FILM 29 (31 Films of Horror) 2.0

FILM 29

FILM: Fright Night

PREMISE: Charley Brewster (William Ragsdale) is a teenage horror movie fan. One night he sees new neighbors moving in next door and they appear to be carrying what looks like a coffin. Charley shrugs this off until he sees his new neighbor Jerry Dandridge (Chris Sarandon) biting the neck of a young woman. He tells his mother (Dorothy Fielding) what he saw but she doesn't believe him. He tries to tell his friend "Evil" Ed (Stephen Geoffreys) and girlfriend Amy (Amanda Bearse) but they also believe Charley is mistaken and begin to worry about his mental wellbeing. Charley calls the police claiming that he saw Dandridge killing his date and that there is a coffin in the basement. The police investigate and not finding the hooker (Heidi Sorenson) and the teenage girl (Irina Irvine) they tell Charley to never call the police again.

Charley then decides to seek the help of veteran vampire movie star and local late-night horror showcase host Peter Vincent (Roddy McDowall), who after a long and mediocre career has become cynical and dispirited. Vincent visits Dandridge with Brewster in order to persuade Charley that he's deluded (by asking Dandridge to drink tap water labeled 'holy water'), only to find that Dandridge casts no reflection in his mirror. When Dandridge lures Amy into his home, Charley persuades Vincent that they must confront Dandridge, igniting Vincent's long-slumbering faith and strength.

REVIEW: This film is in my top 5 pantheon of all time favortie horror films. I am dating myself but I saw this gem in the theaters in a busy screening at the Hoyts Cine 6. The audience was all a buzz and it was an amazing experience. The cast is great from top to bottom
Chris Sarandon ... Jerry Dandrige

William Ragsdale ... Charley Brewster
Amanda Bearse ... Amy Peterson

Roddy McDowall ... Peter Vincent
Stephen Geoffreys ... 'Evil' Ed Thompson
Jonathan Stark ... Billy Cole

The effects were really good for it's time too. And let's not forget the end Amy vampire... Wow! I love love love this film. I give it a 10 out of 10.