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Salem’s Lot (2024) | Transcript

An author returns to his hometown of Jerusalem's Lot in search of inspiration for his next book, only to discover that the townspeople are being attacked by a bloodthirsty vampire.
Salem's Lot (2024)

Salem’s Lot (2024)
Genre: Horror, Thriller, Supernatural
Director: Gary Dauberman
Writers: Stephen King, Gary Dauberman
Stars: Lewis Pullman, Makenzie Leigh, Jordan Preston Carter

Plot: Author Ben Mears returns to his childhood home of Jerusalem’s Lot in search of inspiration for his next book, only to discover that his hometown is being preyed upon by a bloodthirsty vampire, putting the lives of the townspeople in grave danger.

* * *

[Straker] I appreciate you coming, Mr. Snow.

As I finish my move from London and settle into your town, I need your help retrieving one final and crucial item.

A large crate will be arriving at the wharf at 6:00 sharp this evening.

You will be there upon its arrival and immediately load said crate into your truck.

Now, this crate is very heavy.

And what’s inside is very old.

So, you must take care as you move it.

It’s one of a kind.

Do you understand me, Mr. Snow?

So far.

After you pick up the shipment,

you will then deliver it to my new home

up there on the hill. Do you know it?

Uh… Yeah.

Everybody knows the Marsten House.

Once there, you are to open the bulkhead on the side of the Marsten House,

carry the crate into the cellar,

past the stairs, finally delivering it to the back.

I’ll be sure to leave a clearing for you.

The documents to secure the crate can be found in this envelope,

as well as your fee, of course.

[Hank] My grandma used to tell us stories about this place

just to set us straight.

She said Hubert Marsten worshipped Satan.

That’s why he shot his wife,

and killed himself,

They’re just stories.

We need to bring it down there.

In the cellar?

That’s what Mr. Straker said.

Fuck.

But I’m gonna back the truck up so we can get closer,

but you, uh… You go open it up.

You want me to open it?

Fuck.

[truck approaching]

[brakes squeal]

[Hank] What’d you say this was again?

[Royal] Paper said dresser.

[Hank] It must be some fucking dresser.

[wood creaking]

[both grunting softly]

Could we set it down now?

I can’t see a goddamn thing, and I’m starting to lose my grip.

[objects clattering]

[crate thuds]

[Royal] Shit.

Christ, Hank!

I can’t see where I’m going!

[shushing]

It’s packed with dirt.

Why would a dresser be packed with dirt?

I don’t want to know.

Uh…

Pick it up, bring it into the back, all right? Let’s go.

[both grunting]

[Hank] Jesus Christ.

Shit.

[Royal grunting]

[Hank] Pivot. Pivot.

All right. Set it down. Gently.

[Royal grunting]

[crate thuds lightly]

[Barlow, in a low voice] Royal.

Come closer.

Closer.

[wood creaking]

Join me.

[Hank] Royal! You don’t want to know, remember?

Let’s get the fuck out of here.

[Royal grunting]

[wood creaking]

[inhales raspily]

[radio static]

[radio host] All right. It’s the first day of fall, September 23rd, 1975,

and you’re on the WVAB radio. That was the latest from

from the Raspberry Brothers, that’s coming in at number two

on our Top 25 best songs of fall.

Those boys will be playing a Halloween special

down at Portland next month. Be sure to get your tickets, when they go on sale tomorrow.

Oh, Jesus!

You lost, son?

No, no. Um, sorry. I’m just sightseeing. I used to live around here.

Huh. Come back for a visit?

Yep.

[Parkins] What are you, some kind of an author?

Yeah.

Do me a favor, would you?

Don’t make any trouble while you’re here. Trouble makes work for me.

I don’t like to work.

You’ll get no trouble from me.

Just here for a little inspiration.

All right. You take care now.

[radio host] Here’s last year’s release from Gordon Lightfoot

to bring a little sunset simmer to your drive on this gorgeous day.

[“Sundown” playing on radio]

[keys jangling]

[engine starts]

♪ I can see her lyin’ back In her satin dress ♪

♪ In a room where you do What you don’t confess ♪

♪ Sundown You better take care ♪

♪ If I find you been creepin’ ‘Round my back stairs ♪

♪ Sundown You better take care ♪

♪ If I find you been creepin’ ‘Round my back stairs ♪

♪ She’s been lookin’ like A queen in a sailor’s dream ♪

♪ And she don’t always say What she really means ♪

♪ Sometimes I think it’s a shame ♪

♪ When I get feelin’ better When I’m feelin’ no pain ♪

♪ Sometimes I think it’s a shame ♪

♪ When I get feelin’ better When I’m feelin’ no pain ♪

[waitress] See you, Robbie.

More coffee?

Yeah, thanks.

Here you are.

[man] Hey, Ray. Take a look at this.

♪ I can picture every move That a man could make ♪

♪ Gettin’ lost in her lovin’ Is your first mistake ♪

♪ Sundown You better take care ♪

♪ If I find you been creepin’ ‘Round my back stairs ♪

♪ Sometimes I think it’s a sin ♪

♪ When I feel like I’m winnin’ When I’m losin’ again ♪

[song fades out]

[man] I have all the paperwork in order.

That’s right. It’s all here.

And then the last thing left to do is for you to sign.

[knocking at door]

[door opens, bell dings]

[door closes]

You look familiar.

Well, how’s the book?

I’m at the point in the story where the reader decides

whether or not she’ll ever finish it.

Uh-huh.

Can I help you with something?

Uh, a place for rent. You know, if you’ve got it.

Just you?

Yeah, it’s just me.

[man] Bye, bye now.

Are you sure you want to be here?

[door opens]

[Larry] Susan!

Who goes there? Oh! [laughs]

Hello! Hey! Larry Crockett.

