Salem's Lot - 1979 Miniseries Review

Boogeyman Ben and Danny from Everything 101 discuss the '79 miniseries Salem's Lot.
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[@ConglomerationCat]

I was 7 when it aired.... I was completed fixated on the Marsden House... use to draw it on my school books with Ralphie floating in the window. It intrigued me beyond words... such a fantastic mini series... great acting and wonderful timing. A movie that didn't need blood, guts and gore... just mystery and cliff hangers. Like you could actually believe vampires do exist. The contacts were extremely difficult to keep in... even Bill Bixby and Lou from The Incredible Hulk, had to wear them for a session of 10 minutes before they started to really make your eyes sore. My favorite scene believe it or not that gives me goosebumps was when Susan was staring at the house and then they shoot over to the house and then the sun shines over it... a cloud passes over it... and then it shines on the house again..... I love that moment so much.

[@Everything-hw4jb]

Exactly! They did an amazing job and making this scary by using the basics.

[@ConglomerationCat]

@@Everything-hw4jb They always say a little goes a long way!

[@audiolego]

I saw it at age 8 in the Philippines 🇵🇭. That window scene and rocking chair. I didn’t sleep that night . I’m still young so i bought the blu ray last month.

[@Everything-hw4jb]

I was 8 also when it came out. Slept with my parents for quite a while.

[@Karl_95]

Favorite scenes:When Ben starts praying nervously:I will fear no evil ,thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. as Mrs Glick rises up off the bed with the special effects music.The kitchen scene in Mark petries kitchen with all the dishes breaking.etc.When Larry Crockett breaks away from that shotgun and runs right into the vampire outside.all the scenes from beginning to end, the music was off the chain.1979 is the best version ever.

[@Everything-hw4jb]

You nailed it. Marjorie Glick raising from the dead is amazing, especially with that incredible music.

[@mohussain1615]

Salem's Lot aired in the United Kingdom on the 7th of September,1981. I was 10 years of age at the time. I had no idea whatsoever what the mini series was about before watching it. Prior to Salem's Lot I had watched a few Hammer horror movies with my siblings but nothing terrified me or had such a profound effect on me like this mini series did. By the end of the first episode I refused to go upstairs without somebody else by my side. To this very day I don't like looking out of a window into the dark and have to draw the curtains immediately. No vampires have looked more Hellish or nightmarish as the undead in Salem's Lot. Their corpse like appearance, elongated canines, grinning visage and glowing eyes are truly the stuff of nightmares. The late Tobe Hooper created a horrific masterpiece. 42 years on, Salem's Lot is as scary now as it was then. It's a terrifying horror classic. A fantastic discussion. Bring's back some great memories. Thanks for sharing.

[@Everything-hw4jb]

Thanks! Your comments explain my exact thoughts I had back then. I couldn't look at the window at night and I sure didn't want to go back to my room by myself.

[@TinaLouise73]

I first saw it on UK tv in 1987 one week before Halloween! I was 13 years old!

[@joseluisherreralepron9987]

I was ten when this was first broadcast. There are three scenes that scared me beyond human comprehension: 1) Mike in the rocking chair..."Teacher...loooook at me!" 2) Mrs. Glick rising from beneath the sheet, moaning "Dannnnny..." and, most of all, 3) Barlow's appearance in Ned's cell. I can remember that blue face; it's burned into my memory. I was afraid to be in the dark for weeks. Now I love the film and re-watch it every year.

[@msdes82]

Barlows face reveal scene in the jail the first time you were not expecting it age 10 still makes all other jump scares I’ve ever experienced mild In comparison. 40 yrs later I still can’t watch that scene without turning my head away

[@Everything-hw4jb]

That was an incredible point in the movie. I remember that terrifying me. It was so well done.

[@joycegibbs5267]

you're the same age as me & I too had to sleep with my parents for weeks after. It's fantastic isn't it? Still scares me to this day. Love the music too. The original Hitcher is another great fim. Does your head in. Why do they keep remaking perfection?

[@Everything-hw4jb]

It's a great movie! I'm really interested to see if they can make the new one scary. At least they have some good guys directing and producing so maybe it'll be good.

[@MartinBryan]

Simlilar experience as a youth. Rewatching in my 50s and paused it twice. Still scary!

[@Everything-hw4jb]

I agree! It's still scary and well-done, even by today's standards.

