The Films That Scared Me: Salem's Lot

#vampire #StephenKing Tobe Hooper's 1979 mini series Salem's Lot, adapted from Stephen King's novel both fascinated and scared me as a young, vampire obsessed kid.

[@newworldpuck]

Great review. Ralphie and Danny Glick... sooo many nightmares. Saw this on tv when I was 13. Singularly responsible for guiding me to a decades long love of Stephen King.

[@serendipityruleslife3615]

Same! First one I watched then cujo Do you remember day of the Triffids

[@garyhaines8296]

Totally agree with you. It’s one of scariest movies ever made and one I’ve seen over 20 times and the Glick boys get me each time.

[@xenofett7008]

I saw Salem's Lot when it first aired on TV in 1979. I was 6 years old watching it on a black and white TV in my playroom and it was terrifying on that.

[@TheAmateursOriginalMusic]

You’re dead right! That is the scariest scene I’ve ever seen! Watched it when i was about 12 and still freaks me out..oh and i always draw the curtains now!🧟‍♀️

[@vickiehurt2665]

I was 8 or 9 when it came out! Gave me the heebie jeebies for real for months!!!🧛‍♀️🧛‍♀️🧛‍♀️🧛‍♀️❤❤❤❤

[@ReginasHauntedLibrary]

You're right. That is such a scary moment. I just watched this recently. Great book and movie!

[@DustyOldMovies]

I love Salem Lot!! That moment with Danny Glick is so scary!! I really have to review this one!

[@GrumpyAndrewsHorrorHouse]

Hell yes, please do!

[@jameswest8241]

Great review dude, my favorite vampire film and book ever!!

[@GrumpyAndrewsHorrorHouse]

Thanks James, and thanks for watching :)

[@craigwanschers1]

I def agree on the glick boys, downright scary and atmospheric, American werewolf in London, David in the woods lying on a hospital bed awaken by the nurse, and certain scenes in the exorcist make the most scary put on film.

[@Junk_World_Templar]

Strange when I look back, but David Souls ghost story of the Marston House really gave me the creeps as a kid.

[@GrumpyAndrewsHorrorHouse]

It's a great, and overlooked chill. I'll admit it's not one of the first things I bring to mind when I think about Salem's Lot, but its a creepy background note to the town that's for sure.

[@Junk_World_Templar]

Grumpy Andrew's Horror House That story is the relish in the succulent sandwich that is Salem’s Lot. I was thinking, Salams Lot was like gateway horror for me, it was one of the films that’s hooked me into to the world of horror. Would love to see you do a video, talking about your gateway films, the ones that pulled you into horror. Poltergeist, Hammer, Amicus and Tigon films, Jaws, Piranha etc etc are a few of mine.

[@raysullya.k.amassholehead817]

The first time I seen the window sequence in 79 as a kid scared the shit outta me... fukn nightmares also....

[@goliathsparrow1082]

" a reflection of myself" i think i find myself in all of Stephen Kings books, in some character, well said

[@YamatoForever]

I watched both shows on TV back in November 1979 and my buddy gave me the book for my 13th birthday in January of 1980. After watching it we were scared shitless. I compare going outside after watching it the same way I felt getting into the ocean after watching Jaws.

[@charlesmarsh316]

Once again, great video, Andrew! Okay, so last night I finally got 'round to watching the Blu-Ray I purchased of "Salem's Lot" (1979 - Tobe Hooper). I enjoyed it. The scenes of Ralphie and Danny at the window were indeed as effective as I remembered - those scenes resonate for me because that's the image that I found so frightening from the original novel. The backwards-filmed sequences with the mist seeming to coalesce into the figures of the floating children work beautifully. I think the filmmakers capture the feel of the town and the cast of local characters very well and there are a number of beautiful, eerie compositions. That being said, there were several adaptation decisions that I found baffling - for example, the Bonnie/Larry affair ended up having very little to do with the supernatural plot and the Guatemala framing device felt rushed and tacked on. As mentioned above, there were some great compositions and camera moves, but there were also a great many scenes in which two people traded lines at the center of the frame. I was astonished at how little one sees of Barlow - apart from the silhouetted jump scares, he's really only front and center in two brief scenes. This film was required viewing for me - the book is a firm favorite and I HAD to see whether this adaptation would live up to my memories of it. I TOTALLY agree that the scenes with Ralphie and Danny at the window are timeless - I just wish that more of the remaining two hours and fifty minutes packed more of a punch. It'll be interesting to see how the story is handled in the upcoming film version - the list of character names looks promising in that they all match the names in the novel.