Nice to meet you. Would you like some coffee?

Get a fresh pot going there, Susie. Will you?

I have trained her to make it just right. [clicks tongue]

Oh. [chuckles softly]

Uh, I’m okay on the coffee. Thank you.

Uh, I was just gonna ask your associate here…

Secretary.

Yeah, I think I saw someone in the Marsten House on the way in.

Is someone actually living there now?

Oh. Well, if you know about the Marsten House,

that should tell you I can pretty much sell anything.

It’s been sitting vacant for almost 40 years.

Who bought it? Um, some European fella. Wears these fancy suits.

He’s the one opening up that shop across the street.

How do you know about the Marsten House?

Are you from around here?

I grew up here till I was nine, yeah.

So maybe that’s why you look so familiar.

[Larry] Uh, what’d you say your name was?

Ben Mears.

[Larry] No, doesn’t spack.

Mr. Mears, are you looking to buy?

Nope, just need a place to rent.

Um, well, I’m sure you’re acquainted with the beauty of Maine.

Perhaps, as an investment…

Eva Miller has a couple rooms open.

[snaps fingers] She’s over on Railroad Street.

Eva Miller. Railroad.

Got it.

Enjoy your book.

[Larry] Yeah, that went great, Susan.

[door closes]

[sighs in exasperation]

Good going, Suz.

[Eva] Yeah, you just jiggle it a little and it’ll work.

I keep asking Weasel to fix it.

Who knows, maybe one of these days he will.

[Weasel] Don’t count on it.

Here we are.

All right, I serve breakfast at 7:00 sharp if you want it.

Dinner’s usually on the table by 6:00.

Your laundry day is Tuesday.

And no guests.

What is it you say you were again? Some kind of writer?

That’s right. Yeah.

I’ll take payment in advance.

[chuckles softly]

[door closes]

[woman] Morning, Jim.

[Jim] Morning.

[school bell rings]

[boy 1] Look at the new kid.

[boy 2] I think he’s doing a magic trick.

[boy 3] No way! There’s no way.

Make it real tight.

Yeah, okay.

Ralph, I got it.

[boy 2] There’s no way he’s gonna get out of that.

Get your watch ready.

Let me know when to start.

[girl 1] Is he gonna do it?

[girl 2] I don’t think so.

[boy 2] No way.

Oh, shit.

[boy 4] Oh, no.

[boy 3] It’s Richie Boddin.

Here, let me help.

No, don’t. I can do this.

[Danny] Come on, Mark!

I got it.

[boy 2] Come on, man. Come on.

[children exclaiming]

[Danny] Jesus.

Welcome to the Lot, dillweed.

What are you looking at?

[Richie] Did you see his face?

No, stay down! Wait!

[girl 2] He’s getting back up.

[girl 3] Don’t do it!

[boy 2] No. Huh?

[girl 2] What is he doing?

Fucking goof!

[Richie grunts]

[children exclaiming]

[Richie groaning]

[screaming]

Say “uncle.”

Say “uncle” or I’ll break it!

[screaming]

[newscaster on radio] …are on different teams.

[Richie] Fuck you!

These two rookies don’t know nothing…

[children laughing]

[newscaster] …the kid got third in MVP voting as a rookie.

Once more unto the breach.

[screaming]

Okay! Okay! Uncle! Uncle, you win! Uncle.

Uncle, just get the fuck off of me!

Now say, “I’m a big, ugly turd.”

[Burke] Okay.

Say it!

Go back to your corners.

Then, decide which one of you is gonna tell me how this started.

[Richie] You better watch your back.

He’s new, Mr. Burke. He doesn’t know to stay away from Richie.

Quite a way to make a name for yourself, Mr. Petrie.

We can walk him home later, in case Richie gets any ideas, sir.

Richie Boddin having an idea is as likely as the Royal River running backwards.

And you, Mr. Petrie,

next time you tell a man to say uncle, and he does, you let him go.

We take people at their word here in the Lot.

Yes, sir.

[indistinct chatter]

[gentle music playing]

[bell tinkling]

[Straker sighs]

[Straker] And this will do nicely.

[Danny] Come on, let’s go!

[indistinct chatter continues]

[button clicking]

[door opens]

[Ann] He’s the nice, handsome man that comes

from a good family.

And I just don’t understand why you won’t give him another chance.

Because I didn’t want to give him a first chance, Mother.

Oh, but, Susan, honestly…

Shh!

[whispers] We’re in a library.

[in loud voice] Who are we discussing, ladies?

Floyd Tibbits perhaps?

Mind your business, Mabel.

You know, he’s right over there.

Floyd?

[Mabel] Ben Mears. The author.

You know, he actually lived here as a boy.

I don’t know if you’ll remember,

but there was that awful crash on Halliwell Road about 20 years ago.

Drunk driver. Oh, what was the family name?

Anyway, it turns out, the people that driver killed

were his parents.

Tragic. Who knows why he’d want to come back.

But he’s actually been spending a lot of time here.

I’m pretty sure he’s doing research for his next book.

Wonder what he finds so interesting about a little town like Salem’s Lot.

So, you ladies have any big plans for the weekend?

Well, as a matter…

[book thuds loudly]

Tonight, I’m going to the drive-in.

[Ann] Shh, Susan. Library, remember?

Now, what are you going on about?

Mabel asked what we’re doing for the weekend.

And I said, I’m going to the drive-in,

tonight.

[Ann] By yourself?

[Susan] Hmm.

[Ann] I think I should come with you. I’m gonna come with you.

[Susan] Mom, no.

[door closes]

[sinister music playing on speakers]

[woman screaming on speakers]

[woman] Help! [screaming]

[man] Stay back, Monster!

