After years of absence, the successful novelist, Ben Mears, returns to his peaceful hometown of Salem's Lot, intent on writing a book on the notorious Marsten House, the property atop a haunted hilltop. However, there is a new tenant already residing in the gloomy house, a newcomer, Richard Straker. His arrival coincides with unaccountable disappearances and violent attacks. As more and more people die one after another, Ben Mears comes to realise that there is a curse that plagues the town and is starting to spread. Both Ben and a young horror fan make a horrific discovery. The town has been invaded by vampires! Together they attempt to save the small town from the growing forces of evil. Salem's Lot was a made-for-TV special, which was released as a mini-series of 2 parts due to being over 3 hours. It can be viewed as either a TV mini-series or a movie but I will be categorising it in its original format as a mini-series. This is most certainly one of the best vampire products ever made and a phenomenal series at that. I certainly enjoyed the premise of the show. Having a vampire create an army from the citizens of Salem's Lot is an incredible story premise. Despite being made for TV, it had the quality of a cinema release with a high budget feel, much like other TV-made projects like Battlestar Galactica (TV Series 1978-1979) and Jesus of Nazareth (TV Mini Series 1977) released around the same time. One of my favourite aspects of the show that I loved was the creepy design of the lead vampire known simply as The Master. He was extremely terrifying and had some really scary scenes, however, he only appeared 3 times throughout the whole series, having his minions doing all the work for the most part. It was quite a shame since he is one of the coolest-looking parts of the whole feature and although I wanted to see more, I can't deny that by not showing him as much, it helped up the fear factor. Having us constantly wonder when or where he would next appear certainly made him more threatening and something to truly be afraid of. His minions also looked very cool and frightening with their piercing yellow eyes, fangs and pale-grey skin. Their sinister appearance is best displayed in the scene where the recently deceased Ryerson returns from the grave, now a blood-thirsty vampire. It's a spine-chilling scene that just does vampires right by taking heed to the lore surrounding them. For example, when the character Burke says: "Get out. I revoke my invitation." to Ryerson, acknowledging the lore about how a vampire can only enter a household when invited. I really liked all the lines and subtle details, which showed all the effort put into this horror masterpiece and the amazing writing of Stephen King. This product is such a brilliant adaptation of his work and might even be one of the finest out there. Another highlight of this series is the dialogue, which has many quotable lines that I frequently repeat. For instance, my favourite, "You can do nothing against the master. Stop, Holy man!" I also really liked Ben Mears played fantastically by David Soul, who steps up and becomes the hero the town needs, fighting back against the evil invaders. From taking on foot soldier vampires to The Master himself, he doesn't back down from the task. A true hero! He is aided by Mark Petrie a horror-loving fan who wants revenge on The Master for killing his parents and converting his friends. Thanks to his monster knowledge, he knew what to do when his vampiric friend Danny came to his window wanting to enter. Mark, unlike everyone else who let him in, picks up a cross from his model of a churchyard and uses it to send him away. Overall, this TV mini-series is a horror classic, which is truly terrifying but in the best way managing to get away with so many horrifying moments with little to no gore involved. There are some exceptional visuals and effects, which elevate this story to new heights whilst also helping to drive home how this is easily one of the best vampire shows ever made. Salem's Lot is one to definitely check out, especially during the spooky season of Halloween! Also, look up the unconnected sequel A Return to Salem's Lot (1987).
Creator: Tobe Hooper
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