[@NessNayii]

The Glick boys were indeed scary in some kind of...fundamental, way. From the scratching at the bedroom window at night, where/when we are most vulnerable, to the mask of childhood barely concealing something rotten and ancient, it taps into something primal. Whilst I'm here Andrew, thanks for being good with my teenaged son the other week in the horrorcon queue: a combination of being super excited and necking his first 'proper' coffee that morning had him chattering like a speed freak, lol. Was good meeting you.

[@GrumpyAndrewsHorrorHouse]

Thanks for talking to me in the queue! It was great to see your son so excited, he was a cool dude as far as I was concerned. It was great to meet both of you and thank you again for your kind words.

[@geslinam9703]

Yes, any time a child is portrayed as evil is creepy, because it goes against what we all believe about the innocence of children. Windows are mentioned many times in the novel Dracula, they are definitely a theme, and there is a short, very good, 1920s vampire story by EF Benson called Mrs Amworth (highly recommended, you can find it online) where there is a vampire at the window. I’ve often wondered if King was inspired by these stories.

[@audiolego]

Danny's funeral scared me. That scene at the cemetery. That was scary. He opens the coffin and there's Danny with his eyes open.

[@GrumpyAndrewsHorrorHouse]

Oh god yes.

[@redpillnibbler4423]

Very very few films ever scare me but when I saw Salem’s Lot on TV as a teen it scared me quite a bit.

[@GrumpyAndrewsHorrorHouse]

With good cause!

[@charlesmarsh316]

Great review, GA! I REALLY need to see this again! I saw it on TV not long after it premiered and I haven't seen it since. I LOVE the novel! Because most or all of the chapters have a date reference, I decided one year to do a "real time" reading and read the chapters and sections on the referenced dates from early September through (I think) mid-October. (I didn't stick to the schedule for the one-year-later epilogue.) "Jerusalem's Lot" and "One For the Road" are wonderful prequel/sequel stories in the "Skeleton Crew" short story collection.

[@charlesmarsh316]

Sorry, I think they're in "Night Shift".

[@HeavyMetalTones]

Watched this as a kid with my older brother and I did wet myself not too embarrassed to say this I was about 7 when I first saw it.. I agree it still scares me big time

[@SteVibiana]

I was 14 when this movie originally aired in November 1979. My mother (RIP), who was a big Stephen King fan, and I watched it together over two consecutive Saturday nights. I'm sure my mother had already read the novel, so she knew what was going to happen; but I did not, and it was terrifying. Part of the reason for that was that you didn't realize until around the time the characters in the story realized it that vampirism was the issue; it was just this little creepy town and you couldn't put your finger on exactly why. And yes, technically it's pretty cheesy, but it was all about the atmosphere in my opinion.

[@GrumpyAndrewsHorrorHouse]

How very cool of your mum to let you watch it and what a great memory of sharing those two nights with her. Thank you for sharing.

[@andrewtomlinson9995]

Mike, back from the dead is the part that gets me...great review mate...You made me drag my copy of the shelf and re-watch. I’m going to go out on a limb here and open myself up to ridicule....But I really enjoyed Mikael Solomon’s remake..even though Rutger Hauer’s Barlow was sub par. Donald Sutherland more than made up for it. If ya get a chance to review Night of the Eagle ( can’t seem to find it in your reviews. Apologies if you have) then give this masterpiece a try. Cheers.