[@ConglomerationCat]

Keep in mind that the gun scene in the "movie" version, has Larry Crocket put the gun in his mouth as opposed to in front of his face... some lines in the film are different takes... meaning the tone or questions are slightly pronounced differently in the "movie" version... or known as the Overseas version.

[@Everything-hw4jb]

You are correct! Good point.

[@ConglomerationCat]

@@Everything-hw4jb Always wondered why that version was never released on DVD. Reason most likely not too popular with us knowing it was butchered in so many spots.

[@johnr7279]

“Dented my brain” was hilarious but I totally agree. I was 13 I believe and I suffered a cranial ‘dent’ as well. 😂😉

[@Everything-hw4jb]

Ha ha, I think a lot of people felt the same thing.

[@TinaLouise73]

The 1979 version of Salem's Lot is THE gold standerd of any remake or sequal of SL!

[@Everything-hw4jb]

Definitely!

[@johnbyrne6727]

Hi there.. Another fan from Ireland. I recall Salem's Lot being shown on Irish TV in the mid 1980s, and what scared the shit out of me was Mike Ryerson jumping into the grave and opening up Danny Glick's coffin, the rest is history! And yes I did sleep with my folks that night! So pleased to have it on DVD now, previously had it on VHS. Maybe some day I will get to Ferndale!

[@Everything-hw4jb]

I completely agree with you John. The whole movie was scary but that coffin scene was classic! I hope you do make it to Ferndale some day. I'm hoping to go back in the fall.

[@johnbyrne6727]

I have looked at Ferndale on Google Maps so many times, and videos of the place, like yours so many times, I feel like I know the place from thousands of miles away... I think that DVD will be getting another play soon. By the way was your trip to Ferndale on vacation or vocation?!!! (Read in James Mason's voice!!!)

[@boogiewoogit5597]

Thx again. I typed story before seeing whole episode, great content. It'd be all killer, no filler discussing this stuff live, better odds of getting struck by lightning than coming across dudes in personal life as into SL 79' as we are. I need to get down to Ferndale, beautiful drive down 101 from up norf. Another good flick I recently rewatched, The Changeling 1980 w/ George C Scott. Great, atmospheric, scary one they just don't make anymore. Now it's "dumbest common denominator" and special effects and gore, edited for humanoids with the attention span of a fruit fly. I'ma check out more of your vids Señor Everything. That's a beautimus maximus blue gibson yer holding in yer axeslinger photo. You are my kinda cat, ha. I know you raawk grande brudda

[@Everything-hw4jb]

Love this comment! I appreciate you checking out my videos. You're right, not a lot of people love this movie like we do. Tobe Hooper did an amazing job at using simple techniques and well-done makeup to pull off an amazing movie.

[@singin8324]

I was 12 years old when I saw this in 1981, that was the release date in the UK. I was so scared to go up the stairs to bed after watching it. There has never been another film that affected me in that way. You mentioned James Cromwell, in the 2004 version, you probably know this but he was married to Julie Cobb alias Boom Boom Bonnie.

[@Everything-hw4jb]

Yes, I did know that. Very interesting connection. I didn't bring that up when I talked to Julie, didn't know if it would have been weird.

[@singin8324]

@@Everything-hw4jb Yeah, I can understand that. Great video.

[@beverlyburzstyn3569]

Movie still scares me. It's downright frightening. Genius, that it leaves this kind of terror with most viewers.

[@Everything-hw4jb]

So well done, and no computer tricks.

[@scar8601]

Just finished watching the Salem's Lot miniseries tonight for the 16th. time this year. :D One of the things that I haven't figured out is how Barlow was able to come into the Petrie's house. He wasn't invited!! Danny Glick doesn't come crashing into Mark's window. In fact, he has to leave when Mark doesn't let him in and then shows him the cross. Jason even mentions revoking his invitation for Mike to stay with him so he won't be able to return.

[@Everything-hw4jb]

Great point! I've wondered that too. Does Barlow have more power since he's the top dog? I wouldn't think that's the case but I'm not sure how he just comes in.

[@redpillnibbler4423]

Barlow has super vampire powers.His evil faith was greater than the priests.

