Salem’s Lot

By far and without a doubt the best network TV horror in history
Salem’s Lot. Written by Paul Monash & Stephen King (book). Directed by Tobe Hooper. Richard Kobritz, 1979 [1979].
VIEW CONTEXT: WTVJ Channel 4 (Miami) • CBS
VIEW DATE: November 17, 1979 [verified]
AWARDS: Scariest Vampire. Barlow is the scariest vampire in all of history, from Max Schreck through today … and perhaps forever.
What can one say about the Reggie Nalder cum Jack Young Nosferatu who is Kurt Barlow? As Barlow scholar and famed Carolina wood craftsman Joe Angelillo said, “That was the single scariest face of my childhood,”
Yes, Joe. I admit feeling the same. Until the Linda Blair cum Dick Smith possessed who is Regan MacNiel.

This chilled my back skin.

1869 photograph of the real historical figure, Kurtus Barlonthöl, who inspired Jack Young’s inspired makeup.

Incredible sculpt by Russ Lukich. Note the exaggerated detail on Nalder’s childhood burn scars. A tribute.

Russ Lukich sculpt (1/4 right).

Russ Lukich sculpt (3/4 left).

Russ Lukich sculpt (right).

Russ Lukich sculpt (left).

The nails, which kept falling off.

Publicity still.

Earlier Russ Lukich Barlow sculpt.

Earlier Russ Lukich Barlow sculpt (3/4).

And here, on the other end of the quality spectrum: an asinine muscular, frat-boy, thick-necked version of The Master. Sad.

Niggas don’t know ’bout the fact that Nalder’s only other non-human role had the exact same shade of blue. Talk about destiny.

Nothing is immune from the “sexy ___” effect that now dominates Halloween costume marketing for women.

Another vomitable instance of the “sexy ___” rule..

The one and only eBay signed photo actually worth framing.

The first use of the scary out-of-it look for an evil male. (The first female one was Blair after killing Merrin. See below).

The first scary out-of-it look for an evil anyone.