On October 1, 1968, the groundbreaking horror movie Night of the Living Dead premiered at the Fulton Theater in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Directed by George A. Romero and made on a small budget, the film would go on to change the horror genre forever. With its chilling story and intense violence, it left a lasting mark on audiences and became a major influence on future horror movies.
The film follows a group of strangers trapped in a farmhouse as they try to survive a terrifying attack by flesh-eating ghouls. Filmed in black and white, Night of the Living Dead was gritty, raw, and unlike anything people had seen before. Although made on a budget of just $114,000, the movie managed to create a claustrophobic and terrifying atmosphere, relying on its bleak tone and shocking imagery to unsettle viewers.
The timing of the movie’s release was significant. 1968 was a year filled with social and political turmoil in the United States. With the Vietnam War, civil rights struggles, and the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy, the country was in a state of unrest. Night of the Living Dead mirrored this sense of chaos and fear, especially with its grim portrayal of society falling apart. The casting of Duane Jones, a Black actor, in the lead role was also notable, as Black actors were rarely seen in such roles at the time. The film’s dark and tragic ending, where Jones’ character is mistaken for a zombie and killed, struck a powerful chord with audiences.
At the time of its release, Night of the Living Dead caused a stir due to its graphic content. It was released before movie rating systems were in place, meaning many children were exposed to its violent scenes. Despite this, or perhaps because of it, the movie became a hit, earning both praise and criticism. Its influence can still be seen today, as it laid the foundation for the modern zombie genre and inspired countless horror films.
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Today, Night of the Living Dead is recognized as a cultural and cinematic landmark. It was added to the National Film Registry in 1999, preserving its place in history as a movie that changed the way horror films are made. On this day in 1968, the world got its first taste of a film that would continue to haunt and inspire audiences for decades to come.