PopHorror Let's Get Scared
You’ve just witnessed your next door neighbor biting someone on the neck. What do you do? If you’ve ever watched Tom Holland’s 1985 masterpiece, Fright Night, you’ll find yourself well-equipped to answer that question. This film is my all-time favorite horror movie, not only because I still swoon over Charley Brewster (William Ragsdale), but also because I believe it paved the way for modern vampire films. The film let writers know it was okay to think outside the box and eventually we were introduced to gems such as The Lost Boys, From Dusk till Dawn, and much more. Bottom line: Fright Night has an incredible storyline, great scenes, and an amazing cast, all of which has led to its massive cult following.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ISgM9sjza8
Charley Brewster is your typical, hormonal teenage boy. He wants nothing more than to watch horror movies, study for trigonometry, and sleep with his girlfriend, Amy (Amanda Bearse). She’s scared for her first time, so they end up fighting, only to make up, and then fight all over again. Ah, young love.
In the midst of their teenage angst, Jerry Dandridge (Chris Sarandon) and his roommate, Billy Cole (Jonathan Stark), move in next door to Charley. Shortly after, several news reports pop up about people missing or being found murdered. Charley doesn’t think anything of it until he recognizes a woman on the news that he saw go into Jerry’s house. With his curiosity peaked, Charley decides to spy on Jerry only to come to the realization that Jerry is a vampire, gasp! No one believes him, of course, so he reaches out and tries to save the day. But can he do it?
With a budget of $7 million dollars, a lot of hard work was put into the making of Fright Night. Chris Sarandon’s vampire effects actually took all day long to apply. Once he spent all that the time having the makeup put on only to be told they weren’t going to film that day! Also, William Ragsdale was shooting a scene where he had to run down the stairs. During one take, he tripped and broke his ankle, causing the film to be put on hold. When he was well enough to return, he was still wearing a cast. Regardless, he finished shooting the movie as producers did their best to cover it up.
As I mentioned before, I absolutely love the characters and actors. One of my favorite ones is Charley’s best friend, the unforgettable Ed Thompson AKA Evil Ed (Stephen Geoffreys). I was always very intrigued with his character. He comes off as a jokester, but deep down is really just an insecure kid. Evil Ed definitely provides the comic relief for Fright Night and we will forever quote him: “You’re so cool, Brewster!”
Another character that cannot go unmentioned is Peter Vincent (Roddy McDowall). Initially the role of Mr. Vincent was supposed to go to Vincent Price. However, he was not up for doing a horror movie so Roddy landed the part instead. I’m really glad things ended up that way because I can’t envision anyone else playing Mr. Vincent. He is the perfect example of how someone can be legitimately scared but looks fear in the face and becomes strong.
Fright Night also contains one of my favorite movie scenes ever. Remember the night club scene, the one where Jerry traps Charley and Amy? Jerry performs his vampire mind tricks on Amy and seduces her onto the dance floor. Their chemistry is undeniable and every time I watch it, I’m reeled in once more. This scene is super sexy and I know I’m not the only one who thinks that! Every girl in America would let Jerry Dandridge bite her on the neck, don’t lie!
Fright Night ended up bringing in $24.9 million at the box office. The entire crew was extremely committed and I think that shined through in the final product. It’s a film that I can watch a thousand times and not get sick of. We all have that movie – this one is mine. It would be so awesome if the actors and Tom Holland would collaborate on another movie together. I know I would be there opening night, in the front row, with the biggest smile on my face.
