--- In sonsofkong@yahoogroups.com, "Dean Webb <sonofvulcan@a...>"
<sonofvulcan@a...> wrote:
> I caught this TV adaptation of King's novel last week. Despite the
> fact is starred David Soul, I found it to be oddly effective. Like
> many of King's novels it's too long, but I was able to hang in and
> there are several pretty scary scenes. I think the thing was
directed
> by Tobe Hooper, but I might have that wrong. The editing was the
most
> unusual thing about the production, as time would pass between
scenes
> at wildly different rates making for a somewhat unpredictable TV
show
> (a good thing) and causing a lot of the story to be told second
hand
> and not shown. This technique worked, making many things creepier
> than they might have been if they had shown them. Clearly there
were
> was inspiration from Night Stalker, particularly in the little
> cliffhangers from time to time, but overall it held my attention.
> I've never read King's original novel, but I might have to give a
try.
>
> Dean

I think Salem's Lot is too long, but it does have some good moments.
I like the sequel much more and find it a rare case of a sequel being
better than the original. 'Return to Salem's Lot' is directed by
Larry Cohen, stars Michael Morriority, and also has a wonderfully
effective performance by maverick film-maker Sam Fuller. Fuller plays
an elderly self-appointed "Nazi Killer" who happens on the village of
vampires while he's searching for Nazi fugative. Fuller is incredibly
effective as a cranky, clever, and very deadly seventy-something, and
his performance gives the film a dimension it would lack otherwise.
The rest of the cast ranges from very good to adequate. The film has
some good crisp dialogue, moves at a nice clip but doesn't try to
replace logic with momentum, has delicious black humor, and has lots
of scenes that stick with the viewer months later. I highly recommend
this one.

Take care,
Jon