On October 1, 1968, George A. Romero's gruesome, labor-of-love, horror staple made its world (matinee) premiere. Though some acknowledged its dark brilliance from the start, it took others to catch on, but little by little, the Pittsburgh-based production began playing drive-ins, colleges and midnight shows, building a reputation among the public.
In truth, word of mouth made "Night" great. It was really the cult film years before "Rocky Horror". However, in attaining such prestige, it also redefined the zombie genre. Sure, "White Zombie", "I Walked with a Zombie"..."Plague of the Zombies" (each a classic in its own distinguished right) colored our perceptions of the undead, but Romero and his Latent Image/Laurel Group partners, including author John (Jack) Russo, gave the pasty sect a ghoulish, flesh-eating bent.
To heighten "Night'"s weird, empathetic texture, the filmmakers allowed its characters to reflect our various neighbors and coworkers (its hero is, in fact, African American); and bestowed the story with a harrowing, claustrophobic atmosphere which in its EC-styled scope, appears photographed straight from someone's nightmare. The film is also marked by credible news updates, comparable to those heard in Orson Welles' Mercury Theatre "War of the Worlds".
"Night'"s cultist impact spawned many imitators: a trend that spanned the '70s and inspired two, acclaimed Romero sequels, "Dawn of the Dead" ('79) and "Day of the Dead" ('85). As such, the "Dead" trilogy influenced the genre even further, encouraging Italy to become the prime source of such entertainment during the '80s.
"Night" was also remade a couple times. Its sequels have been remade. The Russo-inspired "Return of..." franchise acknowledges "Night", as well as Romero's second "Dead" trilogy. There are books, comics, posters, masks, model kits and action figures based on the film. Its quotes ("They're coming to get you Barbara..." and "They're dead. They're all messed up.") are part of pop culture. "Night'"s stock music (used in "The Hideous Sun Demon", "Teenagers From Outer Space"...and Quinn Martin's "The Fugitive") has become synonymous with the film. There would be no "Walking Dead" if not for "Night". (Heck, Hershel's farmhouse is a direct homage to "Night'"s.)
On the sentimental side, "Night'"s actors and their nuanced characters are as well known to the public as any big leaguers: Duane Jones' Ben; Judith O'Dea's Barbara; Russell Streiner's Johnny; Judith Ridley's Judy; Keith Wayne's Tom; Marilyn Eastman's Helen Cooper; Karl Hardman's Harry Cooper; Kyra Schon's little Karen; George Kosana's Chief McClelland; Bill "Chilly Billy" Cardille's on-locale reporter; and Bill Heinzman's persistent, graveyard ghoul. These down-to-earth performers have attended many horror conventions over the years (and those still with us continue the tradition), greeting adoring fans eager to express how much they love the film.
Take time today (or at least sometime this month) to give "Night" another view. Yeah, you know the film like the back of your hand, but that's only because it's become part of who you are...how you think. I mean, who hasn't thought of "Night'"s contentious tensions when engaged in a family or office squabble? Only an incontestable classic could achieve such sublime, flesh-feasting distinction.
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