[monster yells]

[woman screaming]

Doesn’t all this stuff scare you?

[man] I will fell you with my mighty sword where you…

Stop, Ralph. You’ll break them.

It’s okay.

They’re pretty safe to touch once the glue sets.

See? Take a look.

[Ralphie] You’re not afraid of anything, huh?

Not even Richie Boddin.

Well,

I had to fight back.

Or else, he’d be on my case for the rest of the year.

Yeah, but,

what happens when he comes for you with the big kids?

I hear his brother has a switchblade.

If he comes at me again,

I’ll fight back then too. Running away makes it worse.

Oh, well, I hope he doesn’t kill you, so we can hang out some more.

Come on. We should go.

It’ll be getting dark soon, and you know what that means.

What’s it mean?

Ralphie’s just scared of the dark.

I am not.

[Mark] Maybe I can help.

Here, take this.

If you blow on it, it’ll help with your breathing and calm you down.

I learned that from Houdini.

He used to play one to help strengthen his lungs.

Who was Houdini?

He was the most famous and best magician of all time.

Neat!

[playing harmonica off-key]

[“Clap for the Wolfman” playing over speakers]

♪ Clap for the Wolfman ♪

♪ He gonna Rate your record high ♪

♪ Mmm… Yes, gracious! ♪

♪ Clap for the Wolfman ♪

♪ You gonna dig him Till the day you die ♪

♪ Doo-Ron-Ron And the Duke of Earl, They were friends of mine… ♪

[man] Come on out.

[woman] All right…

That’s become like a rite of passage here.

Happens every weekend.

Fancy seeing you here. [chuckles softly]

Hope you didn’t pay full price.

You can only see half the screen from way over here.

You’re practically in Yarmouth.

Yeah, I didn’t think it would be this full.

I haven’t been here since I was a kid.

Yeah, you can find the whole town here most nights it’s open.

Probably find out more about the town here than down at the library.

Mabel told you about my… My research?

Mabel tells everyone everything.

[people chattering]

[chuckles softly]

Uh…

The sun’s setting. The show will be starting soon.

Um, I have a secret spot,

with a better view if you want to join.

Best seats in the house.

Come on, I’ll show you.

♪…you gonna dig him Till the day you die ♪

♪ You might want to try But I’m gonna keep em! ♪

♪ Clap for the Wolfman… ♪

[insects chittering]

[brakes squeal]

Greetings, young masters.

Are you lost?

Would you like a lift to wherever it is you’re needed?

[Danny] Uh…

Um… No, thank you.

Come on, Ralph.

[Susan] Every car tells a story.

I’ll catch you up.

See Mr. Zimmerman?

In the Caddy over there?

[Ben] Yeah.

That isn’t Mrs. Zimmerman.

[both chuckle]

Over here,

Cory Bryant and Bonnie Sawyer. Breaking up for the 10th time.

[Ben] Oof.

That’s Father Callahan in the Ford,

in the corner. Quietly getting blitzed.

Let’s see,

who else…

What about you? What…

What’s your story?

[chuckles softly]

There’s no story here.

Come on.

You’re here. You work with what’s-his-name?

Only till I get my real estate license.

Then I’m striking out on my own.

See, that’s… That’s something.

You’ll run him right out of town.

Larry?

No. He can have the Lot.

I plan on moving back to Boston.

You were in Boston?

Yeah. Right after high school.

I only came back to help my dad when he got sick.

And then, he passed away last year, and my mom

has just been trying everything to make sure that I do not leave her.

That’s a sad story. I’m sorry.

Now you go. Why did you come back?

[exhales heavily] Well, uh,

Mable was right. I’m here for research.

What exactly, though, are you researching here?

Me.

I don’t really have much of a story, either.

I’ve always just written other people’s stories.

Uh…

My parents died in a car accident when I was nine.

So, I left here to live with extended family.

But it’s always felt like I ran away.

So…

My coming back to Salem’s Lot is like…

my way of reclaiming home.

You know?

[projector whirring]

[announcer] Good evening, folks, and welcome to the Jerusalem’s Lot Drive-In.

We want you have the best experience in modern cinema…

[Ralphie playing harmonica off-key]

[Danny] Will you stop with that?

[Ralphie] It helps me.

[Danny] I knew you’d get scared.

[Ralphie] Why do we have to go this way, anyway?

[Danny] I told you, I wanted to get away from that strange man.

[faint rustling]

[Ralphie grunts]

Ralph?

Ralph?

Ralph, stop!

Ralphie!

Ralph!

[muffled screaming]

[Ralphie breathing heavily]

[Straker grunts]

[Straker shushing]

[Straker] The master needs a sacrifice

before he can begin to transform your town into his image.

[Ralphie moaning]

[Straker] It is a great honor that I’m bestowing upon you.

[Ralphie grunting]

[muffled screaming continues]

[Straker] Oh, Master Barlow!

[Ralphie grunts]

[Ralphie whimpering]

[Straker] Lord of Flies!

[screaming]

It is I, Straker!

Your devoted servant!

I have returned, master!

I bring you a sacrifice!

[Ralphie grunting]

[thunder rumbles]

[Ralphie grunting]

[doorknob rattling]

[door creaks]

[door opens]

[Straker gasps]

[whimpering softly]

[continues whimpering]

[floorboards creaking]

[raspy breathing]

[Ralphie moaning, panting]

[Barlow] Ralph.

[screaming]

[Straker] Let’s feast.

[screaming in distance]

[Ralphie screaming]

[bones crunching]

[flesh squelching]

[screaming stops]

[birds cawing]

[door opens]

[bells jingle]

[footsteps approaching]

[indistinct police radio chatter]

[Father Callahan grunts softly]

Morning, Father.

Oh, well…

How bad did I get?

Three Hail Mary’s. You should be fine.

