Halloween Horror Film Marathon: Beyond the Famous Franchises

Every Halloween, television channels showcase a variety of horror movies, from classic franchises like 'Halloween,' 'Carrie,' 'Friday the 13th,' and 'Nightmare on Elm Street.' While these are well-known and critically acclaimed, there is a wealth of lower-budget horror films that have garnered a dedicated fanship and are often included in these marathons. Films such as 'The Others,' 'The Last House on the Left' (1972), and 'The Forgotten' (1973) are often featured alongside the more mainstream horror titles.

Lower-Budget Horror Films on Television

During Halloween, many television networks, especially those focusing on classic horror and science fiction, feature a range of films, including lower-budget and more independent titles. For example, 'The Others' (2001) has been included in various Halloween programming due to its critical acclaim and popularity. 'The Last House on the Left' (1972) is a cult classic that has been broadcast on various channels, particularly those with a strong focus on classic horror films. 'The Forgotten' (2003), while less commonly highlighted, has still found its way onto horror lineups.

The Rarity of 1970s Horror Films on Mainstream Television

While it might seem surprising, lower-budget horror films from the 1970s are rarely shown on network television. Even when they are broadcast, it is typically on premium cable channels aimed at horror and science fiction enthusiasts. Channels like Showtime, Beyond, and the now shuttered Chiller Network are more likely to air these films. However, there are several reasons behind this scarcity:

Lack of Legal Rights

One of the primary reasons for the limited airing of 1970s horror films is the issue of legal rights. In many cases, the ownership of these films has been disputed, with no clear resolution. The rights might be tied up in legal disputes where the parties involved are unwilling to negotiate or where the terms of any agreement would be too costly. This means that many of these films cannot be legally shown until these rights issues are resolved.

Lack of Modern Relevance

Another significant factor is that these older films lack the modern relevance and appeal. They often depict storylines that are either dull or rely heavily on technology that would be obvious to modern viewers. For example, films like 'The Exorcist' from the 1970s spend a lot of time building the backstory which might not be seen as scaring by modern audiences. Additionally, many of these films feature outdated values and social mores that make them difficult for contemporary viewers to sit through. These elements can be uncomfortable or off-putting, leading networks to avoid them to prevent controversy and maintain viewer satisfaction.

Poor Production Quality and Plot Disposition

Furthermore, many 1970s horror films lack the suspense and plot structure that modern audiences expect. They often take a long time to get to their plot and may suffer from excessive dialogue and underwhelming action. For instance, 'The Exorcist' spends a considerable amount of time on backstory, which can sometimes detract from its horror impact.

Conclusion

While it is true that 1970s horror films like 'The Others,' 'The Last House on the Left,' and 'The Forgotten' are occasionally shown on television, these cases are rare. For network television, mainstream horror films are usually given preference due to their broad appeal and the legal and production constraints of older films. However, cable and streaming platforms continue to provide a significant stage for these films, ensuring that fans of classic horror can still enjoy these iconic works. So, while you might miss out on some of these gems through conventional television options, there are still many ways to experience the full spectrum of horror films during your favorite Halloween marathons.