Salem's Lot

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3:17

Salem's Lot

PG

1979

1h 52m

Horror

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

87%

Tomatometer

23 Reviews

65%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

Based on the Stephen King novel, Ben Mears has returned to his hometown of Salem's Lot to write a book about the supposedly haunted Marsten House that resides on a hill overlooking the small town. His project is curtailed, however, when he finds out that someone has bought the long-empty property. But when people around the Marsten House start dying mysteriously, Mears discovers that the owner of the mansion is actually a vampire who is turning them into an army of undead slaves.

Critics Consensus

Director Tobe Hooper and a devilishly charismatic James Mason elevate this television adaptation of the Stephen King novel, injecting the vampiric tradition with fresh blood and lingering scares.

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Malcolm Knox

Sydney Morning Herald

Apr 23

I don't know if things were just a little more sinister in the '70s, but I came out of this glancing uneasily over my shoulder.

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Budd Wilkins

Slant Magazine

Mar 24

Salem’s Lot is a masterclass in televisual terror.

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Derek Adams

Time Out

06/24/2006

It places the emphasis on Hooper's fluid camerawork, creepy atmospherics, and skilful handling of the gripping climax.

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Jeff Beck

The Blu Spot

Mar 30

3/5

Completionists will no doubt want to stick with the original cut (the miniseries or extended movie) that gives you all of the footage, while those looking for a tighter telling of the tale will lean towards the theatrical version.

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Jan 1

3.5/4

Small-screen restrictions require the bloodletting be kept to a minimum, but director Tobe Hooper and scripter Paul Monash nevertheless manage to construct a first-rate chiller out of King's fertile source material.

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Gregory Nussen

Screen Rant

Oct 1

8/10

Tobe Hooper's 1979 adaptation of Stephen King's Salem's Lot gets 4K restoration, highlighting its timeless horror and relevance to today's small towns.

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Erin M

@Mightymotes May 2

I didn’t realize it was a tv mini series, and as a result was thinking there were too many scenes of different townsfolk being attacked. Now that I’m aware it was a series ,that makes me feel better about some parts dragging on at a slower pace! Great acting and scares galore and good story are all part of this horror classic!! I liked the ending too.

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Ed B.

@EdLee Apr 22

Salems lot (1979) is one of my favorite Stephen King adaptations of all his books. The casting spot on. David Soul & James Mason play their roles very well. Supporting cast perfect. Especially the Monster. As well as the Glick Brothers. Setting and photography is perfect for this tale. I watch at least once a year..

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Todor Y

@Phantom961 Apr 11

I like this, longer than 2024 remake. In my opinion some older movies that used practical effects instead of CGI are way better.

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Bigbossbalrog T

@Jigokju Mar 25

The best Vampire movie ever. Better than Dracula, better than Carmilla. The best version of Stephen King's classic! A great, awesome experience!

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Brandon K

@TheKeizer Mar 14

A bit cheesey and unrealistic, but it does hold up and is still entertaining. Some fun moments.

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Duke A

@I.am.me Feb 22

Glacially slow snooze fest.

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Tobe Hooper

Director

David Soul

Ben Mears

James Mason

Richard K. Straker

Lance Kerwin

Mark Petrie

Bonnie Bedelia

Susan Norton

Lew Ayres

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Salem's Lot: Trailer 1

3:17

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Synopsis

Based on the Stephen King novel, Ben Mears has returned to his hometown of Salem's Lot to write a book about the supposedly haunted Marsten House that resides on a hill overlooking the small town. His project is curtailed, however, when he finds out that someone has bought the long-empty property. But when people around the Marsten House start dying mysteriously, Mears discovers that the owner of the mansion is actually a vampire who is turning them into an army of undead slaves.

Director: Tobe Hooper
Producer: Richard Kobritz
Rating: PG
Genre: Horror
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 20, 2016
Runtime: 1h 52m