[@charlescalthrop4628]

I also saw the original airing of Salem's Lot in November of 1979 when I was 9 years old. I was in my stylish 70's pajamas (not too different from the type Ralphie Glick wore floating at the window) and will never forget my first time watch this film. Barlow is still the scariest vampire of all time as far as I am concerned. My parents were unaware how intense this would be as they assumed it was another campy TV movie. Not for this one - a true Hollywood-level horror movie quality effort adapted for TV. I was horrified but captivated at the same time. Slept with my light on for like two weeks after. Years later when I found out the Barlow look was based on the original "Nosferatu" I learned that audience of this 1922 silent film classic were also horrified. Tobe Hooper definitely knew how to build the tension just like Hitchcock or even Steven Spielberg in "Jaws" for sure - and I always wanted to see more of Barlow, but just like Hitchcock, the less you show can make it even more terrifying to your imagination. Just watch the Ned Tebbets jail scene where you get the first brief but terrifying glimpse of Barlow. And yes a visit to Ferndale CA to see the original film locations is on my bucket list too. Here is another great fan site resource for this film > Salem's Lot Then and Now: sites.google.com/a/blowupthenandnow.com/salem-s-lot-then-now/

[@Everything-hw4jb]

Thanks Charles! I love that website and it's a great resource if you ever want to visit the filming locations. Thank you so much!

[@mikelane7294]

Hi, great video guys, I can remember watching Salem's Lot when it first aired in the Uk I think it was1981, I was about 8 years old. I had listened to my friends older brother and his friends talking about Salem's lot as they had watched part 1 and part 2 was coming on tv that night. My mum was busy later that night so me and my little sis snuck down to the living room to watch it....a HUGE mistake lol. It was a complete game-changer, I had watched a few horror movies before but nothing scared me like Salem's Lot did...Danny Glick at the window and Mike in the rocking chair scared the absolute hell out of me and bedtime was never the same for years after :).....Also, I think I remember the hanging part of Huey Marston, at the beginning of part 2 the recap David Soul (Ben) is talking about going into the house as a kid and it shows us what he remembers and we see Huey hanging I think it is with his back towards us at first but then he begins to turn still hanging on the rope and starts to like move forward/float in the air and then his eyes open....this was the first part that scared me as I hadn't seen part one yet. I have never seen that part with Huey hanging again on any of the versions...

[@Everything-hw4jb]

Ok, so I didn't imagine that? I keep seeing that in my head but no one has confirmed it.

[@boogiewoogit5597]

