Salem's Lot - Full Length Version [VHS] [1981]

I bought the video, but unfortunately it was the "cut" version and I have watched it many times since. The result being, that over the years I had forgotten how the original version went and so I decided to go on a pilgrimage and buy and watch the Full Length Version again.

For the second time in my life I was completely blown away by it! OK! Yes it is looking a little dated now and is obviously not as terrifying as it was 26 years ago, but some of the scenes that were cut from the original were pure gems, especially with regard to the films continuity.

The one scene that I think should never have been removed at all was the first visit by Ralphie to his brother Danny.

This scene made such an impact, because of the strange mixture of feelings it stirred up in me. Beginning with deep sadness and a strong sense of loss at the fact that this little boy was now a vampire and to complete and utter horror when you realised that poor old Danny was doomed. This grief for Ralphie's lost innocence was made even more poignant when after the window was opened and he floated into the room, the toy aeroplanes hanging from the ceiling were the first things you noticed.

Prior to 1979, vampires had always been fully consenting adults, and this film turned all preconceived ideologies about vampires completely on its head.

With this first visit, he did not look completely corrupted, as if he wouldn't be fully "evil", until he had tasted blood, and God how I hoped he wouldn't, despite "knowing" that he would. He looked euphoric and excited as if he had some wonderful secret to share with his sibling and the scene ended with the camera still focussed on Ralphie grinning elatedly at being reunited with Danny. It only became apparent that Danny had been bitten when he ended up in the hospital, no attack by Ralphie on Danny was shown in this first scene.

The second scene between the two brothers that was shown in both films was the one where Danny is in the hospital and once again Ralphie appears at the window. The contrast between Ralphie's features and demeanour in this scene compared with the first were startlingly different, this time he looked evil, but driven, like a Junkie looking for a fix. I found his "neediness" particularly disturbing and the way he raised his head in triumph before anchoring his fangs firmly into Danny's neck.

A good choice of actors made a strong cast.
Notably;

James Mason was a vicious and chilling Straker, and made the role his own.
Lew Ayres a highly credible Jason Berk.
David Soul was a plausible and charming Ben Mears.
Bonnie Bedelia convinced me she was terrified when caught by Straker at the house.
Fred Willard gave a great performance as Larry Crockett
Brad Savage was a highly amusing Danny Glick (more so recently as the film has dated).
Julie Cobb, Geoffrey Lewis, Lance Kerwin, Barney McFadden, Marie Windsor; Reggie Nalder,
All gave truly impressive performances.

BUT!
Star of the show for me though, purely for the scenes I have recounted above was
Ronnie Scribner for a truly convincing and mesmerising performance as Ralphie Glick.