Wondering what to get dear ol’ dad for Father’s Day? Take him on a tour of a cinematic serial killer’s home!
Buffalo Bill’s House in Perryopolis, where the climactic ending of “The Silence of the Lambs” was filmed, is opening its doors for two-hour, guided walk-throughs of the not-so-humble abode located 30 miles outside of Pittsburgh.
Tours are $65 per person and will be conducted Friday, June 17, through Sunday, June 19.
Owner Chris Rowan, a diehard fan and film industry professional, lovingly gave the 113-year-old Queen Anne Victorian home a Hollywood makeover, complete with props and artwork used in “The Silence of the Lambs” artwork.
Rowan will lead guests around Bill’s pad and the 2-acre property, where fans are invited to take photos and videos. Help dad recreate iconic scenes from the five-time Academy Award-winning flick starring Jodie Foster as FBI Agent Clarice Starling and Ted Levine, her moth-lovin’ nemesis.
Fright-Rags, a company that specializes in spooky apparel, will have a special “The Silence of the Lambs” socks giveaway for folks who book a tour on Father’s Day, June 19. Last fall, the New York-based business celebrated “Night of the Living Dead” — another locally shot horror movie — with an exclusive T-shirt release.
Souvenirs are also available for purchase, ranging from the usual mugs, pins, magnets and totes to body lotion and face masks (not like the one Hannibal Lecter wears, but still cool).
Additional summer and fall tour dates will be announced soon.
If spending a couple of hours at Bill’s place isn’t enough, you can book an overnight stay. Rowan is offering discounts throughout the season. Parties of up to eight people will have exclusive use of the entire house, including the kitchen, where they can whip up some fava beans and pour a nice Chianti.
Real pets are prohibited but there’s a plush Precious, the Bichon Frise that played an integral role in the film, that’s perfect for Instagram posts.
June is the new October for horror enthusiasts; Living Dead Weekend will be held June 10-12 at Monroeville Mall. Rowan will be on hand at the event. Anyone who purchases a Father’s Day Weekend Tour ticket at the zombie-themed celebration will receive a $15 discount per ticket.