Discover the scariest made-for-TV horror movies of the 1970s. From Salem's Lot to Don't Be Afraid of the Dark, get ready for some spine-tingling scares.
The 1970s were a golden era for horror movies, especially made-for-TV horror movies. These films had a unique charm that captivated audiences with their eerie storylines, spine-chilling soundtracks, and terrifying special effects. From demonic possessions to haunted houses, these movies were the perfect blend of horror and suspense. In this article, we will explore the best made-for-TV horror movies of the 1970s. So, if you're a fan of the genre, grab some popcorn, turn off the lights, and prepare to be scared!
Introduction
The 1970s was a decade that saw a resurgence of horror movies on television. Made-for-TV horror movies became very popular during this time, and many of them were quite scary. These movies were often low-budget productions, but they managed to capture the attention of viewers with their compelling storylines and frightening imagery. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best made-for-TV horror movies of the 1970s.
The Night Stalker (1972)
The Night Stalker is a made-for-TV movie that premiered in 1972. It was directed by John Llewellyn Moxey and starred Darren McGavin as Carl Kolchak, a reporter investigating a series of murders in Las Vegas. The movie was so popular that it spawned a sequel and a television series. The Night Stalker is considered one of the best made-for-TV horror movies of all time because of its suspenseful plot and memorable performances.
Salem's Lot (1979)
Salem's Lot is a made-for-TV movie based on the novel by Stephen King. It was directed by Tobe Hooper and starred David Soul as Ben Mears, a writer who returns to his hometown to write a book about the Marsten House, an abandoned mansion believed to be haunted. The movie was a huge success and is still considered one of the best adaptations of Stephen King's work. Salem's Lot is known for its eerie atmosphere and creepy imagery.
The Possession of Joel Delaney (1972)
The Possession of Joel Delaney is a made-for-TV movie that tells the story of a man possessed by a vengeful spirit. The movie was directed by Waris Hussein and starred Shirley MacLaine and Perry King. The Possession of Joel Delaney is notable for its strong performances and suspenseful storyline.
Don't Be Afraid of the Dark (1973)
Don't Be Afraid of the Dark is a made-for-TV movie that tells the story of a couple who move into a new home that is haunted by tiny demonic creatures. The movie was directed by John Newland and starred Kim Darby and Jim Hutton. Don't Be Afraid of the Dark is known for its creepy atmosphere and chilling sound effects.
The Legend of Lizzie Borden (1975)
The Legend of Lizzie Borden is a made-for-TV movie that tells the story of Lizzie Borden, who was accused of murdering her parents with an axe in 1892. The movie was directed by Paul Wendkos and starred Elizabeth Montgomery as Lizzie Borden. The Legend of Lizzie Borden is notable for its suspenseful plot and strong performances.
Duel (1971)
Duel is a made-for-TV movie that tells the story of a man who is stalked by a mysterious truck driver on a deserted road. The movie was directed by Steven Spielberg and starred Dennis Weaver. Duel is known for its thrilling car chase scenes and suspenseful plot.
The House That Would Not Die (1970)
The House That Would Not Die is a made-for-TV movie that tells the story of a woman who inherits a haunted mansion. The movie was directed by John Llewellyn Moxey and starred Barbara Stanwyck. The House That Would Not Die is known for its eerie atmosphere and haunting imagery.
The Stranger Within (1974)
The Stranger Within is a made-for-TV movie that tells the story of a woman who becomes pregnant with an alien baby. The movie was directed by Lee Philips and starred Barbara Eden. The Stranger Within is known for its eerie atmosphere and suspenseful plot.
The Dead Don't Die (1975)
The Dead Don't Die is a made-for-TV movie that tells the story of a small town that is overrun by zombies. The movie was directed by Curtis Harrington and starred George Hamilton. The Dead Don't Die is notable for its suspenseful plot and gory special effects.
Conclusion
The 1970s was a golden age for made-for-TV horror movies. These movies may have been low-budget productions, but they managed to capture the imagination of viewers with their compelling storylines and frightening imagery. The movies on this list are just a small sampling of the many great made-for-TV horror movies from this decade. If you're a fan of horror movies, be sure to check out some of these classics from the 1970s.
