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.
