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Rob Lowe, Andre Braugher, Donald Sutherland, Samantha Mathis, Rutger Hauer ... see more see more... , James Cromwell , Dan Byrd

In this TV adaptation of the Stephen King novel, a journalist with traumatic memories of his haunted childhood returns to find his hometown being infiltrated by vampires. As a boy in Jerusalem's Lot, ... read more read more...ME, Ben Mears (Rob Lowe) took a dare and broke into a local mansion called the Marsten House. There, he had the misfortune of discovering the corpses resulting from a scandalous murder/suicide. Decades later, he returns to find that a mysterious antiques dealer (Donald Sutherland) and his unseen business partner (Rutger Hauer) have moved into the Marsten House. Soon, townspeople begin disappearing and dying, only to return, floating outside the windows of their loved ones and begging to be let in. Only Ben and a few newfound allies suspect the awful truth: that something unholy has overtaken their town...something with links to the sinister mansion of Ben's nightmares. Originally broadcast June 20 and 21, 2004, on the TNT cable network, Salem's Lot was scripted by Peter Filardi, who previously penned The Craft and Flatliners. Shot on-location in Australia, this is the second television adaptation of Salem's Lot, and it follows Tobe Hooper's 1979 version. Hauer and Sutherland are old vampire buddies, having previously co-starred in the original Buffy the Vampire Slayer film. ~ Brian J. Dillard, Rovi

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54% liked it

7,652 ratings

PG-13, 3 hr. 1 min.

Directed by: Mikael Salomon

Release Date: June 2, 2004

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DVD Release Date: October 12, 2004

Stats: 431 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (431)

  • briandeguelle
    August 14, 2010
    briandeguelle
    I love the 1979 original it was so scary for a TV miniseries and i was only 10 when first saw it.So going into this 2004 remake or re image what ever you call it i was abit unsure about it.Well what a surprise it was excellent.The story is abit more flush out and a few more playe... read morers to the mix.Rob Lowe was very good in the David soul part. Wouldn't say its as scary as the 1979 version but there is a few nice jumps along the way.Only real disappointment was that they used Rutgers hauer as the main vampire Barlow who was not really that scary as the 1979 version of Barlow. Don't be afraid of the 3 hrs. running time as it seem to pass quite quickly.
  • Stinger839
    February 2, 2008
    Stinger839
    not bad for a tv miniseries
  • nuheart
    January 1, 2007
    nuheart
    Judging it on its own, and not comparing it to the book or the 1979 TV mini, this really isn't a bad flick -- up to the last ten minutes or so. Then it kinda blows. But for a 3hr movie, that's not a bad ratio.
  • deano
    December 21, 2006
    deano
    This remake TV movie is more thrilling, scary and much longer than the original.
  • chadroesti
    June 18, 2009
    chadroesti
    Not very many decent movies made from Steven King novels. This is one that does stink too much. Wait a minute, haven't seen this version yet. Need to rent.
  • threefolddado
    August 13, 2007
    threefolddado
    Great adaptation of the book.
  • fb677587177
    March 31, 2012
    fb677587177
    This is easily my favorite Stephen King novel, and this version of the movie is a solid adaptation. In fact, it's much better than the original version was. Rob Lowe's performance is fantastic.
  • juliantoepfer
    December 29, 2011
    juliantoepfer
    As far as basic cable made for TV movies go, this has to be near the top. One of the better adaptations of a Steven King story for sure.

    Filmed as a mini-series, it has the luxury of taking its time, developing characters, and adding in alot of the subtext that would otherwise... read more have to be glossed over. The acting is pretty good. I'll have to throw Lowe under the bus a little bit, because he is just so freaking over dramatic. But Cromwell, Mathis, Sutherland and Braugher are all quite good. Hauer's portrail of Barlow is great in particular.

    Not particularly scary, but it is creepy. The 3 hour run time really doesn't hinder the film in anyway, as it moves quickly and is very engaging. The last 10 minutes does drag a bit, but aside from that, the pacing is quite good. The script is about as faithful to the novel as it can be, and it is filmed quite effectively as well.

    Complaints would be that it lacks a bit of the guttural scariness of the novel, as it no doubt had to be toned down in its language, goriness and general menace. Still a terrific adaptation of a classic.
  • Darcy9Saleen
    May 11, 2009
    Darcy9Saleen
    I watched this movie to see Rob Lowe because i think the is really good looking. It turned out that i really liked the movie and Rob Lowe looked good in it.
  • esctgrrl
    April 10, 2009
    esctgrrl
    Excellent, faithful, and scary adaptation of Stephen King's novel with excellent performances from the entire cast. Don't watch it alone or in the dark!

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Critic Reviews

Clint Morris
October 22, 2004
Clint Morris, Moviehole

Better than the original. You know what? You'll actually want to sit through this one

Jeremiah Kipp
April 24, 2004
Jeremiah Kipp, ToxicUniverse.com

Click to read the article Full Review

Felix Vasquez Jr.
April 29, 2009
Felix Vasquez Jr., Cinema Crazed

Click to read the article Full Review

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Salem's Lot Trivia

  • Stephen King, David Soul, James Mason & Lance Kerwin?  Answer »
  • What low budget (made for tv) film from 2004 starred Rob Lowe and was adapted from a Stephen King novel?  Answer »
  • Salem's lot starred which famous 70"s tv actor?  Answer »
  • James Mason who acted in films such as The Verdict, Evil Under The Sun, The Assisi Underground and Ivanhoe (1982) also acted in this movie.....  Answer »
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