The Halloween That Almost Wasn't

I saw this special back in 1979, but at age 17 I was at least 10 years too old for it. Not that Halloween specials are known for their sophisticated humor, but this one manages to be inept even by that standard.

THAT thing won an Emmy? It must have been a very weak year. This is for you if you're so young that you think showing four actors running fast-forward is clever. Showing people repeatedly swinging on a rope unsuccessfully definitely has its limits, even for slapstick. The appearance of the little kids at the climax was especially shameless. (I know they're supposed to seem "cute" and all, but call me WC Fields.)

I know that Judd Hirsch and Mariette Hartley were talented comedians, but here those talents are definitely wasted. I must have seen a different show from what these other reviewers saw.

Urrgh.

I happened to be on the Rifftrax channel on PlutoTV watching Mike, Kevin & Bill riff Manos: The Hands of Fate and what followed after? Something that was deep, deep in my psyche I forgot about for years! Wow, the human mind is a mystery. I wouldve been 5 or 6 years old when this oroginally aired and remember my mom being excited about my watching it.I even remember being scared of the witch. The teenie tiny bat sneaking under the door...omg! I was watching with a HUGE doofy smile on my face the whole runtime as I felt transported back in time many many (many) Halloweens ago (my favorite time of year). That said, this aged HORRIBLY and is beyond cringy, but for nostalgic purposes like most reviews Ive read so far, it's old school, simple fun. Thank you Rifftrax crew for using what looks like an old, beat up VHS tape to riff this TV special! Definitely brought out a hidden memory & why I love Halloween so much!

One of the best movies bring back fond memories. I was 5 when it was re-released and it is fun to watch as a family. And although a little corny. I do believe that the whole family would enjoy watching it. It is short enough for little kids to stay interested. And it is funny for kids and teens. And brings back reminiscent times for adults. Plus you don't have to worry about what it is rated like most of the movies today. I have just recently seen it again and it is just as good as I remembered. And you will probably want to see it more then once. I know I sure did. Although now it is a bit hard to find. I would check pleases that sell used VHS. Also other places too. Since it was only once released to my knowledge.

I love this short film--it is hilarious, fun, witty, and also seems to get me excited about Halloween. Judd Hirsch is so funny, and he's a perfect Dracula. The rest of the cast is also great and they do a superb job at poking fun at the typical Hollywood monster.

This movie is a must-see, and I've loved it since I first saw it about 12 years ago.

This one is not to be missed! So much kids TV from the 70's was beneath contempt. This little film is a gem. We snatched it off the Disney Channel in 1989 and have watched it with our kids every Halloween since. It is charming and sweet, even now that the kids are grown! Makes a great double feature with either "Mr. Boogety" and/or "Bride of Boogety"! A triple! Judd Hirsch is great Dracula! Marianne Hartley was a doll! Henry Gibson! And the dialogue! "Disco Dancing? I don't remember disco dancing!" "Teeny Tiny Bat, teeny tiny bat!" "I can see him clearly, coming through the fog!" "How many times do I have to tell you: Open at night, closed in the day!"