Few horror films in the history of television can boast the deadly seriousness, inspired casting, indelible images and lingering impact of Salem's Lot. Tobe Hooper's adaptation of Stephen King's 1975 novel about vampires that infest a small Maine town was first broadcast in November 1979. The three-hour film featured performances by James Mason, David Soul, Lew Ayres, Bonnie Bedelia, and Reggie Nalder as the vampire Mr Barlow.

This book documents the gestation and production of the film. It includes reminiscences from cast and crew, including interviews with Tobe Hooper, David Soul, cinematographer Jules Brenner and producer Richard Kobritz; dozens of images, including behind-the-scenes production stills; deleted scenes from the original teleplay; foreign posters and artwork inspired by the film; and photographs of Ferndale, California, where the exteriors of Salem's Lot were filmed.