favorite movies #71-73 - halloween edition: 70s made-for TV scary movies

Favorite movies that have had an impact on me - #71-73 - '70s made-for TV scary movies  - Like Trilogy of Terror, I loved getting scared by these films. I know they ultimately led to the schlocky 80s slasher genre, but I prefer these films where the horror is suggested, or if shown, quickly, briefly, without unnecessary gore or T&A.

Satan's School for Girls (1973) - Elizabeth (Pamela Franklin) is shocked when she is told that her sister committed suicide. She thinks there must be some other, darker, reason, and decides to enroll in the private girls' school she was attending in Salem, Massachusetts (!) to try and uncover the truth. Other students include soon-to-be Charlie's Angels Kate Jackson and Cheryl Ladd (It was a Spelling-Goldberg production). The faculty is represented by Jo Van Fleet, Roy Thinnes as the art teacher all the girls are gaga for, and Lloyd Bochner.

Pamela Franklin and Kate Jackson

Cheryl Ladd loves art class

The Initiation of Sarah (1978) - Kay Lenz plays an awkward girl who is heading off to college with her half sister, Morgan Brittany. Kay has a secret — she's a lot like a certain big screen girl named Carrie. Shelley Winters shows up (and hams it up) as a sorority house mother and Morgan Fairchild provides the inspiration for the future Mean Girls. More campy fun than scary, but it definitely taps into the school can be hell for young girls theme.

Mean girl Morgan Fairchild hates Kay Lenz's sweater

Anyone notice there's something up with Mrs. Hunter?

Don't Be Afraid of the Dark (1973) I remember finding this really scary as a kid. Kim Darby and Jim Hutton move into a huge Victorian home and Uncle Charlie from My Three Sons tells them not to open up the sealed fireplace in the basement — but does Kim Darby listen? I just rewatched (it's on archive.org) and it was more creepy than scary for me. It also seems to be more about a fairly crappy marriage than little monsters who live in your fireplace. Jim Hutton is so absorbed in his work he can't be bothered to pay much attention to his wife. It is implied that they rarely have sex. And Kim Darby is playing a woman that no one believes ... On the other hand, maybe this movie is pretty scary ...

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