NOVEL WEB Chapter 10: Salem's Lot (2)
The call to start filming "Salem's Lot" came in late June, and the production schedule was set from June 10th to July 29th, 1979. For Alex, this was an intense and exciting period. He spent weeks on location, immersed in the eerie world of Jerusalem's Lot.
One of the most striking aspects of the production was the creation of the infamous Marsten House, the lair for Kurt Barlow, a powerful vampire seeking to transform the town's residents. Alex learned from some of the crew members that the imposing exterior was not an existing building but a complete, full-scale facade constructed specifically for the miniseries. It was built atop a smaller house on a hilltop, and Alex remembered being genuinely awestruck by its menacing presence, especially during the night shoots. He even overheard someone mentioning that the $100,000 spent on the facade alone could have built an entire house back in 1979, highlighting the commitment to creating a truly memorable visual for the Marsten House.
Alex's scenes often involved the talented James Mason, who played Richard Straker. Alex recalled the veteran actor's professionalism and his clear enjoyment of playing the servant of evil. He learned that Mr. Mason had been producer Richard Kobritz's first choice for the role and that he had embraced the script with enthusiasm, which translated into a compelling performance that Alex admired.
He also heard some interesting background stories about the project. Apparently, the renowned horror director George A. Romero had initially been approached to direct a theatrical film version of "Salem's Lot." However, with other vampire films being released around the same time, Warner Bros. decided a TV miniseries would be a better route. Mr. Romero, feeling restricted by the limitations of network television, eventually stepped away. Despite these changes, the miniseries had the approval of Stephen King himself, even though it took some liberties with the source material, particularly in its depiction of the head vampire, Kurt Barlow. For Alex, being part of a project with such an interesting history and the blessing of the original author added another layer of excitement to the whole experience.
Most of Alex's scenes in "Salem's Lot" were indeed opposite David Soul, who played the lead character, Ben Mears. By 1979, David Soul was already a well-established and popular actor. He first gained significant recognition for his role as Joshua Bolt in the comedy-western series "Here Come the Brides," which aired from 1968 to 1970 and made him a major star. In 1973, he had a memorable role in the Clint Eastwood film "Magnum Force." However, his most iconic role prior to "Salem's Lot" was undoubtedly as Detective Kenneth "Hutch" Hutchinson in the hugely successful television series "Starsky & Hutch," which aired from 1975 to 1979. In fact, "Salem's Lot" was filmed during the final year of "Starsky & Hutch's" run. David Soul was a prominent figure on television at the time, and working closely with him was a significant experience for the young Alex.
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This is the final day of shooting.
The last location shoot for "Salem's Lot" centered around the dramatic image of the Marsten House ablaze. A safe distance from the carefully controlled inferno, the jeep sat parked, bathed in the flickering orange glow. Inside, Alex hunched slightly, his youthful face portraying Mark's weariness and the lingering trauma of their battle. David Soul, as Ben, sat beside him, his gaze fixed on the consuming flames, a deep furrow etched between his brows. The wind, generated by powerful fans just off-camera, whipped around them, carrying the scent of smoke towards their faces, mimicking the direction towards the fictional town.
"Alex, whenever you're ready," Tobe Hooper's voice crackled over the loudspeaker.
Alex took a deep breath, channeling the emotions of Mark Petrie. His voice, when he spoke, was small and laced with exhaustion. "The town will burn."
David, his eyes holding a distant, haunted quality as Ben, replied, his voice low and gravelly, "It will drive them out of their hiding places."
"All of them?" Alex asked, his gaze flicking towards David, a glimmer of remaining fear in his eyes.
David shook his head slowly, the movement barely perceptible in the dim light. "No." He paused, then turned his attention back to the raging fire, a sense of grim purpose hardening his expression. "It will purify Salem's Lot." After a beat, he added, his voice laced with weariness, "And the others will be on the run. And on the hunt."
He turned to Alex, his blue eyes locking with the young actor's. "For us?" Alex asked, his voice filled with apprehension.
David nodded, a single, steady movement. "For us."
Alex then turned back to watch the spectacle of the burning house, the flames casting dancing shadows on his face. A deep sigh escaped his lips, his expression one of quiet resignation. The fight was over for now, but the terror lingered.
"Cut!" Tobe Hooper's voice boomed through the night, the sound momentarily startling in the intensity of the scene. The wind machines gradually slowed, their powerful gusts subsiding. David Soul reached over and gave Alex a comforting pat on the arm. The tension that had gripped the small space within the jeep eased, replaced by the quiet satisfaction of capturing a crucial moment in their story. The final confrontation at the Marsten House was complete.
The final confrontation at the Marsten House was complete, and along with it, the shooting for "Salem's Lot" wrapped.