Last week, fans of obscure TV movies and Larry “Dr. Giggles” Drake were elated by the release of Dark Night of the Scarecrow on DVD (and Blu-Ray) for the very first time. It was definitely one of the finest horror flicks ever produced for the small screen, during an era—unlike today—in which there was actually quite a bit of genuinely scary stuff to be found on the tube. Here’s a look at the ten finest original fright films ever broadcast on television.
ABC gave us this deeply unnerving thriller about the spirit of a dead kid who keeps telephoning the living, featuring a very young Michael Douglas. A note to those interested: it’s available on DVD under the title “Shattered Silence”.
9. The Strange Case of Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde (1968)
Five years before Jack Palance and horror TV producer extraordinaire Dan Curtis teamed up on the better-known Dracula TV movie, they brought this fine adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale to ABC. Believe it…or not.
8. Frankenstein: The True Story (1973)
More psychological than most film treatments of Mary Shelley’s novel, this NBC two-parter featured an all-star cast, including Sir Ralph Richardson, Sir John Geilgud, Tom Baker, Agnes Moorehead and that ever-dependable TV fixture, Jane Seymour.
7. The Curse of the Blair Witch (1999)
For once, the Sci-Fi Channel actually got it right when it comes to original movies. For my money, this “mockumentary” was way more effective than the actual Blair Witch Project itself. It’s also the most recent entry on this list, which tells you the direction TV horror has gone in the last decade.
6. Dark Night of the Scarecrow (1981)
In this entry from the peacock network, Drake plays Bubba, a mentally challenged man killed in cold blood by some scumbag cops who falsely accuse him of raping a little girl. The horror twist? Bubba just so happened to be disguised as a scarecrow at the time of his murder—so naturally, he returns in that guise to exact a bloody vengeance.
5. Werewolf (1987)
One of the earliest efforts by the fledgling Fox Network, this underrated gem was expanded into a full-blown series. Despite its obvious co-opting of the whole “man-accused-of-crime-wanders-from-town-to-town-transforming-into-a-rampaging-creature-and-inadvertently-helping-people” gimmick from The Incredible Hulk, it’s still a great watch. Sadly, it’s also the only entry on this list that’s still not available on video.
4. Gargoyles (1972)
A long-time fan favorite, CBS’s nightmare-inducing tale of hideous creatures awakened from their ancient slumber to wreak general havoc boasts some of the earliest work by the late special effects master Stan Winston.
3. Salem’s Lot (1979)
Directed by Tobe Hooper, this two-part effort from CBS can be held right up there with some of the best vampire flicks ever made, regardless of screen size. The truly terrifying Nosferatu-inspired Barlow and his creepy guardian played by James Mason completely make up for the fact that the hero is played by one half of Starsky & Hutch. It’s still by far the best of the endless Stephen King TV adaptations (with “It” coming in a distant second).
2. The Night Stalker (1972)
Another TV movie that spawned an equally excellent series, Carl Kolchak’s original caper—in which he matches wits with a Vegas vampire—kicked off one of the most beloved and influential phenomena in the genre’s history.
and finally, the number one made-for-TV horror movie of all time….
1. Count Dracula (1977)
Originally aired by the BBC, this miniseries came to the United States as part of “Great Performances” on PBS, and is regarded as one of the most effective adaptations of Stoker’s novel ever attempted, and possibly the best. Featuring Louis Jourdan in the lead and Shakespearean actor Frank Finlay as Van Helsing, it is also quite possibly the most faithful (sorry, Mr. Coppola). Pretty intense for TV, it was even edited for its original U.S. airing, with one infamous scene (in which the Brides make a late night snack out of an infant) completely removed to protect delicate American sensibilities.
For more news and opinions on the world of horror, including a breaking story on the NOES remake, the ten most infamous lines in horror movie history, and the third part of the history of horror television, check out Brian’s daily blog, The Vault of Horror.
FINALY dark night has come to dvd. this is one of those films that has been one of my "what was that movie called". going into my collection right next to the wraith.
Wow...you guys need to chill out. These lists will never directly cater to your likes because they are opinions. You really need to understand that people will have opinions that differ from your own. If you don't like it, you don't really have to read it.
Bro_mole, i think we all know that the list is ONE person's opinion, duh. we are allowed to give our opinions too.
anyways, i'm excited that Dark Night is finally coming on to DVD. i watched it online recently and it STILL stands up as an atmospheric and creepy movie!
Dark Night of the Scarecrow, The Night Stalker, Salem's Lot and Werewolf all excellent choices, and all helped cement my interest in horror in one way or another.
My list has to include Bad Ronald, Midnight Offerings, Don't be Afraid of The Dark, Don't go to Sleep, and Wes Craven's Chiller. If you haven't seen them they are worth checking out
You know you guys at BD put these lists together just to see what we say. I mean, you do know that you are forgetting a lot of good shit. Where's The Woman in Black and When a Stranger Calls Back and It. As well as some other flicks you see us mentioning here. But you are right - it does get us talking.......
Good list. This is the first time this guy has actually posted a list of any merit. You actually sound like a genre fan with this one, instead of a smartass Internet cliche. Maybe you're learning? Good assortment of flicks here, nontheless.
Uh, the DVD for Dark Night of the Scarecrow has only been announced, not actually released (got me excited there for a minute). And I know this list is only for fun, but not including Trilogy of Terror or Duel is unacceptable.
Hey coldblood, these lists are put together as one person's opinion and obviously they won't hit everybody's top picks. Hell, I know I would have put it together differently and I'm sure MrD would have too. The discussion after is half the fun and we love seeing what you guys think and would add. That's the point of these articles, some fun discussion to change things up a bit. Thankfully for every "fuck this list" there are a few actually productive opinions and comments.
If any staff members read this, I have a suggestion for a future list. Do "The 10 Most Overrated Horror Films of all time" and "The Best Foreign Horror Films of all time."
Thanks to all. It's tough to confine these things to ten only. Unfortunately, there's really no way to make everyone happy, without maybe doing a top 67 or something. Please keep in mind these lists represent my opinion only. What else could they represent? It's not like sports where you can definitely list the top 10 home runner hitters of all time. It's all subjective, folks. Hope you still enjoy reading!
I agree that Trilogy of Terror should be on the list. I couldnt sleep for a week when I saw that as a child. Nice to see Salems lot though...I think it holds up better than some of the Theatrical Stephen King adaptations. Heck it holds up better than alot of Movies! And that scene in BBC's Dracula where he pulls out the baby for his ladies...just gave me a chill and I have never forgotten it. I think I was 6 or 7?
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