[@GrumpyAndrewsHorrorHouse]

No ridicule for you my friend, I think there are aspects of the newer Salem's Lot that work like gangbusters! I'm completely with you about the Barlow character not working, but yes Donald Sutherland brings something special. That scene in the antique store where he makes the horns with his hand and sticks his tongue out really took me by surprise.

[@glockster68]

yeah that was the best scene..in the rocking chair and when he looks up with those eyes....that was more scary to me than any other scene

[@AdamAndEmma2010]

Totally agree. Nothing has come close, scarewise since I saw this Summer 1983 (aged 14). Apart from walking hone from a friend's house after watching "The Exorcist" the next Summer.

[@tumblingdice9565]

I was 10 years old when the 1979 mini series first aired. I could not go near windows at night for months, even to close the curtains-which was bad because I didn't want to see out there but I didn't want to get near the window either. I was beyond horrified.

[@GrumpyAndrewsHorrorHouse]

I think those scenes are some of the most genuinely terrifying ever put to film.

[@josephthomas3912]

Spot on review. It still works all these decades later. I'm curious to know to know how it played on your side of the pond. It aired here in the U.S. beginning Nov. 17, 1979 (Happy Anniversary!) as a 2- part miniseries on television. But I understand that it played in some other countries in a shorter (but more graphic) theatrical version. Obviously, the dvd is the complete 3 hour miniseries (4 hours with commercials). Speaking of scenes in older films that still creep me out, I am reminded of the nighttime zoo scene in "The Quatermass Experiment" (1956). The subsequent Quatermass films may be better films, but the first one is still my favorite - because it is scary.

[@GrumpyAndrewsHorrorHouse]

Up until I bought the dvd (and was delighted to find that it was the full mini-series across 2 discus) I'd only ever known Salem's Lot as the slimline theatrical run version we got over her in the UK.

[@josephthomas3912]

@@GrumpyAndrewsHorrorHouse Oh my, I can imagine what they must have cut to get it down to feature length. FYI, the Warner blu-ray has a full length commentary by the late Tobe Hooper that is just a joy to hear. And I was not expecting a transfer that makes it look like it was shot yesterday. Elated !

[@tabeccaletford408]

This was always my favourite film I love it. The scene that really creeped me out was Danny visited Mark especially that malevolent smile on his face when he thought Mark was going to let him in

[@GrumpyAndrewsHorrorHouse]

Yes, that scene is the stuff of nightmares!

[@ZoneHorror.]

Hello Andrew. Great video as always, quick question...have you ever thought about doing a Q&A video series? I think it would be a fantastic idea. Cheers. :)

[@GrumpyAndrewsHorrorHouse]

Thanks for the suggestion, JLBZombie. I've honestly never considered it before because because I don't think anyone would be too interested in what I've got to say :D Are there some other Q&A videos you can point me to so I can get an idea of how it might work?

[@ZoneHorror.]

There are many out there, but I'm not positive which one to point out. I'm sure people would love to ask you questions about Horror movies and other movie-related questions! You could make a video announcing your upcoming Horror House Q&A, and ask people to pop their questions in that video. Then in the next video maybe make a list of your favorite questions and answer them in that video. Obviously, you don't have to go with this idea, it's entirely up to you. I think people would enjoy a Horror House Q&A. :D

[@charlesmarsh316]

Oh, one more thing - the score wins the prize for the most extensive use of the "Dies Irae"!

[@briancoburn6903]

There's a BBC 4 radio drama of Salem's Lot on KZbin. It's absolutely brilliant. John Moffat as Mr Straker is magnificent.

[@GrumpyAndrewsHorrorHouse]

Wow, thanks, I'll have to check it out!

[@deadlydamesdrive-in2388]

Great video, that image at the window still scared me to this day. 😱

[@charlesmarsh316]

I just received this film on disc and am looking forward to watching it! I only have very vague memories of seeing this back in the day - as always, I'm hopeful that it will be as effective as I remember.

