Back on the theme of director John Carpenter, the Halloween 1978 panel takes place next featuring Will Sandin (child Michael Myers) John Michael Graham (Bob) and PJ Soles (Linda).
Graham, it’s revealed, was in Grease alongside John Travolta, at least until he broke his foot. “I’m there, dancing for a scene, then I got into Halloween. I was an actor in Disney World for 30 years. I did every show. It was great, singing, dancing, I did it all.”
COMPARE: There was a scene in Halloween filmed for the TV cut.
WS: I was in one of them, in hospital with Donald Pleasence (Dr Loomis). It was 4 years later. It was extra footage for the Halloween movie.
The mic goes out into the crowd.
Audience Question: Halloween was my first horror movie and I flew to USA because of it. Over the years, how have you interpreted it?
WS: In the Rob Zombie version (the 2007 remake) he was already a bad kid, torturing animals. In the original he just snapped. It’s a mystery.
PJS: And you have the music. I was blown away by that. I had no idea John Carpenter was the musician. I tried watching it without sound; it just doesn’t work. It’s so contributory to the film’s success.
COMPARE: Tell us about your time on set.
JMG: PJ and I had fun. A lot of laughing.
PJS: It was uncomfortable being in bed with someone you don’t know. John left it up to us.
JMG: Carpenter looked at me like Michael Myers.
John tilts his head, dead-eyed.
JMG: “Just go and say your line.” He had me be me. I had Wayfarers. I said, “can I wear my own?” He looked at me again. “Okay.” I feel like I’m sorta wearing the same glasses. Now wayfarers are totally cool.
AQ: The film had longevity. On the first release, it didn’t hit the mark, then (leading US film critic) Roger Ebert gave it a glowing review. What was that like?
JMG: An experience. It was filmed in 3 weeks. I was no expert, but but it was a success. It grows and grows, and becomes more and more of a shock.
WS: It was one of the scariest films I ever saw. The parents and kids loved it. The box office I didn’t even think of. At that time, movies we’d see on cable a year later.
PJS: Because it wasn’t a studio picture, it’s more of a success. I was a young actor, I didn’t think it’d be more than something for my showreel. Then I did Private Benjamin (with Goldie Hawn) and Stripes (with Bill Murray) as a result. We’re talking 46 years! Will, were there friends who weren’t allowed to play with you?
WS: Not really, they thought it was cool. Every October, they’d say ‘hey, it’s your month!’ I’ve been a sheriff in LA now for 17 years.
PJ: Seeing Bob get stabbed was my favourite scene.
WS: When he looks down at the ground and he’s gone, that was the best scene. He can’t even die.
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