Chills, Thrills, and Rabbit-Eared Scares: A 1970s TV Horror Movie Odyssey
The 1970s was a decade that brought a significant shift in the world of horror cinema. While the silver screen was dominated by classics like THE EXORCIST and THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, television networks were not far behind in embracing the horror genre. Made-for-television horror movies of the 1970s carved a unique niche in viewers’ hearts, offering a distinct blend of suspense, terror, and the charm of a small screen experience. In this retrospective, we delve into the chilling and unforgettable world of 1970s TV horror movies.
The 1970s marked the emergence of made-for-television horror movies as a prominent genre. TV networks recognized the appeal of the horror genre and began producing original films designed to entertain viewers from the comfort of their homes. These films often faced budget and technical constraints but compensated with clever storytelling and atmospheric tension.
The 1970s was a turbulent period in American history, with anxieties about the Vietnam War, political scandals, and social unrest. Made-for-television horror movies of the era tapped into these anxieties, using supernatural and psychological horror to reflect the underlying fears and uncertainties of the time.
DUEL (1971): Steven Spielberg’s feature-length directorial debut is a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling. The film follows a terrified motorist pursued by a menacing and relentless truck driver on a desolate stretch of highway. With minimal dialogue and a focus on visual storytelling, Spielberg creates an atmosphere of escalating dread and tension. “Duel” is a prime example of how a simple premise, executed brilliantly, can lead to heart-pounding suspense. It foreshadowed Spielberg’s future successes in the horror and thriller genres.
GARGOYLES (1972): Directed by Bill Norton, this film is a memorable made-for-television horror film that delves into the world of mythical creatures. The story follows a father and daughter team of anthropologists who unearth an ancient clan of gargoyles in the American Southwest. As they attempt to study these creatures, they find themselves in a battle for survival when the gargoyles come to life, leading to a thrilling and eerie confrontation between humans and monsters. With its innovative creature design and suspenseful storytelling, GARGOYLES became a cult classic and is remembered as a unique entry in the world of TV horror.
THE NIGHT STALKER (1972): This film is a seminal TV movie directed by John Llewellyn Moxey and written by Richard Matheson. It introduces viewers to Carl Kolchak, an investigative reporter played by Darren McGavin, who stumbles upon a series of gruesome murders in Las Vegas. As he delves deeper into the case, he discovers the killer is a vampire. The film’s combination of investigative journalism, supernatural elements, and McGavin’s charismatic performance led to its success and the subsequent “Kolchak: The Night Stalker” TV series. THE NIGHT STALKER set the stage for a new kind of horror storytelling on television.
DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK (1973): Directed by John Newland, this film is a chilling made-for-television horror movie that has left an enduring mark on the genre. The film centers on a couple, played by Kim Darby and Jim Hutton, who move into a grand but ominous mansion. As they settle into their new home, they inadvertently unleash a horde of malevolent and diminutive creatures that reside in the house’s dark recesses.
TRILOGY OF TERROR (1975): Directed by Dan Curtis and starring Karen Black, this gripping anthology film remains a cornerstone of TV horror. The film showcases Karen Black’s exceptional acting range and Dan Curtis’s skill in creating tension by comprising three distinct and terrifying segments. The third segment, featuring the malevolent Zuni fetish doll, is particularly memorable and has etched itself into horror history. With its innovative storytelling and unforgettable scares, TRILOGY OF TERROR stands as a testament to the power of short horror narratives.
BAD RONALD (1974): This movie, directed by Buzz Kulik, is a psychological horror film that tells the story of Ronald, a socially awkward teenager with a penchant for escapism through fantasy. After accidentally causing a tragedy, Ronald is hidden in a secret room in his family’s home. When the house is sold to a new family, Ronald must continue living secretly while observing the new residents. The film explores isolation, delusion, and the consequences of one’s actions. BAD RONALD is a character-driven horror story that offers a unique perspective on the genre.
THE BERMUDA DEPTHS (1978): Directed by Tsugunobu Kotani, this film combines supernatural horror elements with a touch of romance and mystery. The story centers around a marine biologist who returns to Bermuda to investigate the mysterious disappearance of her father. As she delves deeper into the enigmatic depths of the ocean, she encounters a legendary sea creature and becomes entangled in a mesmerizing and eerie underwater world. THE BERMUDA DEPTHS showcases the allure of underwater mystique and the power of ancient legends, making it a unique addition to the world of TV horror.
SOMEONE’S WATCHING ME! (1978): This movie, directed by John Carpenter, is a suspenseful and paranoia-inducing made-for-television thriller that explores the fear of surveillance and invasion of privacy. The story follows a woman who suspects she is being stalked by an unknown individual with sinister intentions. As she becomes increasingly paranoid, she begins to unravel a web of mystery and danger. Carpenter’s skillful direction and the film’s tense atmosphere create a gripping psychological thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, showcasing the director’s talent in crafting suspenseful narratives before his breakout success with HALLOWEEN.
SALEM’S LOT (1979): Based on Stephen King’s novel and directed by Tobe Hooper, SALEM’S LOT is a sprawling and atmospheric miniseries that brought the vampire mythos to television. The story revolves around a writer who returns to his hometown, only to discover that a malevolent vampire, Barlow, has taken residence. The eerie small-town setting and the haunting portrayal of the vampire left a lasting impact on viewers. SALEM’S LOT successfully captures the sense of dread and isolation, making it a landmark in TV horror history and a cherished adaptation of King’s work.
One of the defining characteristics of 1970s and TV horror was the ability to create fear with limited resources. Filmmakers relied on practical effects, atmospheric lighting, and suspenseful storytelling to evoke terror, often resulting in more imaginative and inventive filmmaking.
Many of these made-for-television horror movies became cultural touchstones, inspiring subsequent generations of filmmakers, writers, and artists. Their enduring influence is evident in the continued celebration and references to these classics.
The made-for-television horror movies of the 1970s and represent a significant chapter in the history of the horror genre. Despite budget constraints and technical limitations, they managed to captivate audiences with their suspenseful storytelling, memorable performances, and enduring cultural impact. These films remain a testament to the power of imagination and creativity in crafting chilling tales that continue to haunt our collective memory.
Thanks for reading. Please make sure to read other entries in my BASEMENT’S TIMELESS TELEVISION series.
~David Albaugh
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