Look, I tried to take you back to the rectory,

but you was bent on me bringing you here.

You said it was… Oh, hell, what did you say?

Atonement, probably.

Right, atonement.

Exactly. Oh, thank God, I’m a Methodist.

Uh, your car is around back.

I had Nolly drive it in.

[groans softly]

Oh, and, um…

You feeling up to it later, you might want to drop in on the Glicks.

The youngest boy is missing. They’re forming a search party.

Yeah. Yeah, it’s quite a world we got here.

Only getting worse if you ask me.

[sighs heavily] What are we supposed to do about it, Constable?

Isn’t that the question we need to ask ourselves?

[Parkins] Mmm.

I ask myself plenty.

All answers point to retirement.

It’s just the Methodist in you.

[chuckles softly]

Only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.

Well, you see, that’s just it.

You see any good men around here lately, Father?

Ralph?

Is Ralphie in there?

Anything?

[exhales shakily]

[Floyd] Go back to New York, asshole.

Nobody wants your help here.

That’s Floyd Tibbits. He has a thing for Susie Norton.

Word gets around quick here.

[grunts softly]

Matt Burke. School teacher.

You’re Ben Mears, the author.

I’ve enjoyed your books. They’re better than what some critics suggest.

You mind calling my publisher, telling him that?

[Burke chuckles]

If you don’t mind coming around the school and talking with the kids,

I know they’d love to meet a real-life writer.

Sure, yeah.

Or maybe I could do some good, push them into finance.

It’s not just Floyd with the funny looks, is it?

I mean, I wouldn’t blame ’em if they all had a thing for Susan.

It’s simple math. You’re new in town,

local boy has just gone missing.

I’m surprised that Parkins hasn’t talked to you yet.

Well, he did.

But it was a short conversation though,

considering I had someone who could vouch for my whereabouts,

at the time of the disappearance. [grunts softly]

Speaking of…

Hi.

I heard Parkins might stop the search soon.

The cold reality is settling in.

[indistinct police radio chatter]

It’s a shame the brother doesn’t remember anything.

Sometimes things happen that are so terrible,

your brain won’t let you remember.

Not any time soon anyway.

Research tell you that or experience?

[electronic organ music playing]

[vehicle approaching]

[Susan] Oh, my God.

So embarrassing.

Maybe she read my books.

[both chuckle]

It isn’t you. It’s…

Well, it is you.

But only because you’re an outsider.

She thinks that we will run off together or something,

and never look back.

Sounds kinda nice, actually.

[insects chittering]

[harmonica playing in distance]

Ralphie?

[door opens]

[door opens]

Ralphie!

[harmonica playing faintly]

Ralph?

Ralph?

[harmonica playing]

[soft rustling]

[seesaw creaking]

[shakily] Ralphie?

[seesaw creaking]

Ralph?

[Danny screaming]

Danny?

I feel sick.

[door opens]

It’s pernicious anemia.

It’s a vitamin-B deficiency that prohibits the body from making more red blood cells.

Red cell count in a boy Danny’s age should be around 80-85%.

Right now, Danny is at 40.

[monitors beeping]

Even with the transfusions, it’s still going down.

All we can do is wait and see.

[Danny breathing weakly]

Danny! Danny, what is it?

[groans weakly]

Thirsty,

Thirsty? Thirsty. Good.

Yes. Okay.

Nurse! Nurse! Water!

My son, he’s awake.

[screaming]

[nurse] Mrs. Glick, what is it?

Oh, my God!

[birds chirping]

[church bells tolling]

Go on, Mike.

Go.

Days like today are where it’s earned.

No sooner did they lose one son, now this.

[Mike exhales]

[muffled crying, sniffling]

[Father Callahan] “Most merciful God whose wisdom is beyond our understanding,

deal graciously with this family in their time of grief.”

[Marjorie sobbing]

“Surround them with your love, so they may not be overwhelmed by their loss,

but have confidence in your goodness, and strength in the days to come.”

[Marjorie continues sobbing]

“We ask this in faith, Lord, hear our prayer.”

[inhales sharply]

Oh, shit.

[grunts softly]

Oh, hell.

[dirt crunching under shovel]

[dogs barking in distance]

[grunting]

[coffin thuds]

[thudding]

[thudding continues]

[Danny] Help!

Help, help!

Oh, shit.

Let me out! Please! Let me out!

Uh, hold on.

[thudding continues]

Let me out, please! Help!

Hold on. I’m coming, okay.

I’m not dead, I’m alive. Help me! Please!

I’m coming. Hold on.

[Mike grunting softly]

[grunting]

[Mike gasps]

[yells]

[Mike screams]

[Burke] Okay.

We have time for one last question.

Go ahead, Miss…

Becky Werts. Thank you.

So, are you and Miss Norton dating?

Don’t answer that.

[children laughing]

I take it you’re Mabel’s daughter?

[school bell ringing]

Thanks, Ben.

I hope that didn’t hurt too much.

I have the sudden need to call every teacher I ever had and apologize.

[Burke chuckles]

How are the kids dealing with the Glick news?

Same way the town is.

If they don’t talk about it, maybe it’s not happening.

[door creaking]

[bartender] Here you go.

[jukebox clicking]

[man humming on jukebox]

[light music playing]

[song playing faintly on jukebox]

Mike?

[Mike breathing raspily]

Hey.

Mike.

You all right?

You don’t look so good, Mike.

[Mike] Uh…

Yeah, I think I’m sick with something. [sniffles]

How long you been sick?

[Mike exhales]

I’m not sure.

I passed out after a funeral,

and I’m not sure how long I was out.

Danny Glick’s funeral?

Yeah, I can’t remember.

You can’t remember anything?

Even the slightest of details?

I remember eyes.

