Salem's Lot(1979)(Review) - Gruesome Gazette

When it comes to a better adaptation of the Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot, look no further than the 1979 version of Salem’s Lot. It was originally a mini series that got converted to an over 3 hr movie.

The story is the same of Ben Mears returning to his home of Salem’s Lot, and soon after, finds his hometown citizens are slowly being turned into vampires.

What this movie does well is provide atmosphere. We get more of an understanding that the Marsten House is the epicenter of evil. The vampire familiar Richard Straker is very imposing here.

When it comes to the vampires..through the mist, the sight of a vampire slowly approaching a window and once they arrive, they smile creepily with weirdly lit eyes. That is still so chilling even to this day. Kurt Barlow with his toothy grin? Looking like if a goblin and a vampire had a forbidden love child? Yikes.
So yeah definitely spooky and almost gothic in a way. Not saying this movie adapted everything from the book. Once again it glances over the battle between Father Callahan and Kurt Barlow. And once again he’s left for dead. He’s barely even a character. But it got most of it right.

And the final battle happens properly at the Marsten House. And then the movie gut punches us with an emotionally packed epilogue.

And Ben and Mark are off traveling around the world fighting vampires.

News to me, but there’s was a sequel Return to Salem’s Lot, I’ll have to look into it.

The 79 Salem’s Lot is the perfect Halloween movie. It’s currently streaming on Max if you want to dive into it. It may take more than one sitting.

Till next time, Happy Halloween!
-Tha Thrilla-