ElectricWarlock It seems every horror fan is aware of Dan Curtis's masterpiece Trilogy of Terror, but this film doesn't seem to get quite as much recognition as Trilogy of Terror and it is just as good in my opinion. The first story isn't exactly horror. It is more of a Twilight Zone like tale of a man who travels back in time using a 1920s car to save the lives of his girlfriend's grandparents. It is a very intriguing tale, and just like an episode of The Twilight Zone, the twist ending captures you by surprise. Ed Begley, Jr. makes the story great and his performance really sells it. The story is interesting and well written. The second story, No Such Thing As A Vampire, starts out as your typical vampire story in that there are mysterious attacks and everyone in the village is in fear. But the ending of the story is something I didn't see coming at all. It features Elisha Cook, Jr., who is always a joy to watch in everything he stars in. Bobby, the third of the three stories, is the best and without a doubt the most memorable. Joan Hackett is terrific as a grieving mother who is desperate to have the son she loves so much with her again. Lee Montgomery's performance is unforgettable as Bobby. He is one of my favorite actors and he never played the villain in anything else I watched him in. But he is truly scary and menacing in the role of Bobby. I can see why the mother was so afraid of him.Overall, all of the stories have an atmosphere of mystery, suspense, and intrigue about them. All of them were wonderfully written by the brilliant Richard Matheson. If you like horror movies full of shock and suspense, this is one film you cannot afford to miss. I feel this film is a terrific, underrated masterpiece.

donbanf I have enjoyed reading others' reviews of this anthology. I definitely remember seeing it when it was new and just watched it again tonight for the first time since 1977. So glad this is out on DVD. It does feel very much like Night Gallery episodes put together, though the first one is more akin to the early Twilight Zone series' sentimental type story of time travel or wishful thinking. Funny though, I had no recollection whatsoever of either of the first two episodes. I just don't remember them at all. The one I remembered very clearly and enjoyed again tonight was "Bobby". Lee Montgomery and Joan Hackett were excellent in this cautionary tale wherein the mother turns to black magic to summon her dead son. Very atmospheric, creepy and convincing, with good production values for a TV movie, "Bobby" (to me) hasn't lost any of its punch over the years. The portrait of the boy in the living room, the rain and lightning, the ocean, the house, all powerfully suggest the fear that will come. Nice house. I kept asking myself, where was this filmed? I could not find any information on IMDb regarding filming location. It looks like California, the hills and the ocean shots reminded me of "Play Misty for me". The first two stories are OK but rent this one for "Bobby".

gavin6942 Summary taken from IMDb.Com: This anthology tells three stories: a man (Ed Begley, Jr.) buys a car that takes him back and forth through time; a tale of vampires; and a distraught mother asks for her drowned son to come back to life and gets more than she bargained for.This film comes to us from director Dan Curtis and writer Richard Matheson. If you're not familiar with Matheson's name, you are missing out. His work with Roger Corman adapting Poe stories is legendary, he's the genius behind the various "I Am Legend" adaptations (and the original story) as well as other work (notably "Stir of Echoes"). Curtis is also a veteran horror director and his work ("Trilogy of Terror") is now classic in its own right.This collection starts off slow, with a time-traveling car. The story itself has no horror elements to speak of, but is interesting just the same. Those who like science fiction or time travel tales will be in love, though I don't suggest thinking too hard or you might find some serious plot holes.The second tale is weak, and offers little more than a buffer. While it certainly fits into the horror genre (it is about vampires, after all), there's not much of a story to tell. Perhaps if it had been expanded to feature length, but as is the story just doesn't seem to go anywhere and we don't get to know any of the characters well enough to care about them. If you're short on time, skip this middle section.The third and final section also happens to be the best without a doubt. Called "Bobby", it is a variation on the old "Monkey's Paw" story where a mother wishes her son back from the dead (not unlike Bob Clark's "Dead of Night", coincidentally), with not so amazing results. The difference here is that instead of wishes or prayers, the mother turns to black magic. I can't say I was scared by this story, though I rarely am. I can say, however, that this might terrify other people. The mother's performance was respectable, and the boy's was downright chilling. If you watch only one section, watch this one. It will burn into your memory.Dark Sky Films is fast becoming my favorite film distributor, bringing back old classics or films that time forgot. They're bringing back some impressive editions, and "Dead of Night" is no exception. The DVD includes another almost feature-length story on it worth seeing, and plenty of bonus features that have never been seen before by audiences. With horror being somewhat disappointing lately, it's great to see a company devoted to make the best years even better upon their return.

staytherelass This is pretty cool!Richard Matheson and Dan Curtis(NIGHT STALKER,SCREAM OF THE WOLF)again collaborate.This was a failed pilot for a proposed tv series,but the movie can be enjoyed for what it is.There are 3 tales here,with "Bobby",the 3rd story,being the most chilling.Worth a look.