Whose eyes?

[mumbles incoherently]

What is it, Mike?

[gasps]

[soft rock music playing on jukebox]

I’m real scared, Mr. Burke.

I don’t want to go home.

Dr. Cody will be gone by now.

But I want to take you to see her in the morning, all right?

You can stay with me till then. Sound good?

Thank you.

Thank you for inviting me over.

I feel better already.

Good.

Here.

Take these.

Oh.

[breathing raspily]

Uh…

Where did you get those marks, Mike?

On your neck.

[gasps]

I don’t really know.

Is everything all right, Mr. Burke?

[match strikes]

[radio host] Folks, it’s just about game time here

in the beautiful city of Cincinnati, Ohio.

As the umpire takes the field,

we got Sammy McDonald of the American League behind the plate.

[commentary continues indistinctly]

You’re in for a good one tonight.

This series is tied up at two games apiece.

The Sox blew the doors off of Cincinnati…

[commentary continues indistinctly]

[knocking at door]

[Danny, whispering] Let me in.

[window opens]

[objects clattering]

[Ben] Yeah. Yeah, just a minute.

Matt Burke is downstairs, he’s asking for you.

And he seems disturbed.

Okay. Um…

Yeah. I’ll be right down.

Good evening, Susan.

Hi, Eva.

Matt?

Do you have a cross of any kind or a Saint Christopher’s medallion?

What’s going on, Matt?

I need you both to come with me. We can talk about it once we’re there.

That’s where I saw it go in. The power must have gone out.

The lights were on when I left.

I know how it sounds.

The idea that Mike Ryerson is

some kind of, Jesus, creature of the night.

It does sound…

Crazy?

Ben?

[door creaking]

[Burke] Mike?

I don’t think he’s breathing.

Shut the window.

Christ! He’s cold.

They aren’t there, are they?

The marks.

According to folklore, they disappear after death,

and then the transformation can take anywhere from minutes to days.

What is it?

What do I do?

Let the machinery takeover.

Call Parkins. Tell him…

you saw Mike down at Dell’s.

He didn’t look so good. So you brought him back here,

and he died in his sleep.

Just… don’t say a word about…

Vampires?

Well?

Well, he’s definitely dead.

Amen.

Oh.

I knew Nolly’d be good for something.

He’s not much of a deputy,

but he’s a hell of an electrician.

What was it the Glick boy died from again, Doctor?

Perspicuous… It was Persimmons…

Pernicious anemia.

Yeah.

It’s like when your body can’t make blood fast enough.

Something like that, isn’t it?

Yeah, Matt.

Something like that.

[Parkins] Well, what do you…

You think it’s some kind of connection here?

I don’t see why there would be.

It’s not a disease you can catch.

Huh.

[Susan sighs]

What’s your opinion, Doctor?

I’ll let you know when I have one.

[knocking at window]

[Danny] Mark.

Mark.

Let me in.

[banging]

The window, Mark. He commands it.

Open the window, Mark.

Master Barlow wants to meet you, Mark.

[Danny exhales raspily]

[sizzling]

[screams]

I’ll set you free, Danny.

You have my word.

Okay.

Crosses.

They can hypnotize.

[scribbling]

No direct sunlight.

What else?

Let’s see…

Have to stay in the shadows.

Guess I gotta go kill Barlow.

[faint rattling]

[sports commentary playing faintly on radio]

[faint creaking]

[creaking continues]

[Mike breathing raspily]

Mike?

[Mike screeches]

[growls]

[screeching]

[Burke panting]

[Mike breathing raspily]

[wind howling]

[lock clicks]

[Mike growls]

[grunts]

[groaning]

[Mike] Stop fighting and join us.

[groaning]

No.

[grunting]

[Mike breathing raspily]

Master Barlow wants to meet you, Mr. Burke.

Mike, please.

[yells]

[screeching]

I revoke my invitation!

[growling]

Get out!

[panting]

[indistinct chatter]

Hear the latest?

Try me.

That Glick kid? His mom was found dead this morning.

Did they bring her here?

Brought her straight out to Green’s Mortuary.

All the way out there?

Why didn’t they bring her to Foreman’s in town?

No one can get a hold of Foreman.

It’s been hard to get a hold of anybody over in the Lot these days.

Is Mike Ryerson’s body still downstairs?

Unless it got up and walked out last night.

This is some shit.

Ah, for fuck’s sake!

Matt! Hey! Hey! Matt?

Oh, Christ, my head.

No. Don’t move yet.

We need to make sure you’re okay, then we can talk.

About what?

Marjorie Glick is dead and Mike Ryerson’s corpse is missing.

You have any idea why?

[fire crackling]

[Matt] The power of faith, wooden stakes, crosses,

white roses, garlic,

all are supposed to be deterrents for vampires.

Sounds like silly superstitions to me.

Maybe. [winces]

Maybe so, but,

when I called Linda’s Flowers over in Cumberland earlier,

and asked for white roses,

they said they were all sold out.

Said some well-dressed man came in last week and bought ’em all up.

Straker.

[Burke] He must do Barlow’s bidding during the day.

And you think the Glick boys are all caught up in this, too?

I think the first boy was a sacrifice,

to consecrate the grounds for Barlow’s arrival.

The second boy…

Well, Mike made it sound like he was attacked after Danny’s funeral.

There is one way we can find out for certain if Danny’s still dead.

How?

You want to exhume Danny Glick?

Don’t you?

No! No, I don’t!

I don’t want to do any of this.

You’re sitting there with a book about vampires in your hand,

and the only evidence I have is…

Is a missing body.

It’s missing for a reason.

Mike Ryerson attacked me here last night.

That’s why he’s missing, because he’s a fucking vampire!

What about the mother?

[Ben] What mother?

