The late 70s and early 80s single-handedly brought forward a unique sub-genre of exploitation cinema, namely that of the misogynic serial-killer on the prowl in the sleazy back alleys and red-light districts of big cities; - preferably in and around 42nd Street in New York. William Lustig's "Maniac" is the obvious example, of course, but there are also more obscure titles like "Delirium", "Bloodrage", "Night of the Juggler", or "The First Deadly Sin". They are also known, among cult fanatics at least, as North American gialli.

"Stone Cold Dead" perfectly fits into the list as well, what with its grisly plot of a sniper, active in sex district of Toronto and exclusively targeting prostitutes. The underrated Richard Crenna plays the fatigued but dedicated Police Sgt trying to stop the killer, and he has plenty of potential culprits to suspect.

The opening sequence, in which a showering call girl is shot death through her bathroom widow is really brute. In fact, all sequences involving the serial killer stalking, photographing, and cold-bloodedly gunning down the victims are very suspenseful. The only problem is this only happens four or five times throughout the movie, and everything else is quite dull and very derivative. Most of the film is just very dark and difficult to follow, and several of the red herring and sub plots are too extended and distracting, like all sequences with the bizarre pimp (played by Paul Williams of "Phantom of the Paradise") and the police corruption.

Finally, but worth mentioning for sure, the most misfit but memorable part of the film is Sgt. Boyd's ingenious method to feed his fish at home. Since he's almost never at home due to his demanding street job, he developed a way to feed his fish by dialing a private phone number that sets in motion a sort of Rube Goldberg machine. It's a pretty cool gimmick, I admit, but since there isn't the least bit of humor in the film otherwise, it feels somewhat improper.

It's a rare thing for a Canadian film to be released on the Blu-ray format, and it's even rarer when it's an older movie such as this one. If you do see this movie on the Blu-ray format (as I did),you will see that unlike a lot of other Canadian movies of its era, it's pretty well made on what wasn't a lavish budget. There is some genuine atmosphere here, coming from well chosen creepy locations, skillful lighting, and clever camera angles. The acting is also pretty good, not just with Crenna and Williams, but also by the unknowns in the cast. As a bonus, there is also some good music on display.

Unfortunately, despite these good ingredients, the movie stumbles enough in a key area that as a result it doesn't work. And that is with the script. The narrative of the movie is frequently at a muddle. The story seems to be starting at chapter two or three instead of right at the beginning. There is also frequently juggling between many characters and various plot threads, so sometimes there is a long time before one particular plot thread is returned to. Another problem with the story is that it's pretty easy to figure out who the "Sin Sniper" is long before the "surprise" reveal.

While this isn't a terrible movie, it's too muddled to be as effective as it wants to be. I would only recommend the movie to (very) forgiving people who are fans of grindhouse B movies from this era.

Hard-nosed detective Boyd (Richard Crenna in fine rugged form) and street smart undercover vice cop Sandy MacAuley (well played with sassy aplomb by Belinda J. Montgomery) work together to catch a sniper who's picking off prostitutes. Boyd's investigation puts him in the path of smooth pimp Julius Kurtz (a surprisingly credible and effective portrayal by Paul Williams) and high class call girl Monica Potter (a sharp performance by Linda Sorensen).

Writer/director George Mendeluk relates the compellingly sordid story at a steady pace, offers a vivid evocation of Toronto's lurid urban underbelly, maintains a grim'n'gritty tone throughout, and delivers a satisfying smattering of tasty gratuitous female nudity. Moreover, there are sturdy supporting contributions from Alberta Watson as the forlorn Olivia Page, Chuck Shumata as Boyd's fed-up partner Sgt. Tony Colabre, Andre Cousineau as pathetic junkie Bernice Carnival, and Monique Mercure as helpful shrink Dr. Bouvier. Dennis Miller's slick cinematography gives this picture a glittery neon look. Paul Zaza's pulsating score hits the funky spot. Worth a watch.