Episode 47: Tobe Hooper’s Salem’s Lot (1979)

Rotten Tomato Score: 89%

Can a vampire movie from 1979 still give you chills, or does it now just make you laugh? Join us on Screams & Streams as we dissect Toby Hooper's adaptation of Stephen King's "Salem's Lot." From the slow pacing and inconsistent accents to Mike's nostalgia-fueled disappointment, we leave no gravestone unturned. Chad vents about the film's tedious stretches, while Sam recounts her battle with its repetitive scenes, all agreeing that tighter editing and a better narrative flow were desperately needed.

We also compare "Salem's Lot" to other iconic vampire flicks like "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Bram Stoker's Dracula," picking apart common horror tropes and laughing at the unintentionally funny moments. The 1979 adaptation goes under the microscope, with surprising aggressiveness in character sexuality and Fred Willard's baffling wardrobe choices among the many points of critique. We breakdown the sound design, noting odd choices like incongruous wolf howls and overbearing music that muddles the film's tone.

Finally, we delve into the behind-the-scenes insights of the miniseries, from George Romero's early involvement to innovative filming techniques that either triumphed or flopped. Whether it's the eerie floating child vampires or the iconic creepy house, some elements still resonate amidst the general disappointment. Our watchability ratings reflect a mix of letdown and appreciation for the film's few lasting contributions to the horror genre. Don’t miss this episode full of laughs, critiques, and fond memories of what could have been.

Sinister Sips

Bloody Caesar

  • 2 oz Vodka

  • 2 dashes Tobasco Sauce

  • 3 dashes Worcestershire Sauce

  • 1/4 oz Olive Brine

  • 1/2 tbsp Horseradish

  • Seasoning Salt

  • Clamato Juice

  1. Salt rim of your glass with seasoning salt

  2. Fill glass with ice

  3. Add ingredients and fill with Clamato Juice and stire

Plot Summary:

A novelist and a young horror fan attempt to save a small New England town which has been invaded by vampires. (Taken from IMDb)

Watchability Scale

Sam gave the film a 2.5. Mike couldn’t give it a zero, so he scored it a 1. Chad was most generous and gave the film a 3. We placed the film at 2 on the Watchability Scale.

Links

IMDb page

Rotten Tomatoes Page

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Salem’s Lot (YouTube)

Salem’s Lot TV Miniseries Scariest Scene (Collider)

Salem’s Lot Trivia (Creepy Catalogue)

Stephen King Part 2 (Lilia’s Library)