Sometimes They Come Back (1991) (TV)

Director:

Tom McLoughlin

Writers (WGA):

Stephen King (short story)
Lawrence Konner (teleplay) ...

Release Date:

7 May 1991 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Fantasy | Horror | Thriller

Plot:

Based on a short story by Stephen King, a man and his family return to his home town, but he is then harassed by teenagers that died when he was a kid.

Plot Keywords:

Brother | Stephen King | Train | Child Murder | Car On Train Tracks

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Tim Matheson	...	Jim Norman
Brooke Adams	...	Sally Norman
Robert Rusler	...	Richard Lawson
Chris Demetral	...	Wayne Norman
Robert Hy Gorman	...	Scott Norman
William Sanderson	...	Carl Mueller (age 44)
Nicholas Sadler	...	Vinnie Vincent
Bentley Mitchum	...	David North
Matt Nolan	...	Billy Sterns
Tasia Valenza	...	Kate
Chadd Nyerges	...	Chip
T. Max Graham	...	Chief Pappas
William Kuhlke	...	Principal Simmons
Duncan McLeod	...	Old Officer Neil
Nancy McLoughlin	...	Dr. Bernardi

Also Known As:

Stephen King's 'Sometimes They Come Back'

Runtime:

97 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Finland:K-16 | Iceland:16 | Italy:T | Singapore:PG | Australia:M | Germany:16 | Sweden:15 | UK:15 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Kansas City, Kansas, USA

Company:

Come Back Productions

Goofs:

Continuity: When the guys are chasing Billy you can see North in the back seat, but when the guys drive off after killing Billy you only see Vinnie and Lawson in the car.

Quotes:

Vinnie Vincent: You always wanted to be like your brother didn't you Jimi?
Richard Lawson: Dead.
David North: VERY dead.

Movie Connections:

Followed by Sometimes They Come Back... for More (1998) (V)

A "royal" visit... (DVD)

The trademark of a successful thriller is the feeling that the main character is more and more alone & trapped in his fear, even if the family or the world is still present.

This movie got it.

Yes, the budget isn't those of blockbusters, and, sure, the editing (the cycle chase)and the story (the ghost car is visible or not,...) are sometimes goofy... But the actors are convincing, with Matheson and a real bad bunch of bad guys. The setting in a small country town is well painted and finally, the question is: - Does Stephen King is in a way involved in this good review ? He is the writer of the short story which inspired the screenplay. All his recurrent traits are present: the teacher father, a young family, the childhood drama, the monsters, the irony with the empty desk.... Indeed, while watching it, it reminds me a bit of "Shining" ...

Maybe I will get my answer with the sequel, which isn't an adaptation but a free inspiration ???