfaced in modern day Los Angeles. And, given the title, take a wild guess as to what the bulk of the cult's members do for a living.

The film sees a number of actresses wielding chainsaws to bloody effect, including two of the dominant Scream Queens of the era: Linnea Quigley, and Michelle Bauer (credited here as Michelle McLellan). While Quigley does her usual sterling work, it's Bauer who really steals the show as the delightfully unhinged Mercedes. The joy she takes in her limb-lopping work is palpable. And not for nothing, Bauer is the centrepiece of the celebrated VHS cover, which is arguably more responsible for the film's enduring cult status than anything in the film itself.

Strange but true footnote: UK censorship board the BBFC were uneasy with anything involving chainsaws at the time, and on top of demanding a few minutes of cuts they also removed the offending word from the title, granting it release as Hollywood Hookers. Which just makes it sound like a porno.