Question 1

What real-life killer inspired the story of The Stepfather?

Accepted Answer

The film is loosely based on John List, who killed his family in 1971 and lived under a false identity for 18 years before being captured.

Question 2

Which actress performed most of her own stunts during the film's climax?

Accepted Answer

Jill Schoelen did almost all of her own stunts for the climax of The Stepfather.

Question 3

What personal connection did screenwriter Donald E. Westlake have to the character Stephanie?

Accepted Answer

Westlake based Stephanie on his real-life teenage stepdaughter, with whom he was having difficulty getting along at the time.

Question 4

What festival recognition did The Stepfather receive?

Accepted Answer

The film was recognized at the Independent Spirit Awards in 1988.

Question 5

What was cut from the original screenplay that explained the killer's background?

Accepted Answer

The first draft featured flashbacks showing Jerry Blake's abused childhood, which helped explain why he became a killer.

The Stepfather

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