The film is known for its scenes of full color gore and torture, as well as for B-movie type direction and acting. The film and the its director attracted a cult following, largely due to the over the top quality of the violence and the villains. It was remade in 2005 as 2001 Maniacs, starring film actor Robert Englund.
The film's title song was written and sung by director Lewis. The movie would later inspire the name of the band 10,000 Maniacs.
Six Yankee tourists are lured into the small southern town of Pleasant Valley by the redneck citizens to be the guests of honor for the centennial celebration of the day Union troops destroyed the town. The tourists are separated and forced to participate in various sick games which lead to their gory deaths.