Ep. 03-15: Salem’s Lot (1979)

A writer, Ben Mears (David Soul), returns to his small hometown intending to write a book about the ominous old Marston House which has a reputation for being haunted and, he feels, a history of being inherently evil. Soon, Ben suspects the new inhabitants of the house have something to do with the disappearance of a kid and a mysterious plague spreading throughout the town.

SALEM’S LOT

Happy Holidays, and welcome to part two of our three-part classic Stephen King extravaganza! Salem’s Lot (1979) was the second adaption of King’s work—also his second book—and is often remembered fondly for nostalgia and iconic imagery sakes. The film is far from perfect, plagued with the limitations (at the time) of the television format, terrible music, and pacing, and the manipulation of a major character. Join us as we discuss why this film is regarded highly despite these issues, as well as director, Tobe Hooper, and the inspired casting of James Mason. Listen, as Johnny Has the Keys goes under the covers, clutching our crucifix tightly at the sound of fingernails scraping our window.

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Ep. 03-24: Nosferatu (1922 & 1979)

The mysterious Count Orlok (Dracula) summons Thomas Hutter (Jonathan Harker) to his remote Transylvanian castle in the mountains. The odd Count seeks to buy a house near Hutter and his wife, Ellen (Nina), in Bremen. When Orlok reveals his vampire nature, Hutter struggles to escape the castle, knowing that Ellen is in grave danger. Meanwhile, Orlok’s servant, Knock (Renfield), prepares for his master to arrive at his new home.

Episode 03-24 Nosferatu

Nosferatu (1922) is an immensely influential silent horror film, much more so than its lackluster remake, Nosferatu the Vampyre (1979). Join us as we discuss the copyright controversy between the original and the Bram Stoker estate, and the similarities and differences of both German films—the former containing iconic imagery that still resonates and influences today, and the latter which further proves that remakes are most often unnecessary… even with silent films! Listen as Johnny Has the Keys journeys to the Carpathian Mountains of Transylvania in search of the very first vampire film.

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Ep. 03-08: Interview With the Vampire (1994)

Season Three, Episode 8 “Interview With The Vampire”

Louis (Brad Pitt) tells his story to an eager, modern-day biographer, Daniel (Christian Slater)… In the 18th century, suicidal after the death of his family, Louis meets Lestat (Tom Cruise), a charismatic vampire who persuades him to become his companion and choose immortality over death. Eventually, the gentle Louis resolves to leave his violent maker, but Lestat tricks him into staying by turning a child, Claudia (Kirsten Dunst), into a vampire. The addition creates turmoil within the “family” and draws attention in the larger vampire world.

Welcome to the first of our vampire selections for this season—a gorgeous, yet flawed film adaption of the wildly popular Vampire Chronicles of Anne Rice, Interview With the Vampire (1994). Join us as we discuss the long road to making this film (20 years), the trouble with its casting, and the magic the film still seems to harness despite its missteps. Listen, as Johnny Has the Keys strolls from the 18th century to present, where vampires not only seek prey but also answers to the question of their existence.

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Ep. 01-26: Let the Right One In (2008)

Episode 26 “Let The Right One In”

Oskar is a bullied 12-year-old boy living with his mother in suburban Sweden. When he meets his new neighbor, the mysterious Eli, they become friends. Oskar and Eli develop a close bond, but soon it becomes apparent that she is no ordinary young girl. As their relationship develops, Eli shares her dark, macabre secret with Oskar, also revealing her connection to a string of bloody local murders.

Let the Right One In is a subtle, smart, and evocative film, featuring visuals that will stay with you long after the movie has ended. It also belongs to a popular sub-genre of horror that we couldn’t let our first season pass without touching upon (not to mention our first foreign film!). Join us as we discuss the “key” elements that make this movie a worthy addition to the pantheon of hallowed horror. Listen… as Johnny Has the Keys takes you across the pond to a wintery land where lore meets the modern world and the pure white snow is often tarnished red.

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