Introduction
The 1970s was an era that saw a significant increase in made-for-TV horror movies, providing viewers with unique and terrifying experiences from the comfort of their own homes. These movies were accessible to a wider audience and were often produced with lower budgets than their theatrical counterparts. However, this did not stop them from being just as effective at scaring their viewers. In this article, we will explore the best made-for-TV horror movies of the 1970s, including their plots, themes, and impact on the genre.Rosemary's Baby (1968)
Although technically not a made-for-TV movie, Rosemary's Baby aired on television for the first time in 1971 and set the standard for horror in the 1970s. Directed by Roman Polanski, the film follows Rosemary Woodhouse (Mia Farrow), a young woman who becomes pregnant with the devil's child after moving into an old apartment building with her husband. The film's slow-burning suspense and haunting score build up to a chilling climax that still resonates with audiences today. Rosemary's Baby was a critical and commercial success, and it paved the way for other horror films to be shown on television.Duel (1971)
Steven Spielberg's directorial debut, Duel, follows a man as he is repeatedly terrorized by a mysterious truck driver on a deserted highway. The film's simple premise and expertly crafted tension make it one of the most thrilling made-for-TV movies of the decade. As the protagonist, David Mann (Dennis Weaver), tries to outrun his pursuer, the viewer is left on the edge of their seat, wondering what will happen next. Duel proved to be a massive hit, and it launched Spielberg's career as one of Hollywood's most celebrated directors.The Night Stalker (1972)
This made-for-TV movie follows a reporter as he investigates a string of murders committed by a vampire in Las Vegas. The Night Stalker was a groundbreaking film that helped to popularize the vampire genre and paved the way for other horror-themed TV shows, such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The film's protagonist, Carl Kolchak (Darren McGavin), is a wisecracking journalist who is constantly at odds with the authorities as he tries to uncover the truth about the vampire attacks. The Night Stalker's unique blend of horror and humor has made it a cult classic.Don't Be Afraid of the Dark (1973)
This eerie film tells the story of a couple who move into a new house with a dark secret: the basement is home to tiny, malevolent creatures. The husband, Alex (Jim Hutton), dismisses his wife's fears until he too starts experiencing strange occurrences. Don't Be Afraid of the Dark is a masterful example of how to build suspense and create an unsettling atmosphere. The creatures themselves are both creepy and intriguing, and their presence lingers long after the film ends.Frankenstein: The True Story (1973)
This retelling of the classic tale of Frankenstein features a star-studded cast and combines elements of horror, science fiction, and drama. The film follows Dr. Victor Frankenstein (Leonard Whiting) as he creates a monster (Michael Sarrazin) using parts from various corpses. However, the monster turns out to be more than just a mindless brute, and the doctor must confront the consequences of his actions. Frankenstein: The True Story is a visually stunning film that manages to capture the essence of Mary Shelley's original novel.Salem's Lot (1979)
Based on Stephen King's novel of the same name, Salem's Lot follows a writer who returns to his hometown only to find that it has been overrun by vampires. The film's slow pace and atmospheric cinematography create a sense of dread that builds up to a terrifying climax. The vampires themselves are portrayed as both seductive and monstrous, making them all the more frightening. Salem's Lot is considered one of the best adaptations of Stephen King's work and has influenced countless horror films since its release.The Horror at 37,000 Feet (1973)
A transatlantic flight is haunted by a demonic presence in this thrilling made-for-TV horror movie. The passengers on the plane are forced to confront their deepest fears as they try to survive the supernatural onslaught. The film's claustrophobic setting and tense atmosphere make it a standout movie of the genre. The Horror at 37,000 Feet proves that even the most mundane settings can be turned into horrifying nightmares.Bad Ronald (1974)
This film follows the disturbing story of a socially awkward teenager who is hidden away in his family's home after accidentally killing a young girl. The boy, Ronald (Scott Jacoby), lives in a hidden room in the house and becomes increasingly unhinged as he spies on the family who live there. Bad Ronald is a chilling portrait of mental illness and isolation, and it still resonates with audiences today.Trilogy of Terror (1975)
Featuring three chilling stories, Trilogy of Terror boasts one of the most iconic horror scenes of the decade - a woman being attacked by a possessed Zuni fetish doll. The film's other two stories are equally terrifying, but it is the final segment that has cemented Trilogy of Terror's place in horror history. Actress Karen Black gives a tour-de-force performance as she battles the malevolent doll in her apartment. Trilogy of Terror is a must-see for any horror fan.Conclusion
The 1970s was a golden age for made-for-TV horror movies, and the films on this list are just a small selection of the many great movies that were produced during this time. These movies proved that horror could thrive on the small screen and provided audiences with some of the most terrifying experiences they had ever had. Even today, these films continue to influence and inspire modern horror filmmakers, and they remain essential viewing for anyone who loves the genre.During the 1970s, television became a popular platform for horror movies. Made-for-TV horror movies were not only accessible to a wider audience, but they also had the capability to scare viewers in the comfort of their own homes. These horror movies were produced with lower budgets and shorter running times compared to theatrical releases, yet they still managed to leave a lasting impression on audiences.