[@GrumpyAndrewsHorrorHouse]

Fingers crossed. Personally I think the vampire children at the window still retain the power to chill.

[@jec1ny]

Yeah the window scenes freaked me out too. But I will say this, I haven't seen Salem's Lot since it first aired. I am now in my 50's. And to this day... I still don't like the sound of rocking chairs.

[@GrumpyAndrewsHorrorHouse]

That rocking chair scene gave me the willies in the film, but really got into my head when I was reading the book!

[@elizabethspedding1975]

The window scenes still scare me now, and I'm nearly sixty!

[@GrumpyAndrewsHorrorHouse]

They're just terrifying!

[@TheWickerBoy]

Awesome video once again dude. Always loved and always will love this film.

[@GrumpyAndrewsHorrorHouse]

Thanks buddy.

[@FrightfullyForgotten]

This is one of these movies I didn't like as a kid. Now you and another bloke from your neck of the woods have both said this movie scared them. As a huge vampire fan this might be worth re-watching!

[@jondoes8222]

when Ralph Glick came for Danny, how did he get pjs on when he was captured in coat and full clothing?

[@GrumpyAndrewsHorrorHouse]

Er....magic? That's a really good point!

[@davidparl1313]

I find it funny that one of the actors in Ultraviolet is called Susannah Harker 😂

[@nickk.4129]

you are absolutely right my friend!

[@goliathsparrow1082]

The texas chainsaw massacre- yep. Mr icarpenters The thing. check on that shit. I havent seen Salems lot, want too though, gotta find the book too

[@GrumpyAndrewsHorrorHouse]

Definitely get the book, and certainly check out Tobe Hoopers mini series. Hope you enjoy them, thanks for watching!

[@goliathsparrow1082]

@@GrumpyAndrewsHorrorHouse Thanks for reply, am on the look out for it, been reading a lot of king so looking forward to it

[@anthonylee923]

Could not sleep with my curtains open for years after watching this

[@GrumpyAndrewsHorrorHouse]

I don't blame you!"

[@khambrelgreen9945]

I have yet to see this film. But I shall as soon as I am able. It puts the frigteners on me mum. So I think I will invite her over for a viewing. Thank you describing what scares you about the movie. I will watch for those scenes....

[@jonathanjones6984]

The scene of ralphie floating up to his brothers window still scares me

[@GrumpyAndrewsHorrorHouse]

That is the correct response

[@jonathanjones6984]

@GrumpyAndrewsHorrorHouse I'm excited for the remake

[@GrumpyAndrewsHorrorHouse]

@@jonathanjones6984 I really hope it's good

[@paulychilds]

While I think Fright Night and The Lost Boys are the rollercoaster adventures of 80s Vampire films, it's Salem's Lot (yes, I know it was right at the end of 1979, but it's close enough to count!!). I agree with you fully - those scenes at the windows are among those which have scared me more than anything I've ever seen. Salem's Lot is the reason I can't sleep without curtains to this day. We moved house in 1988 and my new bedroom didn't have a curtain pole yet - despite being a teenager who should be able to get over such things I still stayed at my nan's house that night until the pole was fitted the next day! Although they've lost a lot of their power these days (thanks, Edward Cullen) Vampire films contain, for me some of the most terrifying scenes of all time. Mina's appearance in the tomb in the 79 Langella Dracula, the beach bonfire attack in Lost Boys, Dandridge invading Charlie's bedroom, the attack on the bar in Near Dark, Regina's dance in FN2, the coach ride in the 92 Oldman Dracula - but the two window scenes. Interestingly, I watched the Italian dub of Black Sabbath after you recommended it to me and I could see hints of influence on Salem's Lot - not sure it that was an influence on Mr King or Mr Hooper but that also had the child vampire begging to be let in, in the Wurdulak section