MovieChat Forums > Salem's Lot (1979) Discussion > This movie is the reason...

This movie is the reason...

posted 10 years ago by just_jesss
26 replies | jump to latest

I had frequent nightmares as child of scratches at my window, glowing eyes, hissing freaking vampires. My name is Jessica, and I would always dream of Danny or Ralphie or Mike at my window going "Let me in Jesssssssssica" in their creepy ass voices. I was 8 when I first saw it. I walked in on my Dad watching it, he warned me that it was scary and that I should not be watching it, but being a kid I thought I could handle it. I was never the same (lol).

This movie is also the reason that to THIS DAY (I am 28 now)I must keep my curtains and blinds closed at night. If there is even a small opening where I can see out I get unbelievably creeped out and have to go close them completely.

Even to this day when I watch it I still find these vampires to be the creepiest ones in any movie I've ever seen. It's all about those damn eyes.

Now as an adult it is one of my favorite horror movies of all time. The only other movie that had (almost but not quite) an equal effect on me as a child was the 1979 version of Dawn of the Dead...but Salem's Lot still takes the traumatizing cake for me, lol.

You know the best part? You just wasted 2 seconds of your life reading my sig.

[–] Plissken_1996 10 years ago

This is one of my favorites too, that I'm now watching for the umteen hundredth time, lol. I'm treating some of my family members that have never seen it.

The director, Tobe Hooper, did an awesome job of creating suspense and a thoroughly chilling atmosphere, without using an excessive amount of violence or gore. And yes, the vampires in this film (especially Barlow) are without a doubt the most fear-inspiring blood-suckers in cinematic history.

Like I said, I watch this movie periodically. But I make a point to watch it especially right before Halloween. It really puts me in the mood for the holiday. Glad to see there are still other fans out there that appreciate this relatively hidden gem.

§ Humans! You're not worth the flesh you're printed on! §

[–] gary_overman 10 years ago

Like I said, I watch this movie periodically. But I make a point to watch it especially right before Halloween. It really puts me in the mood for the holiday. Glad to see there are still other fans out there that appreciate this relatively hidden gem.

There are movies that I watch just before Hallow e'en as well. Among them are The Hills Have Eyes, And the 1977 BBC production of Count Dracula. In my humble opinion Count Dracula is the best vampire film ever.

[–] Plissken_1996 10 years ago

I've never seen Count Dracula. I'll have to Netflix that one.

§ Humans! You're not worth the flesh you're printed on! §

[–] just_jesss 10 years ago

Yes Plissken, I agree he did a fantastic job! I agree Barlow looked fantastic but to be honest I was more creeped out by the other vampires, lol.

I gotta say though that no matter How scary the movie is the book was a hundred times scarier for me. Luckily I was an adult when I read it, but I would say it's my favorite book of all time.

[–] Plissken_1996 10 years ago

I'm ashamed to say I never read the book. I guess I gotta get on that, lol.

§ Humans! You're not worth the flesh you're printed on! §

[–] MissMargoChanning 10 years ago

I hope you do read it.(or did...)
I read it when it first came out and it blew me away. I had never read a modern day vampire story and what surprised me was the interesting way that King introduced you to the whole town and all of the goings on in their lives.
After many years I'm reading it again.
I watched my copy of the 79 tv movie last week and while I really enjoy this film, I remembered some of the towns people who weren't included in the film and some of the memorable things that happened in the story. I would assume that some of those things just couldn't be included because they were too disturbing for television.
The book is a must read. I only wish I was reading it for the first time. You are lucky!  Let us know what you think of it if you ever do read it.

"Fasten your seatbelts. It's going to be a bumpy night"

[–] Plissken_1996 10 years ago

I certainly will. 

Humans! You're not worth the flesh you're printed on!

[–] gary_overman 10 years ago

I hope you do read it.(or did...)
I read it when it first came out and it blew me away. I had never read a modern day vampire story and what surprised me was the interesting way that King introduced you to the whole town and all of the goings on in their lives.
After many years I'm reading it again.
I watched my copy of the 79 tv movie last week and while I really enjoy this film, I remembered some of the towns people who weren't included in the film and some of the memorable things that happened in the story. I would assume that some of those things just couldn't be included because they were too disturbing for television.
The book is a must read. I only wish I was reading it for the first time. You are lucky! Let us know what you think of it if you ever do read it.

I certainly will.

Do read the book; I really think that you'd like it. It's loads better than either film.

[–] Plissken_1996 10 years ago

As long as it's better than the 2004 version, I'll be happy.

Humans! You're not worth the flesh you're printed on!

[–] stones78 10 years ago

don't agree it's "loads" better, maybe better than the 2004 version though.

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[–] dimsung_09 10 years ago

I'm right there with ya. I'll never forget the first time (I was probably around 8 years old) I first watched that scene with Mr. Barlow in the dark jail cell. I was sitting up close in front of the television and as soon as he showed his face I jumped back. at 31 years old, I've still never forgotten that. Great film. One of my all-time favorites.

[–] stones78 10 years ago

I was in front of the TV as a 9-yr old when Barlow destroyed poor Ned.

[–] psy4560 10 years ago

I watched it live, as a 5 year old.

To this day them floating Glick brothers scare the living crap out of me. So does Mike and his "Look at me, Teacher."

My best friend/neighbor growing up used to come over and scratch on my window - "Let me in.. He commands it."

I admit to still being apprehensive still, when I think about putting the movie in.

I'm on the boards today after reading about Mike/Geoffrey's passing and was feeling nostalgic about the first time I saw him in a movie.

[–] allenm-01050 10 years ago

I recently watched it back to back to get over my fear of this movie. I felt enough was enough!

Watching it again had no effect on me. I wonder if overcoming the fear of this movie spills over in other areas of my mind. Maybe I'll have live the rest of my life with more courage and determination!

[–] Bree_33 10 years ago

Just as scary as I remember it. A classic.

☁☀☁

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