Marjorie Glick. Danny’s mother.

We don’t need to exhume the boy,

when the mother is laid up over there at Green’s Mortuary.

Maury said, “Looks like she died the same way as Danny.”

We could pay her a visit.

And do what?

Wait till night comes.

We’ll go.

You three go. There’s still some research I need to do.

[Ben] Wait. More research?

You seem to know all that you need to about vampires, Matt.

Yes, but I know very little about Barlow and Straker.

I intend to remedy that.

[gentle dance music playing]

[Ann and Straker laughing]

[Ann] So, when can I meet this Mr. Barlow?

[Ann] Ooh! [laughing]

[grunting]

[gasps]

Out.

Now.

They got Danny.

I said I’d help him. I gave my word.

Mr. Petrie, you have no idea what you’re getting yourself into here.

Yes, I do. They’re vampires.

I can prove it.

You don’t have to.

You know?

Yes.

[thudding]

[Burke and Mark grunting]

[match striking]

Stay close.

We need another way out of here.

[rattling]

[rattling]

[objects clattering]

Damn it! No way up. No stairs!

I’ll boost you up. Come on. Let’s go.

Okay.

Higher. I can’t reach it.

Go.

[Burke] Up.

[grunting]

Hurry up, Mark.

[Mark] Door’s locked. It won’t open.

[Burke] Hurry! Mark, the light, get the light.

[switch clicks]

[snarling]

[Burke screaming]

[Mark screams]

Any…

[clears throat]

Anything?

No.

I doubt if vampires rise at almanac sunset anyway.

If vampires exist at all, that is.

And what if she does rise?

What do you mean?

How will we protect ourselves?

[gasps softly]

[Marjorie] Danny?

Oh, hell!

Danny, where are you?

What do we do?

[Dr. Cody] I’ll make a cross with these.

Danny?

Danny?

It’s not working.

[Marjorie] Answer me.

This is not working!

[Susan] Tape.

Tape?

To bind it.

We need to bind the cross.

In my bag. There’s some in there.

[Marjorie] Danny, answer me.

In my bag!

[Ben] Here. Let me see it!

Here.

[Susan] Oh, God.

[Dr. Cody] Tape it!

Susan, come on, hurry!

[Susan] It’s not working.

[Ben] Tape it. Come on.

It’s not working!

[Ben] Fuck.

[Susan] Shit!

Bless it.

What?

I don’t know!

You’re the writer. Think of something.

Bless it!

Uh… [sputtering] In…

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy…

Shit, it’s glowing!

Bless this cross and… And…

[Marjorie giggling]

And…

And?

The Lord. The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.

[all] He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.

He leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul.

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness!

[Marjorie screaming]

Fuck!

[Dr. Cody] Get her off!

Get off me! Get off!

[Marjorie snarling]

[Susan] The Lord is my Shepherd.

I shall not want. He restoreth my soul.

[Dr. Cody] No!

No! Get her!

Get off! Get off of me!

[Ben grunting]

Get off me!

Fuck! No!

Ben!

Oh, Jesus! There’s no blood! There is no blood!

[Marjorie laughing]

[in a demonic voice] There will be no one left!

Even now your circle is smaller.

[Dr. Cody] No!

[screams]

Come on!

Come on, come on, come on.

[sizzling]

[Marjorie screams]

[Dr. Cody whimpering]

Get my bag! Get my bag!

[moans] God!

Open that!

Here! Here!

Okay. Come on.

[Susan] What is it?

[Ben] Here.

It’s a rabies shot.

[Susan] A rabies shot?

[cries out in pain]

It works for animal bites if you do it quick.

[Susan] Okay.

Right here. See the vein? Go!

[Susan] Yeah.

[Dr. Cody groans]

Get the cross.

Put it… Put the cross on me.

In the name of the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit,

bless this cross, and…

[Dr. Cody whimpering]

[gasping]

Thank God.

[whimpering]

[all panting]

[Dr. Cody exclaims]

Tomorrow, we go to the authorities.

Parkins?

No.

Father Callahan. The church.

Crosses, holy water, prayer…

he might be able to help somehow.

[cross clatters]

But first, let’s go find Matt.

Tell him he was right.

Stay in the car.

What? Why?

Because there are vampires on the roof of Matt’s house.

Look slowly.

[Susan] What do we do?

Matt could be inside and need our help.

[sighs] We’re too late.

They got him.

“Even now, your circle is smaller.”

That’s what she meant.

[Susan] Matt, Mike, The Glicks.

Who knows how many others?

Go.

[birds chirping]

[Mark straining]

[continues straining]

[Straker] Rise and shine, young master!

There’s much to celebrate.

Your town has been most welcoming to us…

[Mark grunts]

Just as Hubert Marsten promised my Barlow long ago.

Oh, he looks forward to meeting you tonight.

He’s most capable of kindness.

It’s only gonna be a little sting and then…

nothing.

[groaning]

No.

No!

[clanging]

[birds chirping, cawing]

[wood creaks]

You do know lying is a sin, right?

Haven’t you noticed anything out of the ordinary in the Lot recently?

[scoffs]

The mortality rate has been rather high in the Lot lately, Father.

Medically speaking, of course.

I’m in the business of the supernatural.

In my youth, I had my own unusual experiences.

So, you have to do a lot less to convince someone like me.

[exhales]

You know, a younger priest wouldn’t have any issue at all with this.

They view the trappings of the church as symbolic, rather than practical.

But I’m not young anymore.

And I am probably a poor excuse for a priest at this point.

But I still believe in the awesome power of the church.

It’s a force.

And one does not set that force in motion lightly.

Yes?

Can I help you?

Mr. Burke.

He’s one of them now.

I’m sorry, what? One of who?

One of the vampires.

