Viewer entertainment is a part of Halloween

AP photo
In this photo released by Starpix, Linda Blair, who in 1973, starred in the original version of ‘The Exorcist,’ holds DVD and Blu-ray copies of the newly remastered film on Sept. 29, 2010, at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Many of the traditions we recognize on Halloween originated with All Hallows Eve, recognized on Oct. 31, the day before All Saints Day. Today, we include trick-or-treat, parades and decorations including jack-o-lanterns as part of the yearly festivities. Throughout the season, other forms of tradition, namely television and films, help create the mood. Some might be spooky, others a bit more light-hearted, but they all add to Halloween.

When it comes to Halloween-type films, anything scary will do, but that varies depending on the view’s personal preference. Some shy away from extremely gory horror films. Watching a chainsaw-wielding maniac chase hapless victims gets old after about 10 seconds. The best horror films are the ones that are still on your mind a few days (and nights) after viewing.

The list includes “The Exorcist” from 1973. The plot of demonic possession of a young girl and the attempt by priests to perform an exorcism sets the film apart from traditional ghosts and goblins. Spinning heads and other special effects drove the point home, but the concept of Satan battling religious figures for a human soul resulted in far-reaching afterthoughts.

“The Hearse” (1980), involved devil worship, and a woman who discovers her recently-deceased mother had made a pact with Satan. During the mother’s funeral, the hearse crashed. The mother’s body and the hearse

driver were never found. The driver (Satan, of course), changes appearance like a chameleon and makes a play for the daughter to fulfill the mother’s agreement.

A more traditional movie for Halloween thrills is the 1999 version of “Sleepy Hollow.” Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” is given a few twists and turns with Johnny Depp in the role of Ichabod Crane, a police constable from New York City investigating several Sleepy Hollow murders at the hands of a headless horseman. Crane’s investigation uncovers a town secret and the possibility of witchcraft summoning the horseman to carry out each murderous act. A perfect film for Halloween viewing.

“Ghostbusters” (1984), is far from the scariest horror film of all-time. With Bill Murray leading Ghostbuster sidekicks Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson to combat paranormal activity with nuclear-powered proton packs, what could be scary? The guys dispose of unruly ghouls and ultimately save New York City. “Gotta run, got a date with a ghost.”

“The Ghost and Mr. Chicken” (1966) stars Don Knotts in his first role since playing Barney Fife on “The Andy Griffith Show.” Knotts plays Luther Heggs, a Fife-type character (minus the bullet in his shirt pocket) who works at the local newspaper. He is given the assignment of spending the night in the supposedly-haunted Simmons mansion, the site of a murder-suicide. Luther writes an article about his night filled with weird happenings in the creepy mansion, gets sued by the nephew of the deceased residents, eventually solves what turns out be a double murder and gets married to the girl of his dreams, all in frantic style. Lighthearted and classic Knotts. “Attaboy, Luther.”

There are several decades of other horror/ghostly films, ranging from dark and serious to light and whimsical for Halloween viewing, depending on likes and dislikes. Boris Karloff, Vincent Price, Bela Lugosi, Christopher Lee and Lon Chaney Jr. brought many classic horror characters to life in previous generations.

Special Halloween entertainment programming is available in many forms as well. “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” (1966) features the Peanuts comic strip gang as it celebrates Halloween. Linus awaits the Great Pumpkin, Snoopy, flying his doghouse/Sopwith Camel, encounters the Red Baron, while the rest of the kids trick-or-treat and attend a party. Linus is chastised for cheating Sally out of candy and goodies and hapless Charlie Brown winds up with a bag full of rocks. “Good grief.”

For another comic take on Halloween, a six-minute segment of a Jerry Seinfeld stand-up routine is available on YouTube. As a candy-obsessed child, discovering the concept of trick-or-treat was incredible. “Who’s giving out candy? Everyone that we know is just giving out candy?”

His first store-bought Halloween costume was a Superman outfit. As a kid, he actually expected to look like Superman, but instead the droopy fit depicted Superman’s pajamas. Plus, his mother made him wear his winter coat. The rubber band on the plastic mask was also a hot topic. Most youngsters can attest to the band snapping eight or ten times as they made their rounds on Halloween night.

Enjoy trick-or-treat and happy Halloween.