This day in November 1979 marked the CBS broadcast debut airing of part one of Stephen King's, made-for-tv horror film, Salem's Lot. Directed by Tobe Hooper and starring David Soul, James Mason, Bonnie Bedelia, Lew Ayers, Reggie Nalder, and my childhood hero, Lance Kerwin, this great adaptation of my favorite King novel about a writer returning to his boyhood hometown only to discover that a vampire invasion has begun, is a bonafide nightmare classic. So for Halloween this year I wanted to do something different and created a Salem's Lot themed display, highlighted by my newly constructed, life-sized Mr. Barlow action figure, (see PARTS ONE and TWO HERE if you missed them), along with a few lovely ladies from my vintage mannequin collection, (heck, even Vampira makes a appearance!), PLUS, some well placed web netting and LED colored lights in my attic rafters. I was also hopefully determined to deliver an answer to the question that I've heard so many people ask over the years about the film: "Where exactly is Mr. Barlow throughout most of the film?" And yes, while it's true that most of Barlow's terrifying combined screen time could probably be clocked in minutes comparable to the total length of a typical 70's commercial break (less is definitely more though, you know!), we now learn that while the vampirically transformed townsfolk were busy infecting their neighborhood friends and family, Mr. Barlow actually kept himself quite busy with his trio of lovely brides. What's going on behind that light burning in the upper story of the haunted old Marsten mansion up on the hill, you ponder? Well, let me show you...
5 comments:
Sweet. I love that second to last photo best, I think (though it's a tough choice, I'm going for the drama!). My favorite detail is how the redhead's pearls evoke an autopsy scar. Some people segue into the midnight world of undead matrimony easier than others, I guess.
So this was in your attic? What was going on in your garage?
The Nosferatu/Count Dracul movie the world secretly waits for.
(The name Dracul is somehow more menacing than the name Dracula)
Great display, but if you want to take it one step further, I want to see the real Lance Kerwin tied up in your attic.
I think Barlow missing is one of the best parts of the story. King meant the story to be about how small towns were disappearing and drying up, the real meat of the metaphor is the townspeople all infecting each other and the death spreading.
Barlow is really just a way to bookend the story.
I do like that Barlow has hauled in some tombstones to fancy up the place, he was supposed to be into antiques, anyway!
>So this was in your attic? What was going on in your garage?
Zander decorated the garage with more the "kid friendly" halloween props... we decided that my Mr. Barlow display was a tad too titillating for the neighborhood kiddies, haha
>The Nosferatu/Count Dracul movie the world secretly waits for.
Indeed!
>take it one step further, I want to see the real Lance Kerwin tied up in your attic.
Hahaha, that might make for a good addition to the scene for next year. Just have to find a Lance mannequin now!
>I think Barlow missing is one of the best parts of the story.
Hence why I said "less is more!" Same reason why The Tall Man is so much more menacing in the first Phantasm, for example, because his actual on screen time is more limited than in the sequels. Too much of a good thing can spoil your appetite!
Thanks for the comments, I have more mannequin madness in store for the coming year, so stay tombed for that-- and everything else, too!
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