Friday the 13th (1980) - Newspaper Ad

San Francisco Examiner - May 9, 1980

45 years ago the first entry in what would quick become a formulaic franchise synonymous with 80s horror opened nationwide. This movie led me to create what I call The Betsy Palmer Rule.

In 1979 Betsy Palmer needed some cash and took a minor role in a crappy horror film she assumed would only play for a week in Times Square movie grind houses and in rural drive-ins. Nobody important would notice or see it.

But that did not happen. Paramount Pictures bought Friday the 13th and gave it, as stated above, a nationwide release. It was a huge hit and Betsy Palmer became forever known and beloved as Mrs. Voorhees, Jason's mom. 

That crappy, embarrassing job taken just so a payment could be made? That job just might turn out to be the one that immortalizes or defines your pop culture imprint. One should alway proceed with equal parts humility and caution, because you will not know until it happens. That is The Betsy Palmer Rule.