I’m gonna go after them. I just need to get some supplies.

Barlow, I think he’s the head vampire.

I didn’t get him, but I got his servant, Straker.

But you’re, like, what? 11?

And three-quarters.

You killed Straker?

I had to.

It was the only way I could get out.

Wait.

Show me where this happened.

[birds chirping]

[birds cawing]

[floorboards creaking]

[Father Callahan] Hello?

Son.

Where’s the body?

[Dr. Cody sighs]

[Father Callahan shudders]

Okay, fine. I’ll go.

[loud thud]

[creaking]

There’s no stairs.

That’s where I saw Barlow get Mr. Burke.

[Susan] There’s a ladder outside.

[Ben sighs]

[Ben] Get your stakes and crosses ready.

[water dripping]

[Ben] See anything?

[faint rumbling]

[water continues dripping]

[Barlow exhaling]

[Susan] Is anyone else hearing this?

[glassware clattering]

[Barlow exhaling]

[snarling]

Shit! I missed. Go! Run! Run!

[Father Callahan] Mark, go! Come on. Go.

[Burke] Barlow’s coming for you,

your families, tonight!

[snarling]

Come sleep like the dead.

[Susan] Ben!

[Burke screaming]

Here. It has to be through his heart.

[Burke growling]

I’m sorry, Matt.

Come on, we need to go to Parkins. See what he knows.

I don’t expect him to help us, but maybe he’ll reach out to someone who will.

My parents! Barlow’s coming for them tonight!

All right, we need to find them somewhere safe.

The church.

Are they really gonna believe what it is we have to tell them?

Well, maybe they will if it’s coming from me.

I’ll go with Mark and we’ll talk to them.

I need to warn my mom.

Get her to the church before night comes.

Now that we know Barlow’s been watching us.

All right. I’ll go with you.

Dr. Cody, you go see Parkins.

[Dr. Cody] Okay. Warn anyone else you see.

Wait. Shouldn’t we all stay together?

There’s no time. Half hour to sunset.

Oh, God! Well, let’s make sure we’re all at the church by sundown.

It’s, uh… It’s protected soil. We’ll be safe there tonight.

Come on, let’s go.

[birds cawing]

[Parkins] Ah! What’s that?

Where you going, Parkins?

Out.

Out where?

Look, I don’t want to hear about it.

I don’t want to hear any of it.

Hear what?

Vampires.

Like in all ’em comic books down at Spencer’s,

I don’t want to hear it.

Well, you need to hear it because something needs to be done about it.

I am doing something.

I’m leaving the Lot. And you should, too.

You coward!

This town is still alive and you’re running away.

You’re supposed to be protecting it.

It’s not alive, Doctor.

That’s why he came here.

Barlow.

It’s dead. Just like him.

That’s why he could take over like that.

And the whole country’s going the same way, too.

You just watch.

You’re giving up!

I’m surviving. That’s what I’m doing.

You’d better get going, Doc.

Things have gone bad in the Lot now.

[engine starting]

[door creaks open]

[Susan] Mom! Mom, are you here?

Susan?

Mom?

We need to leave.

Oh, Susan.

Oh, I have the most wonderful news.

I don’t want him here.

Get him out of here now.

Okay, be quick.

What’s the news, Mom?

I met an incredible man.

He promised he’d take care of us, Susie,

and I said, “I’d do whatever it takes.”

He asked me to serve him, and I promised to

protect him during the day while he sleeps.

Mom.

And he just…

Who, Mom?

He owns the new antique store in town.

Barlow.

I need you to listen to me. We’re in…

[Susan gasping]

[flesh squelching]

[Ben] No! Susan!

You get your hands off my daughter!

No! No! Don’t leave! Don’t leave!

Bring her back!

[gun cocks]

You bring my daughter back here!

[Henry] I left a message at the station. He’ll probably be here soon.

We need to get to the church.

Mark, go upstairs to your room. Let the adults finish talking.

No, Dad, we need to leave.

Mark!

He’s gonna come for you!

I understand how all of this must sound to you.

He’s gonna come for Mom, for me, for everyone.

Mark, upstairs now!

There are others that you can talk to,

who’ve seen the same things that we’ve seen.

[knock on door]

Dad, wait!

Enough, Mark.

Mr. Petrie? No, Mr. Petrie, don’t!

Don’t go out there.

[Henry] Who’s there?

Mark.

Mom!

[Father Callahan] Oh, God! It’s evil.

[Mark] Help her!

[Mark] No!

[snarls]

In the name of God,

I command you to…

[Mark] Dad!

[snarling]

Oh, God.

Son!

Mark, run! Run! Run!

Get back! I am a priest.

[Barlow laughing]

Are you?

Sad to see a man’s faith fail.

[low growling]

[Father Callahan screaming]

[Mark panting]

[vampire kid 1] Mark.

[vampire kid 2] Play with us.

[vampires snarling]

[vampire kid 3] We just wanna play with you, Mark.

[vampire laughing]

[snarling]

[vampire kid 4] Come on, Mark. Let us in.

[Mark grunting]

[vampire kid 5] Come on, Mark.

[vampire kid 6] Come on, Mark. Let us in.

[vampire kid 7] Mark, come play with us.

You can be just like us.

[vampires banging]

[vampires hissing and laughing]

[vampire kid 1] Mark!

[vampire kid 2] Mark!

Mark!

Hang on, Susan.

[horn blaring]

[horn blaring]

Help her! She’s been bit.

God!

[Susan howling]

[Ben grunting]

[groaning]

[Ben] Get the shot!

It’s okay, it’s okay.

Hey, hey, hey!

You’re gonna be okay.

Listen to me.

[growling]

Susan, you’re gonna be all right.

Help her, goddamn it! Get the shot!

