You wouldn't be caught dead around Camp Crystal Lake on Friday the 13th -- but the mother of Jason Voorhees will be in Norwalk on Thursday the 15th.
Betsy Palmer, who portrayed Pamela Voorhees in the original "Friday the 13th" in 1980, will be at the Avon Theater to introduce the film for a special viewing on Thursday, Oct. 15. After the movie, Palmer will come to the stage for a discussion about the film with the audience.
It will be only the fourth time the 84-year-old actress has ever seen the film. Palmer, who co-starred in the 1955 films "The Long Gray Line" and "Mister Roberts," was known for her stint on the game show "I've Got a Secret" and also starred on "As the World Turns", said she hates horror movies.
In fact, the only reason she decided to take the role as Jason's mother has a Connecticut-connection. In 1980, Palmer was returning home from New York to Rowayton, where she lived at the time, when her old Mercedes broke down. The next day her daughter encouraged Palmer to look for a new car. She found one she liked, but the car cost more than Palmer could spare. So she called her agent.
Her agent asked if she'd like to do a movie. He said there was a film shooting on the East Coast, in New Jersey, and the film would pay her $1,000 a day for a few days of work. It was enough for a new car, so Palmer agreed despite her doubts about the film.
She didn't think anyone would even come out to see "Friday the 13th," let alone remember her performance. She is, however, is more amused than disturbed that her few minutes of slasher fame are remembered over her more serious work.
Betsy Palmer will appear at the Avon Theatre's showing of "Friday the 13th" on Oct. 15 at 8 p.m. Tickets for non-members are $10, tickets for members are $6 and tickets for students and seniors are $7.