Nice woik Sir. It also rocked my 11 year old world. Even more so my 8 y.o. little brother. I have a funny story related to our first viewing. Staying over at my recently married sisters. Her husband was a chef, rock music fanatic and all around cool dude. This was 1982 and he rented Salems Lot on video. I've always been a horror movie guy, little brother Hambo, not so much. We used to put on spook alleys in our 2500 sq foot basement and people came from all over town. Imagine in today's world, a caffeine torqued 12 year old with 5 steak knives punched through a work glove for full Freddy Krueger effect. Chasing grown ass adults full-speed, , toward a trip wire w/ "bloody" mattress to break their fall, while flashing my steak knives menacingly inches from their face. What could go wrong? 70's and 80's, a different time, where kids sat on the wheel wheel in open pickup trucks on the freeway at 65mph and nobody thought anything of it. As 12 year olds, we disappeared into the mountains on motorcycles, hoping for a cop chase, and were greeted at home 8 hours later w/ Mom saying "You must be hungry. How was your ride?" The mountains above Salt Lake City and burbs were a kids paradise. Okay, so, we crush some killer Za from Joe the Chef and watch Salems Lot. Immediately, I knew it was gonna be a problem for Hambo. This little "made for TV" PG rated move "shouldn't be a problem" my sister reassured Hambo before watching. Holy shit, was it a problem. Of course, Ralphie, then Danny Glick tapping on the window, and Mike Ryerson's "looook at me" were big fuggin problems, and after the movie as Sis and Joe went upstairs, Hambo and I attempted to sleep on the living room floor. However, the wind had really kicked up. One of those east winds coming hard down off the mountain into the valley. The huge 40 year old Ash trees outside the rented house were now scraping the window every 90 seconds or so. At first I sought to reassure Hambo. Then, the hooligan trickster part of me just took over. Imitating scratching on the window, "Hambo, let me in. It's okay, let me in. The master commands it!" A squeal of terror from Hambo transforms into a full scream. Sis heard his protest of my Danny Glick imitation, as the tree scratched the window and the moving tree threw some very unsettling shadows across the floor and walls of the room we were trying to sleep in. Sis came running down, assuming something bad had happened. Sis was glad to learn it was just me messing w/ Hambo. It would be in vain, but she tried to get us to settle and go to sleep. It was going well, at first, until I whispered: "loooook at me." Check please. We're done here. Hambo's screams brought Sis and Joe back downstairs. "Guys, we gotta work in the morning. we gotta sleep. if you sleep in our King Sized bed, will you finally stop this?" Hambo didn't need to be asked twice. He sprinted up the stairs, looking wild-eyed over his shoulder at the window and goosebump-inducing scratching sound it was still making. Being the macho "fearless" instigator, this is where the story gets funny. As if Karma boomerangs back and gets even with me. Their king sized bed was massive. A water bed. The last great remnant of the funky-ass seventies. That, and lime green or pink shag carpet. That thing had to have weighed more than a Cadillac. I don't know how it didn't crash through the 2nd floor and fall all the way to the basement. Joe on the far side, Sis, Hambo, then me on the edge, facing the door. Lights out, but there's a problem. Both the scratching, and the malevolent, morphing shadows were projecting onto the white wall in the hallway. The streetlight providing the projector. Tucked tight in the middle, Hambo was already full-doze and well on his way to righteous repose. I was jealous. My terror was just beginning. All the dialogue I had mockingly tormented Hambo with, were now rattling around inside my head. "It's okay, let me in. Let me in." "Loooook at me. You'll sleep the sleep of the dead, teacher." James Mason's Straker: "Nobody can go against the Master." When Ralphie gets got in the woods, only a shadow conveys the terror. All too effectively. Now those shadows, perfectly recreating the horror, Mr. Barlow, his eyes, teeth, *****Pause: Holy shit: just as I was typing that, a UPS guy, apparently gifted in the art of stealth and surprise, banged so hard on the door I thought it would splinter and collapse. Scaring the shite out of Otis and I. Otis, my Westie. Ha, I musta jumped three feet out of my chair, okay, continuing***** as if Barlow had flown up the stairs and was now gliding down the hallway at inhuman speeds before veering in the bedroom door to get me. The outside lane of that big-ass waterbed, nearest the door, now seemed like a tactical error. Grande. "Damn, I gotta pee," I thought. Eyeing the bathroom door 8 feet away, well away from the bedroom door, yet, I couldn't muster even the slightest beginning move to get out of the minimal safety of that bed. The other three, now deep in sleep, I was jealous. Midnight came and went. The old school flip-style numbers on the bedside clock announced 1:30, then 2am. Now I really had to pee. I don't remember drifting off to sleep in the slightest. I do remember the unpleasant surprise I awoke to. Joe was 6'7" and 330 lbs. Looked like an NFL left tackle. Causing a significant sag in the water bed. So 16 fluid ounces of piss I had released all flowed downhill. First, Hambo, Sis, then finally puddling in and around Big Joe. It wasn't but seconds after the panic and embarrassment of what I had done also registered with the beds 3 other occupants. I stirred, and stood up. "Uh-oh," Joe announced. Correctly realizing that liquid wasn't a waterbed leak. Being a prideful little bastard, like an embarrassed teenager who just let a reestie fart go in the presence of beautiful girls, I quickly sought to place the blame elsewhere. "Hambo, ewww, dude, you pissed all over me." Yeah, I know, not cool. In the confusion, I'm not so sure even Hambo realized he wasn't the sender. To Sis and Joe, it didn't matter why or who. Either way, they were soaked in an amount of piss seemingly far beyond the physiological capabilities of an 8 or 11 y.o. I was expecting anger or a verbal chewing out. Sis and Joe did the opposite. "Okay. It's fine guys. Not a problem, let's all get up. Wait, hold on," Sis said, grabbing a towel and mopping and sopping up the piss from in and around themselves. "Okay, you guys stand on the linoleum here in the bathroom. it's totally fine, We'll clean this up and be back to sleep in no time." Correctly reading the situation, Joe further sought to comfort whoever the guilty party was. "Yeah guys, after that movie, I didn't wanna get up and go to the bathroom. That vampire and all," Joe said, patting us on the head in a reassuring manner. I didn't realize until years later, Hambo always believed it was he who had created the golden shower. 20 Year later, after a drunken "bro-fest" annual vacation to see Primus at Red Rocks outside Denver, I confessed. After the concert we were at a Denny's enjoying our post-swerve breakfast meal. "Duuuuude, not cool. All this time, I thought I pissed the bed. Dude that is so lame to blame me." He was absolutely right. It was lame. "Looook at me," I said. To this very day, Hambo recoils and loudly objects anytime I quote that movie. "See Hambo, that's why I couldn't get out of that bed. Pissing all over all of us was better than the risking an encounter with the Master," I justified. "Oh dude, no doubt. No diggety, no doubt," he fully agreed.