Susan!

She’s reacting to holy ground.

It’s too late for her.

No, no, no! Help her!

It’s okay. Hey, Susan.

Look at me. It’s okay.

It’s me.

There’s only one way to help her now, Ben.

What? What are you…

No!

No, are you fucking kidding me?

Just try, God damn it!

[snarling]

Just try!

[Ben grunting]

[Dr. Cody] Ben!

Susan!

No!

[panting]

Ben, it’s not safe!

[wind howling]

[Ben] No…

[vampires snarling]

[vampire shrieks]

[Dr. Cody] Here!

Catch!

[vampire snarls]

[flesh squelching]

[vampire groans]

[Dr. Cody exclaims]

[Ben grunts]

[gasping softly]

[Ben gasping]

[vampires hissing and snarling]

[Ben grunting]

[Dr. Cody grunting]

Back off! Come on.

[vampires snarling]

Back off!

Get back!

[groaning] Come on.

You all right?

Susan’s mom,

she’s Barlow’s new servant.

[gasping, grunting]

Mark? Father Callahan?

What about the sheriff?

[vampires growling outside]

He wasn’t much help.

[water dripping]

[static buzzing]

Jesus.

He left a note.

Mark?

At least, he’s alive. For now.

What’d he say?

He’s going to kill Barlow.

Ow.

[winces]

[snarling]

[grunts]

[Danny grunting]

I gave you my word, Danny.

[vehicle approaching]

Mark! Oh!

Are you okay?

Did you find him?

No.

Well, it looks like you found some.

Just one. And he found me.

Rest are all hiding.

I checked most everywhere.

Okay.

Okay, let’s get out of here, find somewhere safe.

No!

We need to fight back.

Barlow killed my parents.

He started with Salem’s, and then who knows?

If we don’t do it now, they’ll come for us eventually.

Maybe they already moved on, you said so yourself, you couldn’t find any…

No.

I don’t think it works that way.

They’re here.

Somewhere.

Just has to be a big enough place for the whole town.

[Ben] You two notice anything else missing?

No cars.

How many of those stakes you got?

[tires screech]

You really think Barlow’s here?

I think they’re all here.

[Dr. Cody] Ben, where you going?

It’s gonna get dark soon!

[keys jangling]

[panting]

Oh, sweet Jesus.

They’re not cars, they’re coffins.

No, I can’t do that.

It’s not Susan, Ben.

It’s just something that looks like her.

I can do it if it makes it easier.

Yeah.

[Dr. Cody breathing heavily]

[gunshot]

[Ben] No! Dr. Cody!

Get away from my daughter!

[Mark] Run, let’s go.

[Ann] Barlow told me you’d come for her.

[panting]

[grunting]

[panting]

[gun cocking]

Mark!

I’m okay! Go find Barlow!

[car doors thudding]

[vampires growling]

[snarls]

[gun cocks]

[Ben] Mark, get to the sunlight!

Go, go, go!

[snarling]

[Ben grunting] No!

Mark, run!

[vampire snarls]

Run, Mark, run!

[grunting, gasping]

[vampires snarling]

[grunting]

[engine starts]

[Ben grunting]

[vampires shrieking]

You goddamn outsiders!

[gun firing]

[growling]

[Ben panting]

[vampire shrieking]

[panting]

[panting]

Thanks.

You okay?

No.

Are you?

[exhales sharply] No.

Sun’s almost down.

It’s just you and me, Mark.

It’s gonna be our last chance to kill Barlow before he moves on to another town.

There has to be somewhere big enough for a coffin.

Wait, wait, wait. Hold on.

Shadows, remember?

Here.

[Ben grunting]

[Mark] Here, let me help.

Get ready.

[grunting]

[both grunting]

I got to find something to open it with.

Ben!

Hurry!

[both grunting]

Come on!

[Mark] Fuck!

[panting]

[both grunting]

Come on. Come on.

[growls]

[Mark] No!

[Mark grunts]

[snarling]

Susan.

It’s me.

Let go, Ben.

Don’t do this.

[snarling]

[grunting]

[Susan growls]

[Ben grunts]

[announcer on speakers] Good evening, folks,

and welcome to the Jerusalem’s Lot drive-in.

[announcer continues indistinctly]

[groaning]

[Barlow growls]

[Ben grunting]

[snarling]

[screams]

[panting]

[low rumbling, creaking]

[announcer] Grab those last minute snacks and refreshments.

Show time starts in three minutes.

[thudding]

[gasps]

[thudding]

[gasps]

[objects clattering]

[Mark] Ben! Help!

[Mark grunting]

[vampire snarling]

[screams]

[Barlow cackling]

[screams] Ben!

[Barlow] Come here.

[gasping]

[growling]

Ben!

[screams]

[cackling]

[Ben panting]

[Barlow grunting]

[Ben grunts]

[groans]

[Barlow exhales raspily]

[panting]

[brakes squeal]

[Mark] You think they’re all dead?

Yeah.

What do we do now?

[chuckles softly]

Best magician ever.

[“Sundown” playing]

We make our escape.

♪ I can see her lyin’ back In her satin dress ♪

[engine revving]

♪ In a room where you do What you don’t confess ♪

♪ Sundown You better take care ♪

♪ If I find you been creepin’ ‘Round my back stairs ♪

♪ Sundown You better take care ♪

♪ If I find you been creepin’ ‘Round my back stairs ♪

♪ I can picture every move That a man could make ♪

♪ Gettin’ lost in her lovin’ Is your first mistake ♪

♪ Sundown You better take care ♪

♪ If I find you been creepin’ ‘Round my back stairs ♪

♪ Sometimes I think it’s a sin ♪

♪ When I feel like I’m winnin’ When I’m losin’ again ♪

[song fades out]

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