The Mad Butcher (1971): cast, story & where to watch
1971 · Film · ★ 5.9

Released in 1971, The Mad Butcher is a horror film directed by Guido Zurli, running about 83 minutes. “Wait 'til you learn what mixture of meats go into those incredible sausages..!” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. After being released from a mental hospital, Otto returns to his old job as a butcher. He tries to adjust to his new life, but after a bitter argument with his wife, he accidentally kills her. Fearing he will be sent back to the hospital, he grinds up her body and sells it as sausages. As friends and relatives start asking questions about her disappearance, they too start ending up in the butcher's display case.
Who’s in it. The Mad Butcher stars Victor Buono as Otto Lehman, Franca Polesello as Berta Hensel, Brad Harris as Mike Lawrence and Dario Michaelis as Inspector Klaus, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 5.9/10, The Mad Butcher has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Mad Butcher page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Mad Butcher tend to enjoy Psycho, The Silence of the Lambs, The Shining and Alien.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Mad Butcher (1971)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Mad Butcher change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The Mad Butcher worth watching?
- The Mad Butcher holds an audience score of 5.9 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy horror. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The Mad Butcher?
- The Mad Butcher stars Victor Buono, Franca Polesello, Brad Harris, Dario Michaelis and Karin Field.
- When was The Mad Butcher released?
- The Mad Butcher was released in 1971, with a runtime of about 83 minutes.
