November 1984 - One film was released that set off a firestorm of controversy from parents groups because the ad campaign made significant emphasis on the killer being dressed as Santa Claus. Large crowds (mostly angry fam... more »ilies) formed at theaters and malls around the nation to protest the film. TriStar Pictures, its original distributor, pulled all ads for the film six days after its release (November 15). On its opening weekend, the film outgrossed Wes Craven's landmark slasher A Nightmare on Elm Street, which also opened the same day. That film was SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT. After his parents are murdered a young tormented teenager goes on a murderous rampage dressed as Santa due to his stay at an orphanage where he was abused by the Mother Superior.« less