Night School

Night School

Year: 1981

Runtime: 88 mins

Language: English

Director: Ken Hughes

ThrillerHorrorMysteryThrillers and murder mysteriesIntense violence and sexual transgression

A Boston police detective is drawn into a chilling investigation when a masked, black‑leather clad killer begins decapitating college women. The gruesome murders, each a lesson in terror, force the detective to race against time to uncover the killer’s identity and halt the bloody spree.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Night School (1981)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Night School (1981). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Boston, Wendell College, local aquarium, diner, hospital, Millett's apartment

The story unfolds across a Boston setting and its academic enclave around Wendell College. Key locations include the outside of a Boston daycare center, the university campus and anthropology class, the local aquarium where a head sinks into a tank, a late-night diner, and the hospital where victims are treated. The investigation also moves to Millett's apartment as clues accumulate and to the police station for questioning.

🌆 City 🏫 Campus 🐠 Aquarium 🍽 Diner 🏥 Hospital

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:43

Main Characters – Night School (1981)

Meet the key characters of Night School (1981), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Vincent Millett (Drew Snyder)

An anthropology professor at Wendell College who uses his charm to manipulate students and exploit relationships. He embodies a refined intellect that belies a darker fascination with tribal rituals and skulls. His ultimate fate comes after a car strike during a chase, and his actions catalyze the investigation.

🎓 Professor 🧪 Academic 🧭 Obsession

Lt. Judd Austin (Leonard Mann)

A determined detective leading the case, piecing together clues from murders and campus life. He probes connections between victims and Millett, and his suspicion shifts as new evidence emerges. His dedication anchors the investigation as the body count rises.

🕵️ Detective 🔎 Investigator

Eleanor Adjai (Rachel Ward)

A British exchange student who becomes entangled in Millett's world. She is revealed to be the killer, justifying the murders through a distorted view of tribal rituals. Her pregnancy adds complexity to her relationship with Millett and the investigation.

👩‍🎓 Student 🧭 Outsider

Anne Barron (Meb Boden)

A teacher's aide at a Boston daycare who is the first brutal victim. Her death sets the tone for a case driven by ritualized violence and the hidden dangers in everyday institutions.

👶 Caregiver 🗡 Victim

Kim Morrison (Elizabeth Barnitz)

A Wendell College student who is decapitated in a campus setting, linking the murders to Millett's classroom and relationships. Her death marks a turning point in the investigation.

🎓 Student 💀 Victim

Carol (Karen MacDonald)

A diner employee who is killed after the power outage, with her head later found in a sink. Her murder escalates the sense of danger surrounding Millett and the campus.

🍽 Waitress 🗡 Victim

Helene Griffin (Annette Miller)

Wendell College administrator who cautions Millett about his affairs with students. She is killed when a phone call interrupts her; her death deepens the web of danger around the college.

🏛 Administrator 🗡 Victim

Taj (Joseph R. Sicari)

Judd's partner on the police force who helps drive the investigation forward, presenting a steady, practical counterpoint to Judd's intensity.

🎖 Partner 🕵️ Detective

Gary (Kevin King)

A busboy at the diner with suspected mental issues who becomes a prime suspect in the early investigation, illustrating how misdirection can mislead the case.

🚌 Suspect 🧠 Mental State

Kathy (Unknown)

A student who confesses a relationship with Millett and becomes a target of the campus killings; her fate underscores the perils of Millett's world.

🎓 Student 🗡 Victim

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:43

Major Themes – Night School (1981)

Explore the central themes of Night School (1981), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔪 Murder Rituals

A pattern of decapitations drives the plot, with the killer justifying violence through tribal ritual imagery. Millett's skull collection and his classroom discussions blur the line between academic study and murder. The victims and the ritualistic setup highlight a clash between modern institutions and archaic violence.

🧠 Power and Consent

The campus and college setting expose power dynamics, with Millett exploiting relationships with students and drawing suspicion. The investigation probes how authority and desire can fuel manipulation and cover-ups. The tragedy reveals the cost of unchecked appetites within an educational institution.

🕵️ Truth and Deception

Detectives Judd and Taj navigate misdirections and hidden motives as Eleanor emerges as the killer. Millett's sacrifice appears to shield her, while the ending leaves lingering doubt about who truly solved the case. The film plays with twists and pranks, testing what counts as truth.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:43

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Night School Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Night School, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Night School Summary

Night School Timeline

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Night School Timeline

More About Night School

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