Here are some of the best made-for-TV horror movies of the 1970s:
- The Night Stalker (1972)
- Salem's Lot (1979)
- Don't Be Afraid of the Dark (1973)
- Duel (1971)
- The Legend of Lizzie Borden (1975)
The Night Stalker was a made-for-TV movie about a reporter investigating a series of murders committed by a vampire. The movie starred Darren McGavin as Carl Kolchak, a tenacious reporter who will stop at nothing to uncover the truth. The Night Stalker was so successful that it led to a sequel and a TV series.
Salem's Lot was based on Stephen King's novel of the same name. The movie followed Ben Mears, a writer who returns to his hometown to write a book about the Marsten House, where he believes something evil resides. Salem's Lot was a two-part miniseries that kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
Don't Be Afraid of the Dark was a TV movie about a couple who moves into a house that is haunted by small, demonic creatures. The movie was directed by John Newland and written by Nigel McKeand. Don't Be Afraid of the Dark was remade in 2010, but the original remains a cult classic.
Duel was a made-for-TV movie directed by Steven Spielberg. The movie followed a salesman who is pursued and terrorized by a mysterious truck driver. Duel was a suspenseful thriller that showcased Spielberg's talent for directing.
The Legend of Lizzie Borden was a TV movie about the infamous Lizzie Borden, who was accused of murdering her father and stepmother with an axe. The movie starred Elizabeth Montgomery as Lizzie Borden and explored the mystery surrounding the murders.
Made-for-TV horror movies of the 1970s may not have had the same production values as theatrical releases, but they still managed to leave a mark on audiences. These movies were able to create suspense and terror in a shorter amount of time, making them perfect for television. The success of these movies paved the way for future made-for-TV horror movies and shows.
As we come to the end of our discussion on the best made-for-TV horror movies of the 1970s, it is important to reflect on the impact that these films had on the horror genre and television as a whole. The 1970s were a time of experimentation and innovation in the world of television, and horror movies played a significant role in this movement.
One of the most notable aspects of the made-for-TV horror movies of the 1970s was their ability to create suspense and scares without relying on graphic violence or gore. Instead, these films relied on atmosphere, tension, and psychological horror to create a sense of unease in viewers. This approach paved the way for future horror filmmakers to explore these same themes and techniques, and many of the techniques used in these films can still be seen in modern horror movies today.
Overall, the made-for-TV horror movies of the 1970s are a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of filmmakers to create compelling narratives even with limited budgets and resources. These films continue to be beloved by horror fans and serve as an important part of the genre's history. Whether you are a seasoned horror fan or new to the genre, we highly recommend checking out some of these classic films and experiencing the thrills and chills for yourself.
When it comes to made-for-TV horror movies of the 1970s, there are a few questions that people commonly ask. Here are some of those questions and their corresponding answers:
1. What were some popular made-for-TV horror movies in the 1970s?
- The Night Stalker (1972)
- Duel (1971)
- Don't Be Afraid of the Dark (1973)
- Salem's Lot (1979)
- The Legend of Lizzie Borden (1975)
2. Why were made-for-TV horror movies so popular in the 1970s?
Made-for-TV horror movies were popular in the 1970s because they provided an easy and convenient form of entertainment for people who didn't want to go to the movie theater. Additionally, many of these movies were well-made and featured talented actors and directors.
3. Are there any made-for-TV horror movies from the 1970s that are still worth watching today?
- The Night Stalker is a classic that is still enjoyable to watch today. It stars Darren McGavin as a newspaper reporter investigating a string of murders in Las Vegas.
- Duel, directed by Steven Spielberg, is a tense thriller about a man being chased by a mysterious truck driver.
- Don't Be Afraid of the Dark is a creepy movie about a couple who move into a new house only to discover that it is haunted by tiny, evil creatures.
- Salem's Lot is a two-part miniseries based on the novel by Stephen King. It follows a writer who returns to his hometown and discovers that a vampire is preying on the residents.
- The Legend of Lizzie Borden is a biographical horror movie about the infamous murder case. It stars Elizabeth Montgomery as Lizzie Borden.
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