[@Everything-hw4jb]

This is an amazing story!! I felt like I was reading a novel, so you should consider doing some serious writing. At least you confessed, even if it was years later. Thanks for this! I loved it.

[@geecee4746]

Fantastic film, my favourite horror, turned me into a vampire freak

[@Everything-hw4jb]

I think it's my favorite film simply because it terrified me SO badly as an 8-year old.

[@iansbolton]

Is it me or does Boogeyman Ben resemble a grown up Mark Petrie?

[@Everything-hw4jb]

Hmmm.... never thought about that

[@redpillnibbler4423]

Yes those are great scenes though I can’t recall the Larry one,I’d add in the jail scene which made me jump out of my skin,and when they find the Master in his coffin.

[@Everything-hw4jb]

The jail scene was great!

[@teresak1177]

Have always loved this movie and greatly enjoyed the discussion of it here! Are you able to interview David Soul? Would be cool to hear if he has some memories to share! I know he had issues with his Jeep doors staying closed during filming, those are fun to point out while rewatching. I always thought he did a great job with his protrayal of Ben.

[@Everything-hw4jb]

I haven't tried to contact David Soul, but I do know he did an interview about Salem's Lot not too long ago. I am hoping to get an interview with Lance Kerwin. Fingers crossed!

[@iain79]

The Danny glick window scene scared the absolute 💩💩💩💩 out of me as a kid so bad that I had nightmares, kept windows closed blinds and curtains incase Danny was at my window and could only watch salems lot during the day lol now I have watched salems lot loads of times and will never get tired of it ever its my favourite vampire and horror movie of all time an absolute masterpiece.

[@Everything-hw4jb]

Me too! I watch it every Sunday now and love it, but it terrified me as a kid.

[@josebro352]

Excellent review! Like so many other people on here I grew up with the original. I was ten and I remember watching it with my babysitter lol. Out of curiosity has anyone heard any news about the remake? It's release has already been canceled twice. It was filmed in Ipswich, Massachusetts which is about 45 minutes from me. I'm kinda stoked about it even though I know it'd never match the original.

[@Everything-hw4jb]

Thank you. So far we've heard nothing but rumors. Everyone seems to be giving up on it at this point.

[@Stringzippy]

What intrigues me is that most folk saw this scary as hell movie at tender ages of 8 or so including me. No wonder we had nightmares for years..lol

[@Everything-hw4jb]

I know. My dad didn't want to let me watch it but I talked him into it. I was thinking I wouldn't get scared because I was a big 8-year old.

[@TinaLouise73]

Which scary movie hpuse do u recken u wud stay in overnight for a million $?!! 1.nancy Thompson's house from nightmare elm street?! 2.Psycho house wi Norman Bates?!! 3.micheal Myers former house in haddonfield Illinois?! 4.the marston house wi straker n Barlow?!! OF COURSE!!! 5.the Maitlands house from Beetlejuice?! 6.the former home of The Entity movie?! 7.a cabin at camp Crystal lake?! 8.the poltergeist house in Simi valley?!! I can't think of anywhare else atm but plz add! Personally i wud choose the poltergeist house before it got sucked into the "other realm"!!!!

[@ServandoIV]

i saw the 1979 original in the theaters it was packed, people screaming and the intense psychological scenes made it very memorable i just wish Tobe would release a director’s cut by re-editing a few scenes improving some special effects to make it seamless and up-to-date if i ever become a gazillionaire, i would offer Tobe (if he’s still alive) to re-edit and incorporate modern special effects

[@Everything-hw4jb]

If I ever become a gazillionaire, I would build the actual Marsten house exactly where it was in Ferndale during filming.

[@redpillnibbler4423]

I’m not sure it could be improve by adding newer effects,the original effects were very good and it’s the films atmosphere that makes it effective.

[@robertgallagher5285]

Completely off the subject but can you do some research into why "Peggy Jo" was cancelled It can't be because Lily James was involved in a 20 SECOND kissing scandal in Rome even Lily James fans on her fan clubs don't know?!?

[@Everything-hw4jb]

Never heard about that. Very interesting.

[@robertgallagher5285]

@@Everything-hw4jb yeah any way you can find out big Lily James fan!!!

[@bloket.]

First comment, 251th view, 25th like, love the video by the way :).

[@Everything-hw4jb]

Thank you!!!