31 Days of Halloween: The Terror of Salem’s Lot

Salem’s Lot (1979)

******* (7 out of 10 Stars)

Starring: David Soul, James Mason, Lance Kerwin

The Marston House stands empty, shrouded in mystery for over two decades. As a child, I experienced the eerie allure of “Salem’s Lot,” and certain images have haunted me ever since—an ethereal vampire child at the window, and Mike Ryerson’s (Geoffrey Lewis) unsettling transformation. This film expertly crafts a chilling, small-town atmosphere, setting the stage for the horror that follows. Being from a small town myself, I appreciate the unease that isolation can bring. Salem’s Lot evokes a nostalgic charm, a place promising simple, unobtrusive living. As a kid, I envisioned myself biking down its desolate roads with my friends, which made the story’s immersion all the more complete.

The narrative unfolds with gripping storytelling, portraying the buildup of fear amidst a backdrop of well-developed characters. Watching it as a youngster, I often found myself breathless as the dread thickened. My first viewing experience remains a benchmark for what horror storytelling should achieve, a standard by which I measure other horror films.

However, it’s not without flaws. The pacing falters due to the constraints of adapting King’s novel into a two-part TV series. Much had to be left out, and the format demanded commercial breaks and a cliffhanger to ensure viewers returned for the conclusion. Despite these challenges, the film sustains its ominous atmosphere. The uneven pacing, paradoxically, adds to its sense of discomfort, yet it also prevents it from achieving classic status.

“Salem’s Lot” holds its ground as a cornerstone for horror. Its memorable scenes are iconic, its influence resonating in today’s horror landscape. Released as a TV mini-series, it remains accessible to a broad audience, making it a safe yet impactful viewing experience.