Tuesday, September 03, 2024
Halloween
- Commentary: Under construction.
So, here's the thing: I was born on Halloween. My parents even took a picture of my eldest sister dolled up for trick-or-treating on the evening of the morning I was born. I, of course, was comfortably in hospital with my mother.
Because I was born on that day, I've always had a curiosity about Halloween. I have not, however, particularly enjoyed Halloween, including the act of trick-or-treating. I never understood the connection between Halloween and trick-or-treating and fun when I was a child. I didn't mind receiving candy, of course, but threatening people in order to receive candy, well, that made me uncomfortable. For that matter, even before I was of age for trick-or-treating, I thought it was a mean act to which to pledge oneself. I went, of course. Being the second oldest of four girls, I was, with my older sister, part of the corraling section of the four of us. When I was close to hitting 10 years of age, though, I initiated a discussion with my mother about Halloween, in general, and trick-or-treating, in particular. I was very uncomfortable about all of it and needed to work through my misgivings.
We had a set of encyclopedias at home and I remember my mother and I indulging in an enlightening afternoon searching for everything we could find in those pages regarding Halloween, trick-or-treating and anything else related. That, of course, gave me a completely different perspective on the celebration. From that point on through my childhood I had even more difficulty with trick-or-treating, wondering if, somehow, even though I had never been taught to believe in ghosts and spirits, if they did exist and descended upon the home, so to speak, they'd abandoned at their death, what could it possibly mean to them that I was born on their day? Would these spectres think that I existed as an offering to them?
That mystery, as you can imagine, was never solved. However, when I meet people who were also born on Halloween, I feel a special kinship with them, knowing that they also exist with that mystery inside them.
And, yes, because of my birthday and my mother's and my investigation of the holiday, I have always understood and enjoyed the Peter, Paul and Mary version of "The Souling Song" (which is very old, by the way).
So, you see, I have a special reason for being curious about this film, even though I suspect that it has nothing to do with the traditions of Halloween as I understand them. Doesn't really matter. I'm looking forward to the debut of The Ultimate Scream Queen and the horror, and all. And Donald Pleasence. Can't wait (although I'll have to) to see him perform in yet another role.
More later, I'm sure.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Donald Pleasence Dr. Samuel Loomis Jamie Lee Curtis Laurie Strode Nick Castle The Shape Tony Moran Michael Myers age 21 Will Sandin Michael Myers age 6 Nancy Kyes Annie Brackett P. J. Soles Lynda Van Der Klok Charles Cyphers Sheriff Leigh Brackett Kyle Richards Lindsey Wallace Brian Andrews Tommy Doyle John Michael Graham Bob Simms Nancy Stephens Marion Chambers Arthur Malet Angus Taylor Mickey Yablans Richie Castle Brent Le Page Lonnie Elam Adam Hollander Keith Robert Phalen Dr. Wynn Sandy Johnson Judith Myers Peter Griffith Morgan Strode David Kyle Foster Judith's boyfriend
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1978
Directed by John Carpenter.
Labels: horror3
