Nick Groff is one of the most respected names in television and beyond when it comes to the paranormal. He has had incredible experiences in some of the most haunted locations in the world. As a friend to Arrow in the Head, we’ve shared some very exciting experiences with Nick including a couple of wild and spooky moments that we’ve managed to capture on camera. Thus, we’ve decided to work with the television host and producer extraordinaire so he can share his knowledge and insight on all things that go bump in the night. With this bi-monthly column, we plan to delve into everything from urban legends to ghostly apparitions, to his take on some of the coolest genre flicks ever. This is Nick Groff Investigates…!
Valentine's Day has always had a special place in my heart. Yet perhaps not for the reasons most enjoy the lovey dovey holiday. I'm not huge on chocolates, and I don't need gifts myself – though I'm happy to give them to the special people in my life. No, my memory of Cupid's party day is largely based on my love for a special little Canadian slasher called My Bloody Valentine. The first time I witnessed this entertainingly cool flick, it had a massive impact on me. Suddenly, I became a huge fan of the holiday because it meant that I had a great movie to enjoy with my special somebody. And add to that the shockingly great take that Patrick Lussier offered fans with his reimagining in 2009, and it's become one of my favorite days of the year.
While Nick Groff and I have explored the many cool horror flicks that seem to be perfect for February 14th, we thought we'd expand upon it a little for 2021. The questions came not only about the holiday-inspired genre flicks, but I was curious about some of his favorite doomed romantic fables that make urban legends frightening, I was curious if he'd ever had any connection to one of the most infamous Valentine tragedies around, the Saint Valentine's Day Massacre, which took place on February 14, 1929. For such a romance fueled day of love, there sure are a few creepy stories that could inspire a scare or two.
Below, Nick discusses his take on the holiday. He shares his favorite movies and connection with the subjects mentioned above. Now we know that there are plenty more tales of terror that take place on the old day of hearts and flowers, what are some of your favorite holiday stories? Maybe it's something you've heard or something you've seen? Or perhaps you have a personal experience that would scare the pickaxe out of Harry Warden's bloodied hands. Share your stories below, and read on for what Mr. Groff had to say about this special day. Hope you all had a Happy Valentine's Day!
"Valentine's Day is a special time for people to come together and share the love. I think horror movies have tapped into a darker side of this day of romance. It is a vulnerable day for most and horror producers found the blood that runs deep. Some cool movies are My Bloody Valentine, Valentine, It Follows, even Silence of the Lambs was released on Valentine's Day,
Real-life events also circulate on this romantic day, like St. Valentine's Day Massacre in Chicago. I have investigated a ton of locations in Chicago that are haunted but never had the opportunity to walk by the spot where the massacre happened with the mob.
The other creepy side of V Day is the urban legends that revolve around vulnerable couples in love, like "Lovers Lane" where the hook hand killer scratches at the car and attacks while couples makeout. So many legends that probably were created by real events or parents trying to scare kids from going up the local make-out spot. All in all, it's fun to talk about over a campfire.
I remember when I was a kid I went on an adventure tour into the wilderness with a group of kids and counselors. The adults told us a story about a fire that ripped through the forest and a house on top of the mountain where a man and his family overwatched the area. The fire was started by some young teens making out and leaving the fire going when they went to their tent. Suddenly, the fire got out of control and killed his family but the man survived. The police never found the man and so these mysterious killings started to occur for the next decades to come in the area. When teens would leave their fires going at night while camping, the killer would attack. Great horror story on Valentine's Day but it was also a warning to us kids to put the fire out before going to sleep… or was it true? That is what I thought to myself. So put the fire out you romantic lovers and don't linger too long in haunted spots. Have fun and much love to you all!"