Now of course there are a multitude of horror movies ranging from horror-comedy to gore fests that would have been perfect candidates, but the trouble is is that films like The Exorcist, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Friday 13th etc. everyone has seen hundreds of times. Although the same could be said for our selection, it was the best performing horror film of the summer at the US box office in the year of its release, yet it often tends to get sidelined when anyone thinks of a classic horror movie. It's a shame because, regardless of how old it is, it deftly combines thrills and humour unlike any other ghostly cinematic tale that we have come across. Ladies and Gentlemen: Welcome to Fright Night... THE 1985 18 cert ORIGINAL.
You are probably familiar with last year's film of the same name that starred Colin Farrell, David Tenant and Anton Yelchin. Entertaining as the remake may be, it's got nothing on the original and this year marks the first major UK screening in almost a decade. The story is of course unchanged: Charley Brewster (William Ragsdale) is a teenage horror film addict who is shocked to discover that his new next door neighbor Jerry Dandridge (Chris Sarandon) is a vampire. Charley decides to express his concerns to his girlfriend Amy (Amanda Bearse) who thinks he is simply trying to avoid their relationship issues. On top of that, Charley's mother (single of course) thinks Dandridge could be a potential boyfriend while his best friend "Evil" (Stephen Geoffreys) thinks Charley has lost the plot. When Dandridge and his assitant Billy Cole (Jonathan Stark) become aware of Charley's wild notions they plan to silence him for good. Charley, with no one to help him, must turn to the only man he knows that has faced the wrath of the undead and lived: the fearless vampire killer Peter Vincent (Roddy McDowell), a washed-up actor who has just been fired from his job as the host of late-night horror show entitled "Fright Night". Vincent immediately dismisses Charley's rantings but, after he is lured by a cash offer from Amy, he agrees to convince Charley that Dandridge is actually not a vampire. If only they had believed him from the start... Dandridge IS a vampire and he has his sights (and fangs) set on Amy. It's up to Charley and Vincent to drive the wooden stake, the garlic clove, and the silver cross through their potential romance... As mentioned before, Fright Night was the best performing horror film in the summer of 1985 and the second highest-grossing horror film of the year, pipped to the post by A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge. It was equally well received by critics, who regard it as one of the best vampire movies ever praising both Sarandon and McDowell's multifaceted performances, plus it was the only recipient of the prestigious Dario Argento Award at the Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival, France.
To sum up: If you love being scared, it'll be the night of your life!
"The teen horror that's way before its time in the comedy parody stakes....****"
Ian Nathan- Empire
"This horror classic brings together great talent for an entertaining and spooky vampire tale"
Felix Vasquez Jr.- Film Threat
"You'll scream, you'll laugh, you'll want to see it again."
Clint Morris- Moviehole
Check out the trailer here... if you are brave enough.
Fright Night (18) plays on Halloween (Wednesday 31st October) only at 7.45pm. Don't forget if you are a student, you can go FOR FREE. Book today